At first glance, the mining town of Kitwe may not seem like a tourism destination, but think again—it is entirely possible to have unforgettable moments in Kitwe. A variety of engaging activities awaits: visits to tourist sites, monuments, mines, sanctuaries and more. Kitwe holds countless treasures, so keep your eyes wide open.

History

Kitwe is Zambia's second largest city. Located in the heart of the Copperbelt province, in central-northern Zambia, Kitwe was founded in 1936 alongside the construction of a railway line. This project was initiated by the British South Africa Company, a corporation created by Cecil Rhodes. Mining activities began around the 1930s. Kitwe was initially just an auxiliary center and not part of the Nkana copper extraction hub. With the boom in the mining sector and soaring copper prices, Kitwe swiftly became the mining center of the region. It emerged as the hub of economic activity in the Zambian Copperbelt, even surpassing Nkana economically, thanks to its advantageous geographic position.

Kitwe's population growth rate accelerated in record time, driven in large part by labor migration. Young people from rural areas flocked to Kitwe in search of employment. After Lusaka, Zambia's capital, Kitwe became the second most populated city. It gained city status in 1966.

Very quickly, Kitwe benefited from a paved road and a railway line. The mining sector greatly contributed to the city's development and the expansion of secondary industries. The main Rhodesia Railways line arrived in town in 1937, carrying passengers south to Bulawayo and to Cape Town. The line later extended into the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Discovering Kitwe

During your stay in Kitwe, you won't need to travel far to find what you need. Shopping centers, restaurants, sports stadiums and various attractions are readily available. For accommodation, numerous options cater to tourists: hotels, lodges, independent stays—the choice is entirely yours.

Kitwe, a city of many faces

Kitwe offers no shortage of activities and attractions. If you're a bird enthusiast, you'll be enchanted by the Chembe Bird Sanctuary. Located 20 km east of Kitwe via the Kasempa road, it's a must-visit. For those interested in industrial heritage, visiting the Nkana mines is an unmissable opportunity. If you have a sporting spirit, you can enjoy water sports in Kitwe. Continue your adventure by exploring the Mwekwera Falls, Mindodo Dam, Monkey Pools, the Dag Hammarskjöld crash site memorial, or the Copperbelt Museum. Don't forget to browse local markets before you pack your bags.

Culinary journey in Kitwe

Your visit wouldn't be complete without tasting traditional Zambian cuisine. Nshima is the cornerstone of local gastronomy—a blend of mashed cornmeal and boiling water, somewhat reminiscent of Italian polenta. For beverages, you can enjoy mineral water, tea, coffee, soft drinks or beer. Try Chibuku beer, which Zambians adore.

Practical Information

The quickest way to reach Kitwe is by air. Lusaka International Airport is the closest, approximately 280 km from the city.

You'll have numerous options for getting around Kitwe and its surroundings:

• Cycling and walking: These are the most common ways to explore Kitwe and nearby areas.
• Buses and minibuses: Service the city's main routes on fixed schedules, though they may depart early once full.
• Car and motorcycle rental: You'll need proper authorization. Given Zambia's road conditions, renting a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended.
• Taxi: Practical and comfortable, taxis are the best option for getting around town. As a reference, a taxi ride costs approximately €2.50 per kilometer in Kitwe.

When to visit Kitwe?

Kitwe's average temperature hovers around 22.4°C year-round. Climate-wise, the best months to visit Kitwe are April, May, June, July, August, September and October. Heat becomes intense in September, October and November. Avoid January, February, March and December, as these are the rainy season. August and September see high visitor numbers, so if you prefer fewer crowds, factor this into your planning.

What to do in Kitwe?

There's no shortage of beautiful places to visit in Kitwe. Here's an overview of sites you should include in your itinerary:

• Chembe Bird Sanctuary
• Mindolo Dam, water sports club
• Kumasamba Lodge
• Dag Hammarskjöld crash site memorial
• The crocodile pond
• Makoma Dam Luanshya
• Copperbelt Museum
• Submerged lakes of Chilengwa
• The Slave Tree
• Mwekwera Falls
• Nkana mines
• Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage