Copperbelt: Lakes, Protected Areas and Mining History

A collapsed lake, a chimpanzee sanctuary and a museum with three distinct galleries give Copperbelt its distinctive character. The landscape, wildlife and birdwatching, and mining history offer different ways to explore the region. A simple question can help with planning: would you mainly like to focus on lake activities, protected-area experiences, or museum and mining history?

Lakes and Protected Areas

Lake Kashiba is a collapsed lake in Mpongwe. Activities there include birdwatching, catch-and-release fishing, picnics, camping and swimming. Nature observation and a range of activities on the water go hand in hand. If you include the lake in your plans, you can focus on quiet observation, spending time outdoors or activities on the water.

Chembe Bird Sanctuary is about 30 km from Kitwe. Visitors can walk or drive around the lake and through the surrounding forest areas. This adds exploring the forest surroundings to the lake itself. Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage is a chimpanzee sanctuary in Copperbelt Province, adding a focus on chimpanzee conservation to the region’s nature experiences.

Lake Chilengwa is 20 minutes from Ndola. Together with Lake Kashiba and Chembe Bird Sanctuary, it gives Copperbelt several distinct landscape and nature experiences to weigh up when choosing your destinations.

Museum and Mining History

The Copperbelt Museum in Ndola was founded in 1962. It has three exhibition galleries: geology, ethnography and children’s toys. The museum’s education department develops programs for museum visitors. In addition to the galleries, educational programs are therefore part of the museum’s work. Exhibition details may change; check the current displays before your visit.

Mining history is also connected to specific places. Luanshya is home to Zambia’s oldest copper mine. You need permission from the mine office to visit the mine in Chingola. Arrange your visit with the office, as procedures may change. Nchanga Golf Course is also in Chingola.

Activities at Mindolo Dam

Mindolo Dam is about 7 km southwest of Kitwe’s city centre, on Kalulushi Road. It has a boating club, a swimming pool and a bar. Activities at the dam include fishing, camping, a game park and boating. When planning, the dam itself is not the only consideration: you can also combine different recreational options at this location. Facilities and conditions may change; contact the operator before your visit for the latest details.

Hotels and Travel Planning

Business travellers can find hotels with basic amenities in Mufulira, conveniently located from the city centre. This allows you to consider the purpose of your trip alongside your choice of accommodation, without narrowing the region’s varied travel interests to a single theme.

Discover more destinations: Kitwe, Chingola, Mufulira, Ndola, Luanshya, Kalulushi, Chililabombwe, Eastern Province.

Return to the main travel overview: Zambia.