Facts about Kitwe copper mining town in Zambia

Facts about Kitwe copper mining town in Zambia

 Kitwe which was set up in 1936 as the railway line in Zambia was being built is currently the third largest city in the country with great infrastructure from Lusaka and Ndola. The copper mining industry of Zambia is responsible for the rapid growth of Kitwe copper mining which dates back to the colonial era.

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Filming in Kitwe Copper Mining Town

The Kitwe town which is sometimes called Kitwe-Nkana derives its local name from one of the Senior chiefs of the Lamba natives that occupy the copper belt province.  Copper mining in this area is prominent in the Northwestern and Western edges. The copper belt province covers Kalulushi, Chambishi, Kitwe, and Chibuluma.

Kitwe town also possesses one of the best tourist destinations in Zambia with a rich curriculum vitae of mining history as it is also referred to as the copper hub. Its unique combo of modernity adopted from Western influence and rich cultures makes Kitwe a desirable destination for people of all categories.

History of Kitwe Copper Mining Town

As mentioned previously, copper mining is the main economic activity of Kitwe town which dates back in the 1930s when the Railway was set up by Cecil Rhodes  Long the railway, towns started mushrooming of which Kitwe became one of them. By then Nkana was the center of copper mining but with the expansion of this lucrative business led to the Development of Kitwe too as a supportive but non-mining copper center to Nkana.

Over time, Kitwe surpassed Nkana and became one of the growing town centers of Zambia to date making it the second largest town in the country. In 1966 Kitwe was elevated to city status as it grew into a great business hub after a surge in the copper by 1950s. Being an industrialized city Kitwe also turned into a booming agricultural city after the fall in the copper prices

The growth of Kitwe as a city is also attributed to its central position in the Copperbelt.

What To Do In Kitwe Mining Town Zambia

Kitwe a Business center

Kitwe in Zambia is a developed town thriving from the copper industry and booming agriculture. The town has a wide range of shopping centers for all categories of people. The banking sector of Kitwe town is great including both local and foreign banks.

There are several markets where you may get the opportunity to see indigenous foods a delicacy enjoyed by the natives of Zambia. Traders dealing in both imported and local good transact in Kitwe town daily.

Tourism Sites of Kitwe Town

The presence of Chembe Birding Sanctuary which is 20 kilometers from Kasempa Road is a perfect destination for keen birders where you get an opportunity to spot an array of birds. The stunning scenery of this sanctuary is enhanced by the presence of the small lake where some water birds spend time but you can also do fishing and enjoy a picnic along its shores.

 For great sightseeing, Kitwe town has a mix of gentle undulating woodland, Rivers flow like the Kafue River on the eastern and southern border of Kitwe, dambos and others.

With the Mwekwera Falls present, you get to see the sparkling water of these falls which are 9 kilometers southeast of Kitwe to Ndora Road. The presence of the plunge pool that forms a lake where fish farming is done is stunning.

 The presence of the Mindolo Dam which is 7 kilometers from the city center provides as great spot to engage in different activities like boating, motocross racing route, swimming pool services and bar to mention but a few.

Kitwe Chinfunshi Wildlife Orphanage is a second home for some troubled animals that cannot be returned to their families like orphaned, abandoned, rescued from snares and others. you can arrange a visit to see animals like the chimpanzees.

The Chimanimani forest is stunningly beautiful creating great scenery for nature sightseeing.

Kitwe The Mining center

Kitwe is a set off point for mining copper in Zambia with centers like Mopani Copper mines. The Mopani copper mines are the largest copper mining spots in Africa. From Kitwe town, the Mopani copper mines are approximately 1 kilometers southwest of the town. Kitwe is also has a rich copper deposit and cobalt plus several other minerals.

The Nkana cobalt plant which is owned by Mopani Copper Mines are about 1 kilometer from Kitwe town. From Nkana cobalt plant, a number of minerals copper and cobalt ore are refined and these are from mines like Mindola North shaft, South ore, Mindola Sub Vertical shaft and others.

The copper and other mineral mining companies in Zambia include Sandvik Mining, Grizzly Mining, African mining consults and others. Get in touch.

Transport in Kitwe town

Kitwe town being a busy business hub in Zambia has a different means to get around like road transport. The main highway through the Copperbelt heads from southeast to the Northwest up to Ndola. This main highway continues to Chingola to Chililabobwe and several other destinations.

For railway service, Kitwe town lies on the tail end of the Zambia Railways.  Passengers come from centers like Ndola, Lusaka and Livingstone. Freight lines continue to different mining towns northwest like the Chililabombwe, Mufulira and others.

Air transport is also used to and from Kitwe town and its surroundings at Southdown Airport. Note that there are no scheduled flights to this airport so you can charter. Advance arrangements need to be done so that necessary preparations can be made. Ndola Airport also receives flights from even international destinations like Johannesburg, Nairobi and others.

