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Chongwe
ℹ️Practical info — Chongwe
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- It's a strategic stopover on the Great East Road before heading to the Lower Zambezi.
- Stock up on supplies here, as options become limited further east.
- The local market is a great place to interact with friendly farmers.
- Always carry smaller kwacha notes for buying roadside snacks.
🍽 Food
A popular and cheap street snack sold right by the road.
Hearty beef or chicken stews served with nshima at local canteens.
Whole fried bream from the rivers, served with local vegetables at casual dining spots.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Massive bags of charcoal and fresh vegetables are the main trade here.
Occasionally, you can find handmade wooden items at the market.
Find a quiet spot near the water for birdwatching.
A nearby serene area with rolling hills and agricultural tranquility.
Water temperature…
Chongwe is a rapidly growing town in the Lusaka Province, located approximately 45 kilometers east of Zambia's capital city. Due to its proximity to Lusaka, the town has developed into a vital satellite hub, providing residential expansion and diverse economic opportunities. It serves as the administrative headquarters for the Chongwe District and is a major transit point along the Great East Road, which connects Zambia to Malawi. Geographically, Chongwe is situated on a fertile plateau irrigated by the Chongwe River, establishing the region as a key agricultural center. Farming is the backbone of the local economy, with a focus on maize, market gardening, and livestock production. In recent years, Chongwe has also gained prominence as an educational center, with various institutions and research facilities established in the vicinity. The blend of rural tradition and urban expansion makes Chongwe a dynamic component of Zambia's central development corridor.
- Location: Zambia
- Nearby: Rufunsa (59 km)
- Population: ~57.443 (2024)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 20 | 18 | 18 | 20 | 24 | 27 | 26 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 200 | 142 | 101 | 31 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 75 | 201 |
Geography
Facts
- Chongwe is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,150 meters.
- The town is noted for the Chalimbana River, a tributary of the Chongwe.
- The University of Zambia's Liempe Farm is located in the vicinity.
- Chongwe is the ancestral home of the Soli people.
- The town hosts the annual Chakwela Makumbi traditional ceremony.
- Kenneth Kaunda International Airport is located between Lusaka and Chongwe.
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
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Chongwe: why is it worth visiting?
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History & landmarks
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