Mufulira, Zambia
Region: Mufulira is located in the Copperbelt Province
Geographic Coordinates: -12.535600, 28.241900
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 35.0°C (59°F to 95°F)
Climate: Mufulira, Zambia has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season runs from November to April, while the dry season lasts from May to October. Temperatures are generally high throughout the year, with an average of 26°C (79°F) and occasional heatwaves in the hotter months.
Population: 122336
Language: Bemba
Mufulira is a city in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province, Situated about 16 kilometers north of Kitwe and 80 kilometers north of Lusaka. The town has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s when copper deposits were discovered in the area. The name Mufulira means place of abundance in the local Bemba language, Reflecting its association with copper mining. One of Zambia’s first commercial mines was established here by Rhodesia Selection Trust (RST) in 1923, And other mining companies have since joined them. Despite being a mining town, Mufulira offers visitors many attractions beyond copper.
The Kankoyo Township Museum showcases local culture and history through various exhibits, While Kundelungu National Park is home to diverse wildlife such as elephants and lions. For those interested in sports or outdoor activities like hiking or mountain biking can explore Luanshya Sports Club which offers various facilities including tennis courts and squash courts as well as swimming pool where you can cool off after an intense workout session. There are also excellent shopping centers like Mukuba Mall Shopping Centre and Mufulira Shopping Centre where visitors can buy souvenirs or gifts for their loved ones back home.
The town’s infrastructure is well-developed with several schools, Hospitals, And other amenities available to residents. The largest hospital in the area is Mufulira Mine Hospital which provides medical care to both mine workers and locals alike. Overall, Mufulira offers tourists a unique glimpse into Zambia’s cultural heritage as well as its mining industry. Its beautiful scenery, Wildlife parks, Shopping centers make it one of Zambia’s most popular tourist destinations.
- Mining: Mufulira is known for its copper mines, which are the largest employers in the town.
- Agriculture: The town has a significant agricultural sector, with crops such as maize, beans, and groundnuts being grown.
- Manufacturing: There are several small-scale manufacturing businesses in Mufulira that produce items such as textiles and furniture.
- Retail: There are numerous retail stores in the town that sell a variety of goods including foodstuffs, clothing, and electronics.
- Services: The service industry is also growing in Mufulira with banks, hotels, restaurants and other service providers opening up to cater to the growing population of the town.
- Mufulira Mine: The most notable historical event associated with Mufulira is the discovery of copper in 1923, which led to the establishment of the Mufulira Mine. The mine became one of the largest copper producers in Africa and played a significant role in Zambia’s economy.
- Simon Kapwepwe: Simon Kapwepwe was a prominent Zambian politician who was born and raised in Mufulira. He served as Vice President of Zambia from 1967 to 1970 under President Kenneth Kaunda.
- John Mwanakatwe: John Mwanakatwe was another notable Zambian politician who hailed from Mufulira. He served as Minister of Finance and National Planning under President Levy Mwanawasa from 2006 to 2008.
- Arthur Wina: Arthur Wina was a prominent Zambian lawyer, politician, and diplomat who also hailed from Mufulira. He served as Zambia’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs after independence in 1964.
- Independence Day Celebrations: On October 24, 1964, Zambia gained its independence from British colonial rule, and celebrations were held throughout the country, including in Mufulira.
- Sports Heroes: Several notable sports personalities have come out of Mufulira over the years, including footballer Kalusha Bwalya (who captained the national team during its first appearance at the World Cup), boxer Lottie Mwale (who won several international titles), and long-distance runner Samuel Matete (who won Olympic silver for his native Zambia).
- Health Care Services: In recent years, there has been an increased focus on improving health care services in Mufulira through initiatives such as building new hospitals and clinics and training more doctors and nurses to serve local communities.
- Environmental Pollution: There have been concerns about environmental pollution caused by the mining activities in Mufulira, which has affected the health and well-being of local residents.
- Mufulira Mine Museum
- Kafubu Mall
- Mokambo Cultural Village
- Mufulira Cultural and Tourism Centre
- Sable Transport Limited Monument
- Mufulira Golf Club
- Chibuluma South Mine Tour
- Mupambele Rural Health Center
- Mukuba Mall
- Kamuchanga Bridge
- Independence Day: Celebrated on October 24th every year to mark the country’s independence from British rule in 1964.
- International Women’s Day: Celebrated on March 8th every year to recognize and celebrate women’s achievements and contributions to society.
- Labour Day: Celebrated on May 1st every year to honor the contributions of workers and laborers in society.
- Zambia International Trade Fair: Held annually in Ndola (a neighboring city) but attracts visitors from Mufulira as well. The event showcases products from various industries such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism, etc.
- Kuomboka Ceremony: A traditional ceremony of the Lozi people that takes place around April or May each year when they move from their flooded plains to higher ground.
- Nc’wala Ceremony: A traditional ceremony of the Ngoni people that takes place around February each year when they celebrate their harvest season with dance performances and feasting.
- Lwiindi Gonde Ceremony: