Plizio Visual Lab

Kaoma

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

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Practical info — Kaoma

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

Carry enough Zambian Kwacha in cash, as ATMs can be unreliable.
The dry season can be very dusty, so pack a scarf to cover your face on transport.
Learn a few words of Lozi or Nkoya to connect with the locals.
Taxis and minibuses operate from the town center, but schedules are informal.

🍽 Food

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Nshima with Relish

Zambia's staple food. Try it at the small local eateries near the main market.

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Maize Snacks

Grab roasted or boiled maize from street-side vendors, especially during harvest season.

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Freshwater Fish

Freshly caught fish from surrounding rivers, often served deep-fried.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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Kaoma Central Market

The best spot for fresh agricultural produce, particularly local tobacco and maize.

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Chitenge Fabrics

Colorful African printed materials available at the local markets.

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Town Outskirts Fields

Take a walk towards the maize fields in the late afternoon for a peaceful atmosphere.

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Riverbank Trails

Away from the main roads, look for small paths along the local waterways.

Kaoma, formerly known as Mankoya, is a key town in the Western Province of Zambia, located along the vital highway connecting Lusaka and Mongu. The town serves as a significant agricultural hub, with the surrounding district renowned for producing tobacco, maize, and groundnuts, alongside a productive timber industry. Geographically, Kaoma is positioned as the eastern gateway to the Kafue National Park, one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. Historically, the town's name was changed from Mankoya to Kaoma in 1964 following Zambia's independence to mark a new national era. The community is largely composed of the Nkoya people, whose rich cultural heritage is showcased during the annual Kazanga traditional ceremony. The town's economy is driven by its role as a transit point for goods moving between the capital and the western regions of the country. Recent improvements in road infrastructure and social services have bolstered Kaoma's status as a growing urban center in the province.