Plizio Visual Lab
Chingola
ℹ️Practical info — Chingola
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Minibuses are the main mode of transport, but they only leave when full, so allow extra time for travel.
- The dry season (May to August) is the best time to visit for cooler weather, though it can get dusty.
- If visiting the mining areas, be aware that photography is strictly controlled; always ask permission.
- US Dollars are sometimes accepted, but it's best to carry Zambian Kwacha for everyday purchases.
🍽 Food
The staple maize dish served with small dried fish, found in local 'matebeto' spots.
Often called 'African polony', a vegetarian dish made from orchid tubers.
Sweet fried dough balls, a great street snack.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Bustling markets where you can find fresh produce and bustling chitenge fabrics.
Look for local artisans selling items made from the region's famous export.
Even if you don't play, the grounds are lush, green, and very peaceful.
A bit of a drive, but a serene and rewarding chimpanzee sanctuary.
Water temperature…
Chingola is a major mining city in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia, world-renowned for hosting the Nchanga Mine, one of the largest copper mining operations on earth. Established in 1943 to accommodate the workforce for both open-pit and underground mining, the city quickly grew into one of the most prosperous and well-planned settlements in the region. Sitting at an altitude of approximately 1,300 meters, Chingola is often described as the 'most beautiful city in the Copperbelt' due to its lush gardens and tree-lined avenues. The Nchanga Open Pit Mine, stretching over 5 kilometers in length, is a massive man-made crater that dominates the local landscape and attracts geological interest from around the world. Beyond mining, Chingola serves as a vital commercial link for cross-border trade with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is also famous for being the closest major town to the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage, one of the world's largest sanctuaries for rescued chimpanzees.
- Location: Zambia
- Nearby: Chililabombwe (18 km)
- Population: ~256.560 (2024)
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 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 20 | 24 | 26 | 24 | 22 |
| Rain mm | 284 | 209 | 168 | 42 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 21 | 131 | 271 |
Geography
Facts
- Chingola was established in 1943 alongside the Nchanga Mine.
- The Nchanga Open Pit Mine is the second largest of its kind in the world.
- The city's elevation is approximately 1,300 meters (4,265 feet).
- It is known as the 'cleanest and greenest' town in the Copperbelt.
- Chingola is a key stop for truckers traveling to the Kasumbalesa border.
- The local economy depends on the Konkola Deep Mining Project.
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.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Frequently asked questions
Why should I visit Chingola?
Are the mines open to the public?
How do you get to Chingola?
Are there good restaurants there?
Is the area safe?
Chingola: where is it located?
Chingola: when is the best time to visit?
Chingola: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
More places
