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Kafue Gorge Power Station
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The Kafue Gorge Power Station is Zambia's largest source of electricity and a critical enabler of the nation's industrial development. Located on the Kafue River, approximately 90 kilometers south of Lusaka, the complex utilizes the significant drop of the river through the Kafue Gorge. The facility consists of two primary sections: Kafue Gorge Upper (KGU), completed in the 1970s, and the newer Kafue Gorge Lower (KGL), commissioned in 2021. The upper station has a capacity of 750 megawatts, while the lower station adds another 750 megawatts, bringing the total complex capacity to 1,500 megawatts. KGL was one of the most substantial infrastructure projects in Zambia's recent history, realized with significant Chinese financing and technical expertise. The power station not only stabilizes the Zambian national grid but also positions the country as a net exporter of electricity to neighboring member states of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).
- Location: Zambia
- Nearby: Chongwe (56 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 23 | 21 | 20 | 23 | 26 | 30 | 30 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 179 | 131 | 89 | 21 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 58 | 167 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
This is one of Zambia's largest hydroelectric power stations, providing a substantial portion of the country's electricity. It harnesses the Kafue River's flow in a deep gorge.
Visiting
The power station and dam are typically not open for public tours. The gorge and the dam can be viewed from the public road above the reservoir.
Where to view it
The best viewpoint is from the Kafue Gorge viewpoint along the road to the dam, offering a dramatic view of the gorge and the dam wall. The reservoir stretches for kilometers.
Local products
Electricity is generated here, but the area is not a commercial product hub. Nearby villages may sell local produce or crafts.
Active season
Power generation is constant year-round, with highest output during the rainy season when water flow is maximum. The station is crucial for meeting peak demand in the evening.
Nearby
Combine with the Kafue River for white-water rafting or birdwatching. The nearby town of Kafue features accommodation and access to the national park.
Geography
Facts
- Total capacity of the combined complex is 1,500 MW.
- Kafue Gorge Upper was commissioned in 1971.
- Kafue Gorge Lower was officially opened in 2021.
- Water is diverted through a 10-kilometer-long tunnel.
- Key power contributor to the Southern African Power Pool.
- Located roughly 90 km south of the capital, Lusaka.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Kafue Gorge Power Station (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Kafue Gorge?
It is an important hydroelectric power plant on the Kafue River.
Can you visit it?
The area is a critical infrastructure zone and closed to the public.
Why is it important?
It supplies a large part of the electrical energy for Zambia.
Are there nearby attractions?
The Kafue Gorge itself provides an impressive landscape.
Is the environment safe?
Yes, it is safe in the touristically developed parts of the gorge.
Kafue Gorge Power Station: where is it located?
Kafue Gorge Power Station is located in Zambia.
Kafue Gorge Power Station: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Kafue Gorge Power Station: why is it worth visiting?
The Kafue Gorge Power Station is Zambia's largest source of electricity and a critical enabler of the nation's industrial development.
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History & landmarks
Kafue Gorge Dam
A massive dam on the Kafue River that feeds Zambia's largest underground hydroelectric power station.
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.
Cosmopolitan Mall
A modern shopping center in Lusaka that offers a wide variety of retail and dining options.
State House Lusaka
The official residence and office of the President of Zambia, located in the capital Lusaka.
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.
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.
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Kafue Railway Bridge
Completed in 1906, it was one of the longest bridges in Africa at the time of its construction.
Chilanga Cement
Zambia's first cement plant, playing a key role in infrastructure development.
Leopard's Hill Cave
A significant archaeological site near Lusaka yielding evidence of Middle and Late Stone Age occupation.
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.
Trade Kings Manufacturing
A major Zambian manufacturer of detergents, beverages, and confectionery.
Parmalat Dairy Plant
A central processing center for milk and dairy products in the country.
🗺️
Marrapodi Settlement
One of Lusaka's oldest unauthorized settlements, founded by early Italian contractors and later African laborers.