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Jadotville (Likasi)
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Jadotville, now known as Likasi, is a major mining city in the Haut-Katanga province, located approximately 120 kilometers northwest of Lubumbashi. The town was established in 1917 and named after Jean Jadot, a prominent Belgian engineer and pioneer of the Congolese mining industry. The site achieved global fame due to the Siege of Jadotville in September 1961, when a small contingent of Irish UN peacekeepers defended their position against a vastly superior force of Katangese gendarmes and mercenaries. Despite putting up heroic resistance, the UN soldiers were eventually forced to surrender after several days, an event that received proper recognition only decades later. Likasi is a hub for copper and cobalt production and plays a central role in the economy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The city hosts large processing facilities and serves as a vital transport link in the region. Beyond its industrial significance, Likasi features cultural attractions like a mineralogical museum. The name Likasi was officially restored in 1966 during the nationalization campaign.
- Location: Congo - Kinshasa
- Top sights: Likasi (commune) · Likasi · Siege of Jadotville
- Nearby: Kambove (19 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 20 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 17 | 17 | 20 | 24 | 25 | 22 | 21 |
| Rain mm | 220 | 172 | 171 | 64 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 52 | 150 | 253 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Jadotville (now Likasi) is a city in the Democratic Republic of Congo with historic sites from the Belgian colonial era. The former mining areas and the center can be visited, but many buildings are not open to the public.
Typical hours
As there are no set tourist opening hours, most places are viewable during daytime. Visit the town center during business hours when there is more activity.
Photography
Photography in public spaces is generally allowed. Ask permission at historic buildings and avoid photographing military facilities.
Time needed
Allow about two hours for a walk through the city center and historic districts. For exploration of the surrounding former mines, plan half a day.
Combine with
Combine with Lubumbashi city and the nearby Upemba National Park. The copper mines of Kambove are also historically interesting.
Getting there
Likasi is reachable by bus or taxi from Lubumbashi, about two hours away. Within the city, you can walk or use local taxis.
Insider tip
Ask locals about the history of the Siege of Jadotville - there are often local guides with knowledge. Be cautious when traveling to remote areas and check the security situation.
Geography
Facts
- Jadotville was founded in 1917 and renamed Likasi in 1966.
- The Siege of Jadotville took place from September 13 to 17, 1961.
- Likasi is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,310 meters.
- The city is a key hub for copper and cobalt mining in the Katanga region.
- 155 Irish UN troops held out against an estimated force of 3,000 men.
- The city is home to an important mineralogical museum displaying local ores.
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Sights in the town Jadotville (Likasi) (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Jadotville?
The former name of the city of Likasi, known for its mining history.
Is there a mining museum?
Yes, the Mineralogical Museum in Likasi displays an impressive collection.
Why is the name historically known?
Because of the Siege of Jadotville in 1961 during the Katanga Crisis.
What is the main source of income?
The processing of copper and cobalt still characterizes the city today.
How is the climate in Likasi?
Due to the altitude, it is milder than in Kinshasa.
Jadotville (Likasi): where is it located?
Jadotville (Likasi) is located in Congo - Kinshasa.
Jadotville (Likasi): what is there to see?
Highlights include Likasi (commune), Likasi, Siege of Jadotville.
Jadotville (Likasi): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
Jadotville (Likasi): why is it worth visiting?
Jadotville, now known as Likasi, is a major mining city in the Haut-Katanga province, located approximately 120 kilometers northwest of Lubumbashi.
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Nearby cities
Lubumbashi
Lubumbashi is the mining capital of the DR Congo and the second-largest city, located in the southeastern part of the country.
Likasi
Likasi is a major industrial city in the Upper Katanga Province, significantly involved in the processing of minerals.
Kipushi
Kipushi is a town in the Upper Katanga Province, situated right on the border with Zambia, known for its deep mine.
Kambove
Kambove is a historical mining town in Haut-Katanga province.
Pweto
Pweto is located at the northern end of Lake Mweru on the border with Zambia.
Kasumbalesa
Kasumbalesa is a border town in Upper Katanga Province, serving as a vital crossing point between DR Congo and Zambia.
Sakania
Sakania is the southernmost town of the DR Congo on the border with Zambia.
History & landmarks
University of Lubumbashi (Belvédère)
The distinctive campus buildings of the University of Lubumbashi, a center for education in the south.
Frédéric Kibassa Maliba Stadium
A major sports stadium in Lubumbashi, formerly known as Stade de la Kenya.
Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral
The Cathédrale Saints-Pierre-et-Paul in Lubumbashi is a grand Romanesque-style cathedral and a landmark of the mining capital.
Palais de Justice Lubumbashi
The Palais de Justice in Lubumbashi is a notable colonial-era building that houses the high courts of the region.
National Museum of Lubumbashi
The Musée National de Lubumbashi displays a rich collection of archaeological, ethnographic, and artistic works from the Katanga region.
Stade TP Mazembe
The Stade TP Mazembe is the private stadium of the famous Tout Puissant Mazembe football club in Lubumbashi.
More places
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A now-closed uranium mine that provided the material for the first atomic bombs during World War II.
Shinkolobwe Uranium Mine
The Shinkolobwe mine supplied the high-grade uranium used in the Manhattan Project for the first atomic bombs during World War II.
Lufira Valley Cattle Ranching
A significant area for cattle ranching in Haut-Katanga, favored by vast grassy plains.
Lofoi Falls
One of the highest waterfalls in Africa, where the water plunges over 340 meters.
Kipushi Mine
A historic zinc and copper mine near the Zambian border that has been modernized.
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Lubumbashi Children's Park
Children's parks in Lubumbashi offer safe and fun environments for the city's youth to play and socialize.
Luiswishi Mine
A high-grade copper and cobalt mine not far from Lubumbashi in the resource-rich south.
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Kundelungu National Park
Kundelungu National Park is known for its dramatic landscapes and the spectacular Lofoi Falls, the highest in Africa.