North Western Province - Where to go and what to do
SOLWEZI
Nsanshi Art - Solwezi A women-run jewellery workshop in the Zambian mining town of Solwezi, adding value to local minerals, providing employment and raising funds for vulnerable women and girls in the community. Supported by First Quantum Minerals and its Kansanshi Foundation.At Kansanshi Hill 2,000 years ago, women worked an empowering craft. They mined and smelted copper, crafted it into jewelry and Katanga Crosses, also known as Nsanshi, and traded it with travellers. Nsanshi Art sits at the junction where history, economics, and social welfare collide.
Nsanshi Art will welcome tourists and can give a talk about the 2000 year history of Kansanshi and how before money you could use a Nsanshi to buy yourself out of slavery.
BEHIND HORIZONS - Kimber Chibolya has written a book about the history of NWP +260 96 6440633
Enquire to visit TRH’s Chiefs Kapijimpanga or Chief Mumena
Kifubwa Stream Rock Shelter - Solwezi Rare pigmented engravings cover the walls of this Stone Age shelter. A hidden prehistoric secret. Etched into a rock shelter, are the marks of the people who called this land home thousands of years ago. The most stunning feature of the rock shelters is a series of engravings underneath a series of rock overhangs.These engravings consist almost entirely of geometric line markings and “U” motifs. They were made using the “incision technique,” where the stone of the rock shelter was repeatedly rubbed or chipped away using harder stones. Unusual for Zambia, these engravings were combined with painting, as red pigment was used to color in the engravings. The Kifubwa Stream Rock Shelters were first discovered by Western scholars in 1928. Excavations of the floor of the rock shelters revealed evidence of Late Stone Age hunter-gather occupation, carbon dated to between 6,000 and 6,500 years ago. A the time, it was the first site to show a clear connection between local rock engravings and Late Stone Age communities. The site is located approximately 3.7 miles (six kilometers) from the center of town, down a well-marked dirt road. It's open during daylight hours throughout the year, and a gatekeeper will collect the entry fee. The site is easily accessible by taxi or private car.
Mutanda Falls Approx 30km from Solwezi town. The Mutanda river which gives the falls their name is perfect for kayaking, swimming and fishing which can be arranged by the nearby Georgie’s Pub and Grill. While in North Western Province, be sure to visit Nyambwezi Falls, a 65 feet (20 metre)-high waterfall approximately 203 km from the Solwezi -Mwinilunga road. Camping available. The falls seem to have once been a prehistoric settlement during the Stone Age, as there is a cave with engravings.
Mutanda Farm Camp
16km off the Mwinilunga road (Lumwana West) you will find Nyambwezu rock shelter and Waterfalls
Kabompo River View (Basic camp) Chalets Safari camp· Kabompo River Lodge and Campsite has seven and self-contained chalets with verandas that overlook the Kabompo River and the West Lunga National Park which is across the river. A maximum of fourteen guests can be accommodated at any one time. Cold and hot water is available at all times and the chalets are generator powered from 18:00 to 22:00 hours every day.
Wina Wa Nzambi - Mwinilunga Accommodation • Main house 2 large en-suite bedrooms and shared central kitchen /dining / living room and sunset deck. Each room has a kingsize double, plus extra single bed/ bunkbed • 2 x large en-suite chalets with decks and outside kitchen. Each has a double and single bed • Unlimited camping with hot water and flush toilets and outdoor kitchen and double sink • The whole site can be booked for special functions / large groups by prior arrangement Activities: • Base to visit the source of the Zambezi River https://maps.app.goo.gl/8rWHa • Canoe / fish on West Lunga River | Fish in the Wina pool • Wildlife walks | Bird walks • Trail running and mountain bike trails • Orchid hunting | Honey harvest \ Pick your own Pineapple • Pangolin experience | Village life experience
Kalwelwa Camp - Birders delight and source of the Zambezi Kalwelwa in Mwinilunga has only been known to ornithologists since 2015 but is already one of Zambia's prime birding destinations. This depression system combines one of Zambia's largest wet evergreen forests with endless Kalahari sands grasslands and marshes, Marquesia dry evergeen forest and miombo woodlands. Most of Mwinilunga's specials have healthy populations here, including the sought-after Grimwood's Longclaw. Kalwelwa Bushcamp consists of 5 en-suite tented units. It is situated within Chief Kanyama's private wildlife area. Many of the bird specials occur around camp while the main plains complex is a few minutes driving from camp.
