Getting Around Kabwe
Kabwe sits on the Great North Road, the T2, which links it south to Lusaka and north to Kapiri Mposhi, with a branch route onward to Ndola. It is also on the Zambia Railways line, and the town is the headquarters of Zambia Railways. For the visitor, the practical reality is that road transport is the reliable option for predictable schedules, while trains run irregularly.
On Foot
The town centre and CBD are compact and walkable for short errands and sightseeing. Many locals use bicycles, and most simply walk. There is a network of dirt-path shortcuts between the named streets, particularly across the railway tracks between the suburb of Luangwa and the main part of town.
Walking beyond the centre deserves some care. In its heyday many of Kabwe's streets were paved and lighted; today the light posts are still there but, except right in town, the lights are gone, and all but the main streets have deteriorated back into dirt roads with serious bumps and holes.
Minibuses and Local Buses
Blue-and-white minibuses are found all over town and are good value. The driver will stop to pick you up wherever you stand, but be prepared to have to wait to get off only where he wants to stop. Local town buses and minibuses cover short hops inside Kabwe, operating informally from central stops, and shared minibuses and meter taxis operate from Kabwe Bus Station, the central bus station.
If you are driving yourself, keep plenty of space between your car and the minibuses, because they drive dangerously — as all the locals will tell you.
Taxis and Bike Taxis
Taxis are generally unmetered, so agree the fare before departure. Short cross-town trips are cheap, while longer transfers cost much more. Motorcycle taxis, also known as bike taxis, operate informally for short hops in town.
Rail
Kabwe Railway Station is on Zambia Railways' central north–south line and is a historic transport hub. Passenger services, however, are limited and irregular, and schedules change, so check with Zambia Railways or at the station in advance. When trains are running, the trip to or from Lusaka takes a few hours depending on the service. Trains are slower than direct minibuses but offer more space and a smoother ride for luggage.
Intercity Buses and Coaches
There is good luxury bus service going north from Lusaka and south from the Copperbelt cities. One of the best-known companies running buses is Mazhandu — but be prepared to listen to, or try to ignore, a loud preacher quoting from the Bible during the first half-hour or so on rides leaving Lusaka. The "bus station" for all companies is on the street in front of Big Bite.
Intercity minibuses and coaches run between Lusaka and Kabwe, departing from Lusaka bus parks such as the Showgrounds and main terminals and arriving at Kabwe's central bus station. Minibuses depart when full, timetables are informal, seats fill fast, and vehicles can be crowded. From the Copperbelt, Ndola to Kabwe by intercity bus or shared minibus is also straightforward.
Driving
If you drive a car, go slowly and carefully: outside the main streets the surfaces are rough, with serious bumps and holes. In Zambia, as in most former British colonies, traffic on a two-way street drives on the left side of the road.
Reaching Kabwe from the Airport
The nearest international airports are Kenneth Kaunda International (LUN) in Lusaka and Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe (NLA) in Ndola. From Lusaka, the usual way into Kabwe is by intercity minibus or coach from the city's bus parks to Kabwe's central bus station, or by private taxi or airport transfer, which takes a couple of hours. Road transport is the dependable choice if you want a predictable schedule.
Practical Tips
- Carry small change and water.
- ATM availability in town is limited, so carry cash.
- Occasional power outages occur, so bring backup chargers.
- Agree taxi fares before you set off, since taxis are generally unmetered.
- Allow extra time for minibuses, which depart when full rather than to a timetable.