Solwezi Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to Solwezi with our comprehensive travel guide that includes recommendations for places to visit, activities, accommodation, food and drink, local customs, and more.


Introduction to Solwezi

Located in the Zambezi Basin in Northwestern Zambia, Solwezi is a town known for its mining activities and cultural heritage. Despite being a small town, it offers an array of activities for visitors from nature-based activities to immersive cultural experiences. Here’s a comprehensive guide to plan a perfect trip to Solwezi.

List of Places to Visit in Solwezi

Solwezi has several places to visit, suitable for everyone from first-time visitors to seasoned travelers. Here are some of the top recommended places to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kifubwa Rock Paintings - Located in Kifubwa, 25 km from Solwezi, is a well-preserved rock painting site with over 1000 paintings.
  • Mwombezhi River Rock Paintings - Another rock painting site located 48 km southwest of Solwezi, is renowned for its prehistoric drawings.
  • Mwambishi Church - The church has a unique architecture and is suitable for visitors interested in religious and cultural history.
  • Museum of Solwezi - This museum showcases the rich culture and history of the Solwezi people.

Natural Attractions of Solwezi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kifubwa River Falls - Located in Kifubwa, the falls are popular with visitors and locals.
  • Kiambi Safari Lodge - This is the perfect place for a river safari and fishing activities. Visitors can also have a picnic or camping in the beautiful scenery.
  • Kalumbila Forest Reserve - It’s a perfect place for nature enthusiasts and outdoor activities like hiking, birding and nature walks in the cool forest airscape.
  • Mutanda Falls - This stunning waterfall is about 50 meters high and is a popular destination for hiking and picnic activities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Solwezi

The best way to immerse yourself in Solwezi’s natural beauty is to hike or bike in a perfect combination of different trails. The most popular trails include:

  • Kalumbila Forest Reserve - This reserve has several hiking trails catering to different abilities and providing stunning views of the valley and river waterscapes.
  • Mutunda Falls - The hike to Mutunda Falls leads you to a scenic waterfall, take a refreshing plunge in the cool natural water.
  • Kifubwa River Falls - The falls are suitable for a half-hour hike, with the trail covered in indigenous trees and shrubs.

Best Things to Do in Solwezi: Activities and Tours

Solwezi offers visitors an array of activities to keep them engaged, including:

  • Visit Museums and Historical Places- Explore the rich culture and history of Solwezi by visiting various historical landmarks and Museums, like Mwondeshi Museum.
  • Go on a Safari - Enjoy a boat ride or sunset cruise with the family or loved ones in Kiambi Safari Lodge, or Kalumbila Forest Reserve.
  • Visit Scenic Views - Take a hike and interact with the local natural beauty and scenic surroundings of Solwezi.
  • Take a cultural tour - Experience the local traditional culture by visiting the Solwezi people’s villages, like Kalumbila.

Week-Long Itinerary for Solwezi

Day 1 - Visit Mwombezhi River Rock Paintings and Mutunda Falls. Day 2 - Take a trip to the Kalumbila Forest Reserve and enjoy hiking or take a nature walk. Day 3 - Visit the Solwezi Museum and learn about the rich history of Solwezi. Day 4 - Take a cultural tour of the Solwezi people’s villages, like Kalumbila village. Day 5 - Head to Kiambi Safari Lodge for a river safari, river excursion or sundowner cruise. Day 6 - Visit Kifubwa River Falls, another beautiful waterfall in Solwezi. Day 7 - Enjoy a leisure day to visit downtown Solwezi and go shopping for souvenirs.

Food and Drink Scene of Solwezi

Solwezi has a culinary culture that exhibits the town and its people’s various workings. Here are some must-try dishes and local drinks to appeal to everyone’s taste:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Nshima and Groundnut - a traditional cuisine made with maize flour and groundnuts, accompanied by various soups and vegetables.
  • Chikanda - a traditional food made from the bitterballen root or tumbo and peanuts.
  • Kapenta and Nshima - a popular dish made up of Kapenta, sardines-like small fish and Nshima.

Local Beverages

  • Munkoyo - A traditional drink that’s prepared with maize and additives like sugar and ginger.
  • Mosikili - A drink made from fermented maize, sweet potato or cassava.

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

Solwezi offers premium accommodation options for both business travellers and adventure travellers. There are various options available for all budgets; here are some of the top accommodations:

  • Royal Solwezi Hotel - This hotel is one of the luxurious options in Solwezi that offers a spa centre with an outdoor swimming pool, with an amazing view of Solwezi town.
  • Mushitala Guest Lodge - The lodge provides spacious and luxury accommodation options, suitable for business travellers and families alike.
  • Solwezi Lodge Hotel - This lodge offers a comfortable and serene environment to stay with ample amenities to keep visitors comfortable.

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

Solwezi is known for its unique handicrafts, jewellery, cloths and textiles, souvenirs that you can take home as memoirs. Here are some unique products to look out for:

  • Traditional cloths - Visit the local market and get a traditional cloth designed with Solwezi’s unique patterns.
  • Baskets - Get handmade baskets incorporated with Solwezi’s unique pattern suitable for the family, friends or as souvenirs.
  • Mukanda - a delicacy made with traditional ingredients, usually crunchy, wrapped in banana leaves.

Local Culture and Customs of Solwezi

Solwezi’s locals are called the Solwezi people, who mostly engage in traditional agricultural practices, small-scale mining activities, and basket weaving. It is advisable to dress modestly while interacting with the locals and respecting their traditions and values as visitors.

Best Time to Visit Solwezi

The best time of year to visit Solwezi can be between May to September when the weather is cool and dry, perfect for outdoor activities. October to March is also a good time to visit, although the weather might be hot and humid.

Do’s and Don’ts of Solwezi

Do:

  • Dress modestly and respectfully
  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Interact with the locals and learn about their lifestyle
  • Enjoy nature-based activities

Don’t:

  • Be disrespectful to the locals
  • Litter in public places
  • Engage in illegal mining activities

Safety and Health

Safety in Solwezi

Solwezi is generally a safe town, and visitors must be vigilant when exploring the town. It’s best to avoid walking alone or carrying too much cash or valuables in public.

Health in Solwezi

Visitors must take basic precautions like drinking clean bottled water, avoiding swimming in stagnant waters and getting vaccinated against yellow fever, and other infectious diseases.

Getting to Solwezi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Solwezi is accessible both by air and road, and there are various transportation options available.

Airports Near Solwezi

  • Solwezi Airport - This is the closest airport to the town, and several airlines provide local and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Solwezi

  • Solwezi Bus Terminus - There are several bus stations in the town that offer long-distance buses to other Zambian towns and neighbouring countries.

Other Options

  • Private Hire Vehicles - Visitors can also hire private vehicles responsible for airport pick-ups and transportation.

How to Get Around in Solwezi

Visitors can use taxis, buses and rental or private cars to move around the town. However, visitors can also take guided tours or taxis if they’re not comfortable driving in the town.

Where to Go Next from Solwezi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Solwezi is an excellent base for exploring Northwest Zambia, and there are several nearby destinations to visit, including:

  • Kasempa - About 140km from Solwezi and is a perfect destination for exploring historic landmarks and museums.
  • Zambezi River - Located about 400km from Solwezi, a perfect destination for river excursions and safaris.
  • Kabompo District - Located about 280km from Solwezi, is a perfect destination for experiencing traditional Zambian rural lifestyles and historical sites.

Conclusion

Solwezi is a hidden gem in Zambia that offers an immersive cultural and natural experience. This comprehensive guide has covered everything visitors need to know to plan the perfect trip to Solwezi; historical landmarks and museums, outdoor adventure and scenic views, hiking tours, food, and drink scenes, accommodation, local customs and traditions, transportation, and nearby excursions. Don’t hesitate to pack your bags and explore this beautiful town.