Mwinilunga town, Chitunta Plain and the Source of the Zambezi are just over an hour's drive from here. Prior booking is essential. The camp is open from 1 June to 30 November. Source of the Zambezi - Mwinilunga A small spring in a lush forest is the source of the Zambezi.It’s the fourth longest river in Africa, and starts its 2,700km journey to the Indian Ocean from a small spring in this Northwestern corner of Zambia. The Source of the Zambezi is located in a small protected forest surrounded by rich Miombo woodland and a strip of Mushitu forest. The area is rich in biodiversity, with nearly 200 bird species and mammals including the Tree Pangolin, Long Footed Rat, Red-Tailed Monkey, and African Palm Civet. Elevated wooden walkways lead to the source and follow the path of the river down the valley for some distance. The source itself is a small spring that bubbles beneath the bottom of a fallen tree. The visitor center explains the importance of the Zambezi River and provides information on the forest environment. The site also includes a monument to mark the Independence of Zambia, unveiled on 24th October 1964. Located approximately 54km from Mwinilunga along a dirt road. There is a sign to mark the turnoff to the source along the Mwinilunga-Ikilenge road. Camping is available at the site.
West Lunga National Park - KAFUNFULA COMMUNITY CAMP
KAFUNFULA COMMUNITY CAMP
FACILITIES:
1. 4 X Canvas Bow Tents each with 2 Beds & Mattresses
2. Camping Area for Self-Campers With Braai Facilities
3. Flush Toilets & Hot Showers
4. Central ‘Chota’ Area
5. Boat Launch
6. Bicycle and Hiking Trails
7. Access to Ntambu Community Game Reserve
THE CAMP IS SITUATED ON THE KABOMPO RIVER IN MUSELE GMA ADJACENT TO THE NTAMBU COMMUNITY GAME RESERVE
DIRECTIONS: 1. Turn left off T5 Mwinilunga road towards Kalumbila 2. Turn right at BIA junction (after 10.5kms) towards Musele 3. Turn left at T junction towards Musele and Kankonzhi 4. After the 2nd pipeline, go straight through Nyanga checkpoint towards Kankonzhi . 5. After 6kms you will reach Kankonzhi market. Go straight. Do not right turn towards Ntambu Mission. 6. After 23.5kms you will reach Chovwe. Continue straight towards Wamafwaha. The road is good gravel. 7. After 12kms you will reach Wamafwaha School. Behind the school, bear left on a sandy road towards Ifumba (sign post on your right for Wamafwaha rural health centre). 8. After 7kms you will reach Kashikuwe Community school (Ifumba). Continue straight on a bush track. (There is a new teacher’s house on your right). 9. After 12kms you will reach the camp. There is a large dambo on your left as you come in. (You will cross a bridge half way along this road. It is a newly constructed bridge). Kafunfula Community Camp is a community social enterprise. All proceeds go towards operating the camp, promoting conservation and improving livelihoods in the Ifumba and Wamafwaha communities of Musele Chiefdom
The Northwestern province, home of the Lunda territory, is extensive in land and rich in nature. With its remote distance from many of the major cities in Zambia, it has not been as explored which made it hard for us to find information about places to go and things to do. After navigating it recently, I can say it is most definitely worth a trip to experience many hidden gems and I hope that this list and information helps you out as you go exploring!
Three reasons it is not as commonly visited by tourists are its remote location, the state of the roads, a need for more tourism investment and development. Although it is difficult to access sites the more remote you go, it is an opportune time to see such places as it gives one with nature, unexplored experience.
The source of the Zambezi river is the spotlight destination of tourism in Northwestern province. We went to see this and along the way reveled in the beauty of much more nature. Traveling from the Copperbelt province, the main town of the Northwestern province and last large town for a long time traveling is Solwezi. It is worth stopping in Solwezi and seeing a few of their natural wonders before continuing on to more waterfalls and the Zambezi source farther north.
Recommended time of year to go April - August It is important to go after the rainy season has finished due to the state of the roads, but the rainfall begins earlier in Mwinilunga than most other places in Zambia. This time of year is also good to see some water at the source of the Zambezi, as other times it dries up. Recommended amount of time A long weekend would be too short to do both Solwezi and Mwinilunga towns so I would recommend breaking it up into 3-4 days for each town and surrounding destinations or planning at least a week to do it all.
