Zambia Towns, Cities, Locations and Districts

(Zambia, ZM, Southern Africa)

Known as Northern Rhodesia until independence was achieved in 1964, Zambia is best known today for being home to both the Zambezi River and the spectacular Victoria Falls.

It is a little known fact, however, that Zambia is one of the most urbanised places in Africa, with over a third of its people living in towns and cities, such as Lusaka, Kabwe and Livingstone.

Lusaka serves as the capital city and is a good place to start any sightseeing trip, being located close to the southern border, nearby Mazabuka and to the west of the Lower Zambezi National Park.

Lusaka

One of the highest cities in Zambia, Lusaka has been described as 'the real Africa'. Today, it is a major tourist destination, as well as a busy commercial and government centre. Lusaka has its own international airport, which means that for many tourists, Lusaka is their first glimpse of Zambia. The city's most popular attractions include its National Museum, Freedom Statue and Cairo Road. More information about Lusaka.

Livingstone

Located on the south-western side of Zambia, Livingstone is the place to come to experience the famous Victoria Falls in the flesh. Further highlights include both the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and the Mosi-oa-Tunya Game Park where you can expect glimpses of antelopes, giraffes and zebra.

Kasama

Strategically located on the Great North Road, the north Zambian town of Kasama has all the facilities that tourists and travellers need to get by, such as a number of banks and hotels. Nearby tourist attractions of note include the Chishimba Falls.

Mpika

Mpika's popularity is closely related to its location on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, at the place where the Great North Road divides into two. Mpika itself has little in the way of tourist attractions. However, if you are travelling around Zambia and are short of supplies, it is a great place to find yourself.

Ndola

Known as the capital of Zambia's Copperbelt region, Ndola is also a busy commercial hub. Ndola boasts its own airport, as well as a plentiful supply of hotel accommodation and tourist facilities. The city prides itself on its links with the mining industry, as well as on its historic background as one of the oldest towns in Zambia. Above all, though, Ndola has a reputation for being 'the friendly city'. Nearby attractions include the Copperbelt Museum, the Dag Hammarskjold Memorial and Lake Chilengwa.

Kabwe

Kabwe has achieved a place on many a tourist itinerary because of its links with a famous prehistoric skull. It is here that Broken Hill Man, as the skull became known, was found. Indeed, Kabwe was formerly known as Broken Hill. Tourist attractions in the town include an old mine, the Big Tree, and Mulungushi Power Station.

Solwezi

This remote Copperbelt town has few obvious tourist attractions. It does, however, have all the facilities you will need after spending time on the road, including hotels, banks and fuel stations. Solwezi's location on the main road that leads to north-west Zambia also makes the town an important transport hub. The reopening of the Kansanshi Mine, one of the oldest copper-gold mines in the whole country, has brought much-needed investment to the town of late.

Mongu

Relatively few tourists head to Mongu, the capital of Zambia's western province and the heartland of the Lozi kingdom. Arguably, there is little to keep the average visitor in the town for very long, other than the usual facilities, such as fuel stations and shops. However, surrounded by flood plains, Mongu can boast some quite amazing views, particularly in the rainy season.

Chipata

There was a time when this area of Zambia was part of Northern Rhodesia. Back then, Chipata used to be known as Fort Jameson. Nowadays, Chipata is a bustling place where tourists can explore its colourful markets, or visit the town's mosques. For many travellers, Chipata is known as the gateway to neighbouring Malawi.