Ndola

Introduction

You will find Ndola serving as a vital industrial and commercial hub within the Copperbelt region of Zambia. As the capital of Copperbelt Province, the city sits in close proximity to the border with the DR Congo.

During your stay, you can visit the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, which holds the distinction of being the first modern stadium in the country.

Before you go

Before you arrive, it is helpful to understand the complex history of the region's mineral wealth. The area sits atop rich veins of copper and other minerals, which were historically exploited by colonial powers under hazardous conditions. This legacy of extraction shaped the political landscape of both Zambia and the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, leading to periods of local tension and separatist movements over the distribution of mining profits.

You should also be aware of the local history surrounding the 1961 crash of the United Nations aircraft carrying Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld near Ndola. While various theories have circulated regarding the circumstances of his death, it is generally attributed to pilot fatigue or navigational error during a period of intense regional conflict.

• English and Lamba are the languages spoken in Ndola.

Getting there

You can reach this economic hub and copperbelt center by air at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport, which sits a short distance from the downtown area. You can fly into the city from international destinations such as Dar Es Salaam, Addis Ababa, Johannesburg, and Nairobi, or take domestic flights from Lusaka and other cities within Zambia.

If you prefer to travel by road, you can reach the city via a well-paved road from Lusaka. Numerous buses operate on this route daily. Alternatively, you can arrive by train at the station located northeast of downtown, which serves as a stop for the Zambezi train traveling from Livingstone through Lusaka.

Getting around

Information regarding transportation and local transit within the area is not currently available.

Where to stay

You can find a variety of accommodations across different areas of the city to suit your needs. For those seeking options near the Plaza cinema, the New Ambassador Hotel offers various room types including twin, double, semi-suite, and family rooms with breakfast included. If you prefer staying near the Kafubu shopping mall on Kanomgesha Road, Blessing Guest House provides single or double rooms with security staff and a bar.

Other options are available in different neighborhoods:

• Ukadzi Guest House is located off airport cargo road.
• Wilrose Guesthouse sits on Masala Road and offers rooms with private bathrooms.
• Little Eden Lodge can be found on Chipulukusu Road.
• Zholele Lodge provides single and double rooms on Bukafu Avenue.

Food & drink

You can enjoy a variety of savory dishes across several local establishments. Choose from pizza and pasta at Bei Tempi, or visit Deja Vu in the Uptown area for a selection of succulent cuisines. If you prefer a casual atmosphere, Bo'Jangles offers both pub fare and pizza.

Complement your meal with a drink from the local selection, where you can choose between cold beer or matured wine. For your caffeine fix, visit Vanilla Bread to enjoy coffee in a cozy setting.

What to see and do

You can visit the Dag Hammarskjöld Crash Site Memorial located southwest of Ndola along the highway to Kitwe. This site commemorates the plane crash that took the life of the former UN Secretary-General and features a garden and a small museum dedicated to his life and the role of the United Nations.

Explore local history at the Copperbelt Museum in the downtown area, where you can view exhibits on ethnography, bird species, and the regional mining industry. For outdoor experiences, you can visit Nsobe Game Camp.

When to go

You can experience a variety of weather patterns depending on your choice of timing. During the wet season, you should prepare for humid conditions and heavy rainfall, which may lead to flooding in low-lying areas.

Alternatively, you can visit during the long dry season when there is little to no rainfall. This period offers cooler and more comfortable travel conditions, particularly during the coolest months of the year.

Three days in Ndola

Day one, you can begin your journey in the Copperbelt Province. You might spend your time exploring the local area or preparing for travel toward other destinations like Lusaka.

Day two, you can visit the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium or find a place to rest at the Blessing Guest House. If you prefer to stay near the city center, you can find accommodations nearby.

Day three, you can head toward the Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport to prepare for your departure from Zambia.