Kitwe Travel Guide

Explore Kitwe, Zambia's rich cultural history, natural wonders, and exciting activities with our comprehensive travel guide. Learn about must-see attractions, local cuisine, transportation, and more.


Introduction to Kitwe

Kitwe is a city in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia, located in Southern Africa. It is the second-largest city in the province and is known for its rich copper mining history, which has shaped the city’s growth and culture.

Kitwe is an excellent destination for travelers seeking a blend of cultural history, natural beauty, and exciting outdoor activities. The city is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including the Kafue and Luangwa National Parks, offering some of the best wildlife viewing experiences in Africa.

List of Places to Visit in Kitwe

Here are some of the must-visit places in Kitwe:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Copperbelt Museum: A museum showcasing the history of copper mining in the region.
  • Dag Hammarskjöld Memorial: A monument dedicated to the United Nations Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld, who died in a plane crash in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) in 1961.
  • Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation: A Christian center focused on promoting interfaith dialogue and social justice.

Natural Attractions of Kitwe: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage: A wildlife sanctuary home to over 120 chimpanzees rescued from illegal trading and habitat destruction.
  • Mokambo Gorge: A scenic gorge with towering cliffs and a beautiful river.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kitwe

  • Mwekera Nature Reserve: A nature reserve with beautiful walking trails that provide excellent bird watching and hiking opportunities.

Best Things to Do in Kitwe: Activities and Tours

  • Visit Nkana Mine: A guided tour of an active copper mine to learn more about the copper mining process.
  • Watch a football game: Kitwe United and Power Dynamos are the two major football teams in Kitwe.
  • Attend a traditional ceremony: Kitwe hosts several traditional ceremonies throughout the year, including Ncwala and Lwiindi.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kitwe

Day 1: Visit Copperbelt Museum and explore the city center

Day 2: Take a guided tour of Nkana Mine and visit Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation

Day 3: Visit Dag Hammarskjöld Memorial and spend the afternoon walking in Mwekera Nature Reserve

Day 4: Drive to Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage and spend the day there

Day 5: Take a scenic drive to Mokambo Gorge and spend the morning hiking

Day 6: Attend a football game in the afternoon and visit a local market in the morning

Day 7: Attend a traditional ceremony, such as Ncwala or Lwiindi

Food and Drink Scene of Kitwe

Must-Try Dishes

  • Nshima: A maize porridge served with various stews and vegetables.
  • Kapenta: Small fish from Lake Tanganyika, often seasoned and fried.
  • Chikanda: A traditional Zambian snack made from ground peanuts and cassava.

Local Beverages

  • Mosi: A popular Zambian beer
  • Maheu: A traditional Zambian drink made from maize or sorghum

Where to Stay in Kitwe: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Garden Court Hotel: A luxurious hotel located in the city center.
  • The Mukuba Hotel: A historic hotel known for its colonial architecture.
  • The Copperbelt Hotel: A modern hotel with excellent amenities.

What to Buy in Kitwe: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Copperware: Handcrafted copper ornaments and souvenirs.
  • Chitenge: A colorful cotton fabric often used in traditional Zambian dress.
  • Carvings: Wooden carvings made by local craftsmen.

Local Culture and Customs of Kitwe

  • Shaking hands is the most common form of greeting in Kitwe.
  • Modest dress is encouraged when visiting places of worship or attending traditional ceremonies.
  • Respect for elders is highly valued in Kitwe’s culture.

Best Time to Visit Kitwe

The best time to visit Kitwe is during the dry season (May-October), when the weather is pleasant and wildlife is more easily spotted. However, tourism is popular year-round in Kitwe, so visitors can expect plenty of attractions and activities no matter when they visit.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kitwe

Do:

  • Bargain at local markets
  • Try the traditional Zambian cuisine
  • Learn some basic phrases in Bemba, the local language

Don’t:

  • Take photos of people without their permission
  • Wear revealing clothing in places of worship or traditional ceremonies
  • Eat or drink food from street vendors without checking the hygiene standards first

Safety and Health

Safety in Kitwe

Kitwe is generally a safe place for tourists. However, travelers should take necessary precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night, keeping valuables safe, and being vigilant in crowded areas.

Health in Kitwe

Travelers should be up to date on routine vaccinations such as MMR and influenza. Malaria is a concern in Zambia, so taking antimalarial medication and wearing insect repellent is recommended, especially if venturing to more rural areas.

Getting to Kitwe: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kitwe

  • Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (NLA): The nearest airport to Kitwe, located about 60 km away.
  • Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN): Located about 290 km away from Kitwe.

Bus Stations Near Kitwe

  • Kitwe Bus Station
  • Mukuba Mall Bus Terminal

Other Options

  • Private car hire

How to Get Around in Kitwe

The best way to get around in Kitwe is by rental car or taxi. Public transportation such as minibusses and buses are also available but may be crowded and unreliable.

Where to Go Next from Kitwe: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Kafue National Park: One of the largest national parks in Zambia and home to a diverse array of wildlife such as elephants, lions, and leopards.
  • Luangwa National Park: A stunning national park with abundant wildlife and scenic landscapes.
  • Livingstone: A vibrant town near Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Conclusion

From rich cultural history to natural wonders, Kitwe offers travelers a unique African experience. Visitors can explore the city’s copper mining past, experience traditional ceremonies, and soak in stunning landscapes. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan their perfect trip to Kitwe with ease.

Downtown street scene in Kitwe Downtown street scene in Kitwe Nkana Copper-Cobalt Pit Mine Nkana Copper-Cobalt Pit Mine Downtown buildings Downtown buildings Copperbelt University Copperbelt University