15 places to go in Northwestern Province:
Solwezi caves Mutanda falls (rapids)
Kalumbila Nyambezu waterfall
The lunga river Chitunta Plains
The source of the Zambezi river
Zambezi forest reserve
Zambezi rapids
Kalene hill and pineapple farms
Nyangombe waterfall
Kakobo canyon
Nyuanda rock
Lake Chibesa Muzhila (Mujila) waterfall
5 bonus places: Sakeji School and Nchila wildlife reserve are also highly recommended to add to this list! They are both nearby the Zambezi Rapids. There are a few more places much farther southwest which would be better combined with a trip to Western Province but are technically still in Northwestern Province such as Chavuma falls, Chhinyingi Bridge and Kamompo House. Liuwa Plain National Park, Sioma National Park and waterfall, Brotse floodplain, Mongu town are places to explore when looking ahead at Western province.
Let’s explore Northwestern Province with this list of 15 places to go! Solwezi Caves The caves are fascinating because just 5km from Solwezi town and all of a sudden, everything becomes peaceful. The road is smooth and short; it was easily accessible for a small car in 2020 but as of 2022 the road has much more difficult parts. The entrance fee is standard national monument price of K8 ($15 non residents) and K5 to drive your car in. There is a river with rapids and hiking as well as rock formations with carvings that date back to prehistoric times.
Mutanda Waterfall Mutanda falls, or also known as rapids, are a lovely place to visit. Georgie’s restaurant and lodge is the most popular place to go to experience the beauty but I would highly recommend Mutanda lodge. We experienced both which was a great way to do it. Mutanda lodge is a little closer to Solwezi and the main road with a quiet atmosphere. The rapids are better here for swimming and the access point is right next to the bar and restaurant. They also have impala on the property! Georgie’s tends to be a busier location and the rapids are also swimmable here but not in a private and relaxing way.
Kalumbila Trident Garden Estate is definitely worth a visit if you have the opportunity! It is a private estate with a dam for kayaking, golf course with golf carts, restaurant, bar, pool and gym. The restaurant atmosphere is relaxing with a beautiful view over the golf course and dam. You do need to know someone who lives there to get in, security is very strict so there is no way around this. Everything runs on a membership card so if you are looking to do any activities and eat/drink from the restaurant, you'll have to use the card with the member. Everyone was welcoming and enjoyed seeing new faces.
Nyambwezu Falls 130km beyond Kalumbila, and 15km off the main road is a breathtaking waterfall. Nyambwezu waterfall has mossy steep rock surfaces, tropical plants and vines all around with sheets of water falling down in a gorgeous way. As you descend the air cools down and the canopy of trees and mist of the waterfall are rejuvenating. A perfect picnic spot, good for swimming and even camping! Although this is a national monument, it is not kept up as well as the national monument waterfalls in Luapula, Northern and other provinces. The road is not graded and has some difficult parts to get through that require a high clearance vehicle. Due to the state of the road, the 15km could take more than 30 minutes each way. Once you arrive, there are no buildings and the clearing is hardly noticeable. There is space for a few vehicles to park and camp but no official camping sites or demarcations. In March 2022 the river flooded and the walking bridge was washed away. There is a short and low log bridge that is shaky but sturdy enough to walk across. From there, it is a short and steep hike down to the bottom of the falls.
The Lunga river Upon entering the humble town of Mwinilunga, you will cross a bridge of the river where the town derives its name. The Lunga river flows through the town of Mwinilunga and can be seen from many different places around. It is definitely worth taking some time to sit by the river or book a place to stay with a view. Lunga river view lodge is a good option for accommodation in Mwinilunga.
Chitunta Plains On the way to the Zambezi source, you will drive through expansive plains. The Chitunta plains have been recognised as an important bird area (IBA) for a number of bird species such as the Grimwood's Longdlaw, Rosy breasted, Fulleborn's Longclaws, Angola Lark, Blue Quail, Black-rumped Buttonquail and Great Snipe. At least eleven species of Cisticolas are found here. The site is also known for hosting Ficochrysops pinheyi, a Zambian endemic butterfly and Onychogomphus kitchingmani, an endemic dragonfly. The sign here recommends seeking the help of local people to explore the area and notes that a local conservation group is available.
The source of the Zambezi river Mwinilunga is known as the location of the source of the Zambezi, and it is important to note that it is about 50km north of the town. This is an iconic place to visit in Zambia being of such importance for the country. It is amazing to see such a small spring of water knowing that as it flows all throughout Zambia it will become the magnificent mosi-oa-tunya, Victoria falls, the world wonder. Not only is it so significant and special, it is also a beautiful area to walk around and the grounds have been well maintained with a simple tour of a small but significant spring. The water is known to be medicinal and herbal with a somewhat distinct taste as it comes out freshly chilled. The filtration through the roots makes it full of minerals and much more fresh at its source than anywhere else along the river. It is traditionally said to be an aphrodisiac, and the location of the source is where families and tribes have performed ceremonies and education for many centuries.
About 2km beyond, Komwadi is the first river that feeds into the Zambezi source. The river continues to be fed by other streams and rivers as it flows strongly from the northwestern corner to the border of Zimbabwe, with many popular tourist attractions along the way, the most notable being Lower Zambezi.
Zambezi forest reserve As you visit the source, soak in the beautiful forest in which the source of the Zambezi lives. This is a protected forest area with trees so tall to form a refreshingly cool canopy.
Zambezi rapids As the source begins in the upper northwestern corner of Zambia, the river then flows into the DRC, up to Angola and then back down into Zambia. This short anticlockwise circle of water with other artibuaries entering, creates incredible rapids about 40km north of the source, as well as a location of a power station. Therefore, the Zambezi rapids are found about 90km beyond Mwinilunga. This is most definitely worth a day trip and bring your swimming costume, picnic and cool box! The Zambezi rapids are not pinned on google maps because there is no service in this area. In order to access them, you continue past the source and then turn off the main road to the left towards an army post. Pass the small army post and it will eventually lead to a nursing school. At the roundabout of the nursing school, go right and continue on the road until you finally see a small torn sign for Zambezi power station. Ask along the way, everyone is very helpful and knows how to point explorers to the rapids. The rapids are extensive. Many different levels and rocks to hike around and numerous spots to swim. Even in July the water felt cold but refreshing so definitely recommend bringing a swimsuit to sit or slide or swim. There are fantastic sliding rocks that the kids were loving! It was busy on a Sunday long weekend with many youth groups who came for a day and overnight camping at the Zambezi rapids, but most other days you will be the only group to make the venture all this way.
Kalene hill and pineapple farms As you drive from the Zambezi source to its rapids, reveal in the fields of pineapples with a beautiful view of Kalene hill. Make sure to stop and buy some pineapples here because the farther away you go, the more expensive and less fresh they become. Kalene hill has a high elevation and can be hiked to see a gorgeous panoramic view over this area.
Nyangombe waterfall A large, multi drop waterfall which is probably the most accessible of all natural wonders in Northwestern province. This is also an ideal waterfall to swim in with a beautiful pool at the bottom and extensive tree coverage. Nyangombe waterfall is located at the Nyangombe Christian training centre which is pinned on google maps, and the exact location of the falls can be asked for upon entrance. Turn off the main road at the sign for the Christian training centre, about 10km from mwinilunga (towards solwezi). This is not a national monument.
Kakobo canyon rapids Much beyond the Nyangomoe waterfall, lies the Kakobo canyon rapids. It is a rocky and bumpy drive all the way to this location and therefore a 4x4 heavy duty car is needed and definitely would not advise going in the rainy season. There are a few turns to make at forks in the road so best to take someone who knows how to get there because there is no pin on google maps and service is spotty or no existent. Upon arrival, there are a few small thatched roof coverings which are there for camping and fishing trips by the Nyangombe Christian training centre.
Nyaunda rock This iconic rock is another point that is not on google maps and requires specific directions or going with someone who is familiar with it. Nyaunda rock is a tall, beautiful multi colored rock with steep sides. There is traditional significance to this rock and although it is not a popular tourist destination currently, it is definitely somewhere to add to your “must see” list. It is about 60km from the main road on tough terrain.
Lake Chibesa This medium sized lake serves as a lovely day trip from Mwinilunga. The pin location is correct on google maps but the road is again a tough terrain so make sure to plan adequate time and vehicles to access this remote location. Bring your picnic!
Muzhila (Mujila) waterfall Not far from Lake Chibesa is a lovely, small waterfall and agricultural centre. The pin on google maps is also correct here and is good combined with a day trip to Lake Chibesa.
written by www.wholefoodabroad.com