Munwa Stream Rock Engravings

The Munwa Stream Rock Engravings, located in the Mwense District of Luapula Province, constitute one of Zambia's most significant archaeological sites. The site features over 50 schematic engravings carved into flat sandstone outcrops along the banks of the Munwa Stream. The motifs primarily consist of geometric patterns, such as circles, concentric rings, ladder-like forms, and abstract grids, which are characteristic of the Late Iron Age in this region. Archaeologists date the creation of these engravings to between the first and second millennia AD, though some motifs may draw upon earlier Twa hunter-gatherer traditions. These rock carvings are vital for understanding the cultural development and migration patterns of Bantu-speaking peoples in Central Africa. Due to their unique stylistic features, the engravings have been designated as a national monument. Their remote location has helped preserve the carvings from significant human interference, though they remain subject to natural weathering processes.

Nearby cities

Mansa

Mansa is the administrative capital of Luapula Province, located on the Mansa River.

Nchelenge

Nchelenge is a town in Luapula Province on the shores of Lake Mweru.

Samfya

Samfya is the largest town on the shores of Lake Bangweulu, functioning as a major fishing port.

Kawambwa

Kawambwa is a town on the plateau of Luapula Province, historically an important administrative center.

Mwense

Mwense is a town in Luapula Province, situated along the Luapula River valley.

Bangweulu Wetlands

A vast wetland area famous for the rare Shoebill stork and thousands of endemic black lechwe.

History & landmarks

Lumangwe Falls

Often referred to as the 'Mini Victoria Falls', this wide waterfall on the Kalungwishi River offers a stunning experience amidst a rainfo…

Nature

Chambeshi River

A lake associated with the Chambeshi River system, supporting local wetland biodiversity.

Lusiwashi Lake

A scenic lake in central Zambia providing local water and supporting fishing activities.

Luangwa Headwaters

The headwaters of the Luangwa River, located in the mountainous north-eastern region.

Luangwa River

A major tributary of the Zambezi in Zambia.

Lake Malawi region

The eastern fringe areas near Lake Malawi.

More places

Luapula Valley

A valley following the course of the Luapula River.

Mwata Kazembe Palace

The traditional seat of the Lunda Kingdom in Mwansabombwe.

Luapula Fish Habitat

Rich ecosystem in the Luapula river basin.

Bangweulu Basin

A large flat basin that hosts Lake Bangweulu.

Kilwa Island Arab Settlement

A historical island on Lake Mweru that served as a base for Swahili-Arab slave traders in the 19th century.

Samfya Kids Beaches

Safe areas by Lake Bangweulu for families.

Chambeshi Floodplain

A wetland along the Chambeshi River.

Muchinga Mountains

Significant mountains forming the watershed between the Zambezi and Congo.