Things To Do
in Solwezi
Solwezi is the administrative and commercial centre of Zambia’s North-Western Province, shaped in recent decades by large-scale copper and copper-cobalt mining. The town blends a lively market and local Kaonde culture with mining-company infrastructure, creating a practical base for exploring nearby miombo woodlands and remote national parks. Visitors will find a small-city feel, expanding services (hotels, clinics, supermarkets) and a mix of local and expatriate communities tied to the mining economy.
Solwezi is best approached with some planning — permits and transports to nearby wild areas are often required, but it rewards visitors with birdlife, scenic landscapes and authentic regional life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka and take a domestic flight to Solwezi. Upon landing, check into your hotel and relax while acclimating to the local environment. Take a stroll around your hotel to get a feel for the area and enjoy the beautiful landscapes.
Visit the Solwezi Market to experience the local culture firsthand. Engage with the vendors, sample local delicacies, and pick up some handcrafted goods to take home. This vibrant marketplace is a great way to immerse yourself in the daily life of Solwezi's residents.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant where you can indulge in Zambian cuisine, featuring dishes such as nshima and game meat. As you dine, listen to musicians performing traditional Zambian music, setting the perfect ambiance for your first night. Conclude your evening with a relaxing walk back to your hotel under the African stars.
Embark on a guided tour of the North Western Province, famous for its rich natural resources and stunning landscapes. Start with a visit to the nearby Kifubwa River, where you can enjoy bird watching and spot playful monkeys. Capture the breathtaking views and take plenty of photographs to remember your morning.
Head to the local mining sites to learn about Zambia's mining industry, particularly copper. The tour guides will share insights into the processes and the impact of mining on the local economy. Afterwards, explore some of the natural reserves in the area, taking in the serene surroundings.
Return to Solwezi and unwind at your hotel. Savor a cozy dinner while reflecting on the day’s discoveries and adventures. If available, participate in an evening cultural event to connect with the local community.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| ☕Coffee at café | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $60-150 |
| ⛽Local SIM with data (monthly top-up) | $5-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Access point for remote miombo woodlands and birding opportunities
- Authentic regional culture with lively markets and community life
- Growing range of services (hotels, clinics, supermarkets) due to mining investment
- Remoteness and limited tourist infrastructure compared to major Zambian hubs
- Access to some attractions requires permits or mine/company permission
- Seasonal road issues during the rainy season and limited ATM/cash availability
- "Muli shani?" - How are you? (Bemba greeting)
- "Shani / Shani bonse" - Hello / Hi (informal)
- "Natotela" - Thank you
- "Eya" - Yes
- "Texa (or 'Sorry' in English)" - Excuse me / Sorry (use English if unsure)
Places to Visit in Solwezi
Visit one of these nice places.
Lively scenes of trade, colorful produce and local life — excellent for candid street and portrait photography in the morning.
Golden light and open-canopy forests near Solwezi offer landscape photography, large trees, butterflies and birdlife; best during early morning or late afternoon.
Dramatic industrial vistas around mining operations can be compelling photo subjects, but respect restricted areas and obtain permission before photographing on-site.
Seasonal rivers and small falls near Solwezi provide natural photo opportunities, particularly after the rains when vegetation is lush.
Food in Solwezi
Solwezi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The staple maize porridge served with various relishes: beef, chicken, fish or vegetable stews. Found at local eateries and market stalls — a must-try to experience everyday Zambian food.
Must-Try!
A creamy vegetable dish made with greens (pumpkin leaves or spinach) cooked in groundnut paste; common at local homes and traditional meal spots.
Skewered and grilled meats available at barbecue stands and some restaurants; popular with locals and visitors seeking a flavorful meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The bustling market is the best place to taste fresh fruit, roasted maize, fried snacks and buy local ingredients; try small street grills for grilled chicken or beef.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people politely—handshakes and a friendly 'Muli shani?' (Bemba for 'How are you?') or English 'Hello' are common. Use respectful language with elders.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural villages or at religious ceremonies; some may expect a small payment for posed photos.
Dress modestly in public and village settings; avoid overly revealing clothing. Be polite and patient — invite conversation rather than interrupting, and accept offers of hospitality graciously.
If invited into a home, remove shoes if requested, bring a small gift if appropriate and follow the host's lead with seating and food etiquette.
Safety
Tipping in Solwezi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated: small tips (equivalent to $1–3) for porters, guides and good service in restaurants. For hotel staff and drivers, modest tips are customary if service is helpful.
Zambian kwacha (ZMW) is the local currency; cash is king in Solwezi, especially outside hotels. ATMs exist but may be limited or run out of cash; major hotels and some businesses accept credit cards, though merchant acceptance can be spotty — notify your bank and carry backup cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect warm temperatures with heavy afternoon or evening thunderstorms; roads can become muddy and some rural tracks impassable, so 4x4 transport is advisable. Vegetation is lush, making it the best time for birding and seeing waterfalls, but insect activity (mosquitoes) increases.
Days are warm and sunny with cool to chilly nights, especially June–August. Roads are generally more reliable, wildlife viewing (in accessible reserves) can be easier, and dust increases in dry months.
Solwezi at Night
Hiking in Solwezi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Multiple unmarked and locally guided trails through miombo woodland offering birdwatching, plant identification and short day hikes; ideal early morning or late afternoon.
A remote national-park region in North-Western Province with wildlife and wilderness hiking opportunities — access requires planning, permissions and often a 4x4; best for experienced, well-prepared visitors.
Short hikes along local rivers to seasonal waterfalls and pools; best visited in or shortly after the wet season when flows are strongest.
Airports
How to reach Solwezi by plane.
The local airport serving Solwezi with regional flights and charter services. Useful for connections to Lusaka or charter flights to mine sites; schedules can be limited so book in advance.
The nearest major commercial airport with more frequent domestic connections and some international flights — several hours’ drive from Solwezi. Often used as a gateway for medical referrals or onward travel.
Zambia’s largest international airport (in Lusaka), used for international arrivals and major domestic connections; travel to Solwezi from Lusaka is typically by domestic flight (charter/limited scheduled) or long road transfer.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
One of the main indigenous groups in the Solwezi area, speaking Kaonde and representing local cultural customs and community life.
Neighboring ethnic groups and languages are present in the region, contributing to a culturally diverse population.
Large numbers of Zambians from other provinces and expatriate workers are associated with mining companies, creating an international, transient community around the mines.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Zambia, with local matches and community leagues drawing interest and informal play in town fields.
Netball, athletics and community sports are common, especially in schools and local clubs; social tournaments occur at community and company-organised events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Solwezi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited outside hotels — look for vegetable stews, ifisashi and maize-based dishes. Ask kitchen staff to omit meat stock and confirm ingredients; carrying snacks is useful for remote trips.
Vegan choices are available but sparse; request dishes based on vegetables and nshima without butter or meat-based sauces. Communicate clearly in English at restaurants.
Bring any essential allergy medication and be cautious with street food; drink bottled or boiled water and avoid raw salads if you have a sensitive stomach.