Kabwe Region

The Kabwe region in central Zambia is a place of profound historical weight and significant environmental challenges. Originally known as Broken Hill, it was the site of the country's first major mine, which began operations in 1904 and produced lead and zinc for nearly a century. The region gained international scientific fame in 1921 when miners discovered the 'Kabwe Skull,' a fossil of Homo rhodesiensis that provided pivotal evidence for human evolution in Africa. Geographically, Kabwe sits on a high plateau and serves as a critical transport hub connecting Lusaka to the northern Copperbelt province. However, the legacy of intensive mining has left a severe ecological footprint; Kabwe is frequently cited as one of the most lead-polluted places on Earth, necessitating large-scale cleanup and health intervention programs. Politically, the area is revered as the birthplace of Zambian independence, with the Mulungushi Rock of Authority serving as a symbolic site for national gatherings. Despite its industrial history, the surrounding district remains a productive agricultural zone, famous for its large-scale farming of maize and tobacco. Today, Kabwe is at a crossroads, seeking to rehabilitate its environment while transitioning toward a diversified economic future.

Nearby cities

Kabwe

Kabwe, formerly Broken Hill, is the capital of the Central Province and an important transportation hub.

Kapiri Mposhi

Kapiri Mposhi is a major railway junction and transportation hub in the Central Province.

Mumbwa

Mumbwa is a town in the Central Province, situated west of Lusaka along the road to Mongu.

Mkushi

Mkushi is famous for its commercial farming block, making it a key agricultural hub in Zambia.

Serenje

A town in the Muchinga province located along the Great North Road.

Chibombo

Chibombo is a district and town in Central Province, dominated by small-scale farming communities.

History & landmarks

The Big Tree National Monument

A huge and ancient fig tree in the center of Kabwe, historically used as a gathering place.

Mulungushi Rock of Authority

A historic open-air site near Kabwe, known as the birthplace of the Zambian independence movement.

TAZARA Railway Terminal Kapiri Mposhi

The imposing terminus of the TAZARA railway line connecting Zambia to the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

Livingstone Memorial Chitambo

A monument at the site where the heart of the famous explorer David Livingstone was buried.

Kundalila Falls

A picturesque 70-meter fall on the Kaombe River, plunging from the Muchinga Escarpment and offering breathtaking views.

Kasanka National Park

A small but special park famous for hosting the world's largest mammal migration of millions of fruit bats.

Itezhi-Tezhi Dam

An important dam on the Kafue River that serves to regulate water levels for the Kafue Gorge power station.

Nature

Mulungushi River

A river in central Zambia, important for local irrigation and hydro-power potential.

More places

Chisamba Forests

A forested area in central Zambia, valued for its biodiversity and timber resources.

Zambeef Meat Processing

One of the largest agribusiness and food processing companies in the region, specializing in meat products.

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Fort Elwes

A stone fort built in 1896 by European prospectors to defend against the Ngoni people.

Luangwa Wildlife Sanctuary

Protected area for endangered animal species.

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Luambe National Park

An intact ecosystem in the Luangwa Valley.

Zambezi Gorge

The deep gorge below Victoria Falls.

Chipata Maize Fields

Center for maize cultivation in the east.