Discover Kabwe: City History and Broken Hill

Kabwe brings together a clearly dated urban history, political events at Mulungushi Rock, and a possible hike up Broken Hill. Its historical themes range from the discovery of lead and zinc deposits to a fossil discovery and the renaming of the city. On a hike, you can look out over “lakes” that formed in abandoned mine shafts. If you are looking for hotels in Kabwe, these different points of interest can help you decide the purpose of your stay: urban history, political history, or a scenic highlight.

Mining History and Former Names

Kabwe was founded in 1902, when lead and zinc deposits were discovered. The city was called Broken Hill until it was renamed in 1966. Another historical connection is a fossil skull found in a mine near Kabwe in 1921. It is known as Broken Hill Man or Rhodesian Man. The three dates mark distinct chapters: 1902, the founding in connection with the deposits; 1921, the discovery in the mine; and 1966, the change of the city’s name. Kabwe’s history cannot therefore be reduced to its former name or mining alone. When choosing a destination, it may help to focus on the aspect that interests you most: the city’s origins, the fossil discovery, or its naming history.

Political History at Mulungushi Rock

Mulungushi Rock, a site associated with several political events, lies in the wider Kabwe area. In 1958, the Kaunda-Kapwepe breakaway group met there; it later became the United National Independence Party (UNIP). Also in 1958, Mulungushi Rock was first used for a rally by the Zambian African National Congress (ZANC); in 1960, the first conference of the newly founded UNIP was held there. The sequence of years distinguishes the events: the group meeting and ZANC rally in 1958 were followed two years later by the UNIP conference. The organizations and occasions should not be conflated: the breakaway group is associated with the later UNIP, while the rally was organized by ZANC. These events give this political chapter a clear chronological structure. For travelers who want to focus on this part of the history, Mulungushi Rock is a distinct historical point of interest in the Kabwe area.

Broken Hill and the “Lakes”

A hike up Broken Hill can open up views of “lakes” that have formed over decades in abandoned mine shafts filled with rainwater. The water adds a distinctive connection to the disused shafts; the hill therefore offers a different focus from the political events at Mulungushi Rock. Check local conditions and access before visiting. This lets you include the hike as a separate option in your travel plans and weigh its scenic appeal alongside Kabwe’s historical themes.

A Wider View of Central Province

Kafue National Park extends across Zambia’s North-Western, Central, and Southern provinces, reaching beyond Central Province. The paved M9, also known as Mongu Road, runs through the national park. If you include the wider region in your travel plans, the park’s extent and the road are two distinct geographical aspects to consider. Check local road conditions when traveling on the M9, as they can change.

Discover more destinations: Mumbwa, Mulola.

Return to the main travel overview: Central Province.