Last week I shared details of our Malawi village tour, and today we have a similar excursion planned in Zambia. It’s far less extensive than the one in Malawi (we visited a school and hospital there), but this village has prepared a song and dance performance following our brief walk around the area.

Almost as soon as we step out of our vehicle, children surround us, eagerly grabbing our hands. They are quite affectionate the whole time we’re here. Overland trucks stop by a few times a week so these kids are used to foreigners showing up with cameras as their community gathers together to introduce the village and put on a show. From a certain perspective this whole experience is a business transaction, but the smiles and enthusiasm from these kids is genuine.

Our guide shows us the inside of a rondavel, which is what these round huts are called. It’s a standard dwelling in this part of Africa.

If I recall correctly, this structure below is a shower-type area for bathing, with bundles of hay providing privacy.

These women set the drums in place for this afternoon’s performance.

These kids happily beat on the drums prior to the performance. Their broad smiles are contagious; a gleeful spirit reigns.

The kids ask us to take photos and then turn the cameras around to show them the images. We are only too happy to oblige!

The performance is about to begin; we sit on mats with little kids as the adults begin to play music.

After a few songs, they invite the men of our group to participate by donning wraps around their waists and waving these sticks that I can only describe as mini horse tails.

Next the females of our group are invited to join. I hand my camera off to Klaus and get in on the action.

Of course, tips are always appreciated. We each throw in a few dollars.

And with that, our village tour concludes. We say good-bye to our newest little friends, these especially affectionate kids.

This has been a warm introduction to Zambia. Onwards to our campsite at South Luangwa National Park!

I visited Zambia on a 30-day Nairobi to Joburg tour with Nomad Tours. They discounted my tour in exchange for blogging and photography; opinions are my own.