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Home / Destinations / Kitwe

Kitwe

Zambia · City · ZMW · -12.802400, 28.213200
Family friendly 7.1/10 · Rank 656 of 2 709
Best season: May-August

Best for

Suitable for business travellers and African culture lovers

Best season

May-August

Daily budget
$69.00 (≈ 5 790 ₽)
For 7 days
$483.00 (≈ 40 533 ₽)
Kitwe is Zambia's second-largest city and a key center for the country's mining industry, located in the heart of the Copperbelt Province. Originally a mining settlement, the city today offers travelers a blend of industrial history and natural beauty, including Lake Mindolo and the Chembe Bird Sanctuary. Kitwe is the perfect place for those wanting to see the real working Zambia and enjoy the friendly atmosphere of a provincial city.
Summer
33.0°C
Winter
10.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

moderate

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Kitwe residents are friendly, hardworking and hospitable people proud of their industrial city

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Affordable prices
  • Rich culture
  • Hospitable locals
  • Developed infrastructure

Cons

  • High crime rate
  • Limited tourist infrastructure
  • Dusty climate
  • Distance from the sea
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
25.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
29.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
33.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
18.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
24.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
10.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
November-March
Attractions

Chisokone Market

Large market with local products and crafts

Copper Museum

Museum dedicated to the history of copper mining in the region

Mindolo Park

Scenic park with lakes and recreation areas

Best areas

Kitwe Centre

Main area with market and shops

Parklands

Residential area with cafes and restaurants

Must-try food

Nshima

Traditional cornmeal porridge, served with meat and vegetables

Kapana

Grilled meat, popular street food

Ifisashi

Stewed pumpkin leaves with peanuts

Where to go next

Ndola

Major city with museums 1 hour away

Lusaka

Capital of Zambia 4 hours away

Kafue National Park

National park with wildlife 3 hours away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
medium
Getting there
Nearest airports
Southdowns Airport (KIW).
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Visa
Visa requirements
e-visa
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
May-August
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.80
≈ 67 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
—
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Kitwe: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is May-August. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Kitwe: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +33.0°C, during the day — up to +29.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Kitwe: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +10.0°C, during the day — up to +24.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Kitwe: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on November-March. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Kitwe: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $69.00 (≈ 5 790 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Kitwe: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $15.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $50.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $80.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $150.00 per night, an apartment — $40.00 per night, a villa — $100.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Kitwe: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $5.00, dinner at a restaurant — $12.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.00, a 0.5L beer — $1.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Kitwe: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $20.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.80, a short taxi ride — $3.00, car rental — $45.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Kitwe: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Chisokone Market — Large market with local products and crafts; Copper Museum — Museum dedicated to the history of copper mining in the region; Mindolo Park — Scenic park with lakes and recreation areas. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Kitwe: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Nshima — Traditional cornmeal porridge, served with meat and vegetables; Kapana — Grilled meat, popular street food; Ifisashi — Stewed pumpkin leaves with peanuts. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Kitwe: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Kitwe Centre — Main area with market and shops; Parklands — Residential area with cafes and restaurants. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Kitwe: is a visa required?
Visa: e-visa. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Kitwe: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Southdowns Airport (code KIW). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $20.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Kitwe: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — ZMW. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $69.00 (≈ 5 790 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Kitwe: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Kitwe: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as medium. There is a good choice of bars and restaurants, but without excessive noise.
Kitwe: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Ndola — Major city with museums 1 hour away; Lusaka — Capital of Zambia 4 hours away; Kafue National Park — National park with wildlife 3 hours away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7.1/10
Overall rank: 656 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 188

Best season

May-August

Useful information

Currency: ZMW
Coordinates: -12.802400, 28.213200