Kitwe Education Center

Kitwe town is a center for education excellence in Zambia as it hosts a number of schools and institution. Students on different schooling levels have an opportunity to attend education in and around Kitwe town. As a mining center, the Konkola Trust School in Zambia where students learn about how to do mining is in place. Other schools like the pilot training school can also be found in Kitwe town.

 Universities like Zambia Institute of Technology are in place.

Kitwe Town Fun Centers

Kitwe town is full of life with several nightclubs, golf centers, craft shops, restaurants that serve both local and international cuisines, sometimes different festivals are held in the city like cultural festivals, talent shows and much more. For theatre and staged shows, the Kitwe town also has centers where all this can be showcased.

 Kitwe town has a number of places where local matches are held with various local clubs like Nkana Football club and others.

Healthy Care of Kitwe Town

A variety of health centers can be found in Kitwe town of different budgets.

 Religions of Kitwe Town

There are different religious centers in Kitwe town but the majority are Christians. Muslims and Hindus are present too.

Local Culture Of Kitwe

The locals of Kitwe are friendly and come from various cultural backgrounds. They enjoy a variety of cuisines too. During festivals like the agricultural exhibition, different people showcase their produce

What language is spoken in Kitwe Town?

English is the official language spoken around Kitwe town but also other native languages are spoken in Kitwe.

What is the Average temperature of Kitwe?

the average temperature of Kitwe town in Zambia is about 18 degrees centigrade to about 28 degrees centigrade. Kitwe town also receives two seasons in the year dry and wet season. Contact us

Why Is Kitwe Town Popular?

Kitwe City is popular as a mining center in Zambia. Copper mining dates back to the colonial era and it is from this history that tourists visit Kitwe town.  Agriculture is also popular in Kitwe town because there is need to provide food for the ever growing population in this town.

You can taste Zambia with meals like Kapeta, Plantains, Leafy greens and much more. Make sure you purchase the local food from a designated food center to avoid food poisoning.

Is Kitwe Town Safe To Tour On Foot?

Kitwe town is safe to visit on a City tour however be mindful of petty thieves who may take advantage of you. Keep all your precious variables and try not to count large sums of money in public as you may attract the wrong company. Contact us for more information.

Can I Get Chance To Engage In Mining while In Kitwe?

For an experience, mining adventure and sightseeing around the mines can be arranged but you need to make the booking in advance. Mining is the backbone to all economic activities in Kitwe and being part of it is exciting but you need to follow instructions because around the mines are deep mine shafts.

Guidelines To Follow On a Tour in Kitwe town

• Keep left when on self drive and follow road instructions or else face a penalty.
• Do not dump garbage on the streets but in a dustbin to avoid environmental pollution.
• Keep your money away from strangers’ eyes or you may attract the wrong company.
• Carry some hard cash which you may exchange into local currency in case you wish to do any transactions. Credit cards are challenging to use because not so many people have knowledge on how to operate the credit card machines.
• Do not eat street food or else you may get food poisoning. Children must always be under the watch of a responsible adult during the walk in Kitwe town or else they may get lost.
• Do not engage in unlawful activities while in Kitwe town because you may land in the jails of Africa.
• In case you are lost while in Kitwe seek help from a responsible person in order not to deal with a wrong character.
• Keep your safety gadgets on while exploring the mining areas as there are some dangerous chemicals or spots of the mine. Do not try to deviate from the instructions of the mine guide because you may land in unsafe places around the mines.
• Carry drinking water during the tour around Kitwe town because temperature may rise sometime.

What to Pack for a safari To Kitwe town

• Depending on the activities you wish to engage in during a city tour to Kitwe town, you need to generally pack light and what you can lift just in case you get no help.
• A pair of binoculars to capture a closer look of the surroundings of Kitwe City especially the different landforms around the city.
• Canvas shoes especially if you have to walk as the ground is sometimes very hot and also your feet need to be protected from the rough surfaces along the way.
• Insect repellant to keep away biting insects that may cross your way like mosquitoes. Zambia is a tropical country where you may have some harmful insects that may make you uncomfortable with a bite.
• Rainproof proof gears especially during the wet season. During the rainy seasons, it gets so much and may prevent you from proceeding with the visit.
• Safari hat or cap to protect your head from the dust and buzzing insects
• Sunglasses to protect your eyes from buzzing insects.
• Some warmers because Zambia experiences cold conditions early morning and late afternoon.
•  Foldable drinking water bottle to quench thirst during the Tour in Kitwe Zambia
• Some clothes to wear while traversing Kitwe city. Be mindful of the culture of the communities in Zambia so that you do not appear to offend them.
• First aid kit in case of an emergency. It should also contain prescribed medication from a professional doctor.
• Extra batteries are fully charged to exchange with in case you one runs low.
• Duffel bag so that you can carry your belongings in case you have to help yourself.
• Some cash to use for on ground purchases as credit cards are not easy to use in Africa because of the lengthy process of collecting money from them.
• Snacks to munch on when you are Kitwe tour in case you get hungry.
•  A camera to keep memorable moments while on a visit to Zambia there are many moments that happen
• Flip flops to wear while relaxing at your lodge or hotel

For more information, please contact us.