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Mpulungu

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

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Practical info — Mpulungu

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

Watch the sunset over Lake Tanganyika, Zambia's only international port town.
Check the schedule for the historic MV Liemba ferry if you are looking for a unique travel experience.
Buy fresh Kapenta (small fish) directly from the fishermen at the harbour for the best price.
Hire a local boat to explore the nearby secluded beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Visit the port early in the morning to witness the bustling trade and local atmosphere.

🍽 Food

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Fresh Kapenta

These tiny fish are often deep-fried until crunchy and served with Nshima at harbour-side eateries.

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Nile Perch (Buka-Buka)

A delicious lake fish, best enjoyed grilled at local restaurants overlooking the water.

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Nshima with Fish Stew

The local staple is almost always paired with a rich tomato-based fish sauce in this port town.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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Harbour Market

The prime spot for dried fish, fresh local fruits, and spirited African fabrics (chitenges).

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Lakeside Fish Market

Where you can find the widest variety of fresh catches directly from Lake Tanganyika.

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Lakeside walkway

A peaceful stretch outside the main port area, great for quiet sunset strolls.

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Hidden Coves

Small beaches accessible only by boat, offering total serenity away from the trading hub.

Mpulungu serves as Zambia's only international port, situated at the southern tip of Lake Tanganyika in the Northern Province. Its strategic location facilitates essential trade with neighboring countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, and Tanzania, primarily through the export of cement, sugar, and fuel. Historically, the port has been a vital link in the regional transport network since the colonial era, providing access to the vast interior of the African Great Lakes region. The town's economy is further bolstered by a significant commercial fishing industry, which utilizes the rich aquatic resources of Lake Tanganyika. Nearby, the Kalambo Falls, one of Africa's highest single-drop waterfalls at 221 meters, adds to the geographical and archaeological importance of the district. Mpulungu is also home to the Niamkolo Church, the oldest stone church in Zambia, built by missionaries in 1895. Modern Mpulungu continues to undergo port expansions to accommodate the increasing volume of regional cargo and support Zambia's landlocked economy.