Kafue Gorge Dam

The Kafue Gorge Dam is a cornerstone of Zambia's national power grid, situated on the Kafue River approximately 55 kilometers south of the capital, Lusaka. Construction on the Upper Kafue Gorge project began in 1967 and reached completion in 1973, strategically designed to reduce the nation's reliance on electricity imports from neighboring territories. The facility harnesses the significant drop of the river as it passes through the gorge, with the upper station providing an installed capacity of approximately 990 megawatts. The complex has been further augmented by the Lower Kafue Gorge Dam, which reached full commercial operation in 2023, contributing an additional 750 megawatts to the domestic energy supply. Beyond its role in power generation, the dam regulates water flow for irrigation projects across the Kafue Flats and supports local fishing industries. The engineering involved is notable for its extensive underground tunnel networks and power halls excavated deep within the granite of the gorge's steep walls.

Nearby cities

Lusaka

Lusaka is the capital and largest city of Zambia, a bustling commercial and administrative hub.

Chongwe

A town situated east of Lusaka, serving as a gateway and important agricultural region.

Rufunsa

A town located east of Lusaka, becoming a significant district administrative center.

History & landmarks

Kafue Bridge

An important road and railway bridge over the Kafue River connecting the capital to the south.

Woodlands Stadium

A sports stadium in Lusaka, frequently used for local football matches and community events.

Chilenje House 394

A historical site in Lusaka where Kenneth Kaunda, the first president, lived during the independence struggle.

State House Lusaka

The official residence and office of the President of Zambia, located in the capital Lusaka.

Cosmopolitan Mall

A modern shopping center in Lusaka that offers a wide variety of retail and dining options.

Taj Pamodzi Hotel

A renowned luxury hotel in Lusaka, valued by business travelers and tourists alike.

InterContinental Lusaka

A traditional luxury hotel and event center near the embassies in Lusaka.

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Lusaka Playhouse

The leading theater house in the capital, where many national theater and art productions take place.

Nature

Mweru-Wantipa Lake

A lake in northern Zambia characterized by its variable water levels and surrounding swamps.

Lake Tanganyika

An immense, ancient freshwater lake in Africa, bordering Zambia and known for its extraordinary biodiversity.

Kalambo Falls

A spectacular waterfall on the Kalambo River, marking the border between Zambia and Tanzania.

More places

Kafue Gorge Power Station

A major hydroelectric power station on the Kafue River, providing much of Zambia's energy.

Kafue Railway Bridge

Completed in 1906, it was one of the longest bridges in Africa at the time of its construction.

Leopard's Hill Cave

A significant archaeological site near Lusaka yielding evidence of Middle and Late Stone Age occupation.

Chilanga Cement

Zambia's first cement plant, playing a key role in infrastructure development.

Twin Rivers Kopje

An archaeological site situated on a hill containing Middle Stone Age artifacts and early evidence of pigment use.

Zambian Breweries Plant

The leading brewery in Zambia, producing popular local and international beer brands.

Parmalat Dairy Plant

A central processing center for milk and dairy products in the country.

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Marrapodi Settlement

One of Lusaka's oldest unauthorized settlements, founded by early Italian contractors and later African laborers.