From the moment our feet touched soil at the Muguramano Cultural Village, we were welcomed with warm smiles and open hearts.
Zambian culture is rich and full of colour. As we settled in to meet with the “Head Man”, we were serenaded by a few of the elder woman.
As the welcoming ceremony progressed, we were given the opportunity to share a dance with the elders; the warmth of being invited into their culture and festivities was overwhelming. After the ceremony, we were shown around the museum and were taught about their ancient methods of building bricks for homes, pottery, hunting, clothing and survival. Their culture is creative and colourful, but you especially see it come to life in their beautiful beadwork – a skilled craft going back generations, representing their diversity and heritage.
Our next stop; the Mugurameno Primary School, which is about a 15 minute walk from the museum. As we journeyed to the school we enjoyed the running around of chickens, bleating of goats, and children playing around us, before we stopped off at one of the local communal kitchens where food is stored and prepared. The kitchen was very basic with an ongoing fire to prepare meals when the time calls for it. It was interesting to observe the skilful use of their clay pots (which we learnt about at the museum) to store and keep water cool in the 450Csummer days. Numerous bore holes provide daily water for the people within the village.
At the Mugurameno Primary School we were met by the principal, Mrs Masalti who welcomed us into her office for an information session about her school, pupils and educational structure. The school boasts around 12 teachers and 550+ pupils, and we left with an immense feeling of hope as all the children carried a contagious excitement for education.
From there we ventured off to the newly upgraded maternity ward – what an inspiration! The ward is kept immaculately clean, with newly donated equipment meaning they are now able to monitor a baby’s progress from conception to birth, and accommodates up to four mothers at one time. Monitoring mother and baby progress is a huge step forward for this rural community, as it means avoiding many unnecessary complications with further investigations done at the nearest hospital which is in Chirundu, about an hour from the village by road.
In addition to the maternity ward, a brand new general ward is being built, and estimates to open in 2020. This ward will be aiding patients with malaria, TB and HIV cases.
The Cultural Village visit was an absolute stand out activity for all of us. The villager’s warmth and hospitality is tangible, and I highly recommend anyone visiting Zambezi Grande Private Game Experience to consider stopping by the Muguramano Cultural Village. You’ll stand in awe at how the community lives in harmony with nature and one another.
