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Solwezi

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City
—°1
Solwezi (Zambia)
ℹ️

Practical info — Solwezi

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit the shopping malls during weekdays to avoid the heavy weekend crowds when mining shifts change.
  • Cash is king at local markets and for taxis; while malls accept cards, you’ll need Kwacha for everything else.
  • A visit to the Kifubwa National Monument is a must to see ancient rock engravings in a peaceful riverside setting.
  • Agree on private taxi fares before starting your journey, as they are not metered for visitors.

🍽 Food

🍽
Kyawama Market

The best place to try seasonal delicacies like fried caterpillars or fresh organic honey.

🍽
Georgies Bar & Grill

A lively social hub known for its grilled meats and international dishes popular with expats.

🍽
Baan Thai

Located in Kansanshi, this spot has very authentic Thai food that is a local favorite.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Solwezi City Mall

The premier modern destination for essentials, imported goods, and banking services.

🛍
Ask the English Shop

A pleasant store first-rate for finding high-quality Zambian souvenirs and handicrafts.

🧘
Mutanda Falls

Located 30km from town, this spot gives a serene environment; look for impala on the lodge grounds.

🧘
Kansanshi Golf Club

Even if you don't golf, the lush grounds provide a quiet backdrop for a sunset drink.

Solwezi serves as the capital of the North-Western Province in Zambia and has witnessed unprecedented growth over the last two decades, driven by the massive expansion of copper mining. The city is situated in a mineral-rich region and is home to the Kansanshi Mine, one of Africa's largest copper and gold producers. Prior to the mining boom, Solwezi was a small, quiet administrative post; today, it is a rapidly expanding urban center with modern infrastructure and a bustling business environment. Geographically, the area is defined by rolling hills and dense forests, with the Kifubwa River flowing through the town. A notable local landmark is the Kifubwa Rock Stream, which features prehistoric rock engravings dating back to the Late Stone Age. Solwezi's economic significance impacts the entire province, leading to substantial investments in education and healthcare facilities. Despite the dominant industrial growth, agriculture remains a vital component of the local livelihood for many residents living outside the mining sector.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212120191816161923252321
Rain mm256207191734013637147277

Geography

Population
301,370 (2026)
Coordinates
-12.16880, 26.38940

Facts

  • Provincial capital of North-Western Zambia.
  • Home to the massive Kansanshi Copper and Gold Mine.
  • One of the fastest-growing cities in Zambia.
  • Site of the prehistoric Kifubwa Rock carvings.
  • Economic engine of the region's mining industry.
  • Key logistics hub for mineral exports.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Solwezi (1)

Diocese of Solwezi📍 landmark

The Diocese of Solwezi is a Catholic bishop's seat in Solwezi, serving the spiritual needs of the local faithful.

Frequently asked questions

What is Solwezi?
The capital of the North-Western Province, strongly shaped by mining.
What can you do there?
Visiting the local mines or trips into the unspoiled nature.
How is the infrastructure?
The city is growing rapidly, facilities are developing.
Are there hotels there?
There are some accommodations for business travelers.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season starting from May is best.
Solwezi: where is it located?
Solwezi is located in Zambia.
Solwezi: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
Solwezi: why is it worth visiting?
Solwezi serves as the capital of the North-Western Province in Zambia and has witnessed unprecedented growth over the last two decades, driven by the massive expansion of copper mining.
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