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Home / Destinations / Solwezi

Solwezi

Zambia · City · ZMW · -12.168800, 26.389400
Family friendly 6.9/10 · Rank 843 of 2 709
Best season: April-September

Best for

Suitable for business travellers, history and nature lovers

Best season

April-September

Daily budget
$98.00 (≈ 8 224 ₽)
For 7 days
$686.00 (≈ 57 569 ₽)
Solwezi is a rapidly growing city in northwestern Zambia, serving as the administrative center of the North-Western Province and an important mining hub. The city is nestled among scenic hills and offers travelers a unique blend of industrial dynamism and natural beauty. Solwezi is an ideal starting point for exploring the pristine landscapes of the northwest and learning about the culture of local communities.
Summer
33.0°C
Winter
11.4°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

moderate

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Solwezi residents are friendly, hardworking and hospitable

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Rich history
  • Copper mine
  • Affordable prices
  • Developed infrastructure
  • Hospitable locals

Cons

  • Industrial city
  • Limited nightlife
  • Few attractions
  • Distance from the capital
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
24.7°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
18.1°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
25.1°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
11.4°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
December-March
Attractions

Kansanshi Copper Mine

Zambia's largest copper operation, located on Solwezi's doorstep, with views of industrial facilities

Kifubwa National Monument

Archaeological site with ancient rock paintings

Mutanda Falls

Scenic waterfall 33 km west of Solwezi, a popular picnic spot

Solwezi Market

The town's busiest market with fresh produce, street food and local crafts

Solwezi Museum

Museum with exhibits on mining history and the culture of local tribes

Best areas

Solwezi Centre

Main area with the market, museum and shops

Kansanshi Area

Area around the copper mine with cafes and restaurants

Must-try food

Nshima

Traditional cornmeal porridge, the staple dish in Zambia

Ifisashi

Stewed cassava leaves with peanuts

Kapenta

Fried fish, a popular snack

Village Chicken

Chicken stewed with vegetables and spices

Where to go next

Chingola

Town with a market and museum 2 hours away

Kitwe

Town with a market and museum 3 hours away

Kafue National Park

Largest national park in Zambia 4 hours away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Solwezi Airport (SLI).
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Visa
Visa requirements
required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
April-September
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
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$180.00
≈ 15 106 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
—
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Solwezi: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is April-September. 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.
Solwezi: 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.
Solwezi: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +11.4°C, during the day — up to +25.1°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.
Solwezi: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on December-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.
Solwezi: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $98.00 (≈ 8 224 ₽) 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.
Solwezi: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $15.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $60.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $100.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $180.00 per night, an apartment — $60.00 per night, a villa — $150.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Solwezi: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $10.00, dinner at a restaurant — $25.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $2.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Solwezi: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $30.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.00, a short taxi ride — $5.00, car rental — $50.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Solwezi: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Kansanshi Copper Mine — Zambia's largest copper operation, located on Solwezi's doorstep, with views of industrial facilities; Kifubwa National Monument — Archaeological site with ancient rock paintings; Mutanda Falls — Scenic waterfall 33 km west of Solwezi, a popular picnic spot; Solwezi Market — The town's busiest market with fresh produce, street food and local crafts; Solwezi Museum — Museum with exhibits on mining history and the culture of local tribes. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Solwezi: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Nshima — Traditional cornmeal porridge, the staple dish in Zambia; Ifisashi — Stewed cassava leaves with peanuts; Kapenta — Fried fish, a popular snack; Village Chicken — Chicken stewed with vegetables and spices. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Solwezi: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Solwezi Centre — Main area with the market, museum and shops; Kansanshi Area — Area around the copper mine with cafes and restaurants. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Solwezi: is a visa required?
Visa: required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Solwezi: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Solwezi Airport (code SLI). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $30.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Solwezi: 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 $98.00 (≈ 8 224 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Solwezi: 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.
Solwezi: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Solwezi: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Chingola — Town with a market and museum 2 hours away; Kitwe — Town with a market and museum 3 hours away; Kafue National Park — Largest national park in Zambia 4 hours away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

6.9/10
Overall rank: 843 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 262

Best season

April-September

Useful information

Currency: ZMW
Coordinates: -12.168800, 26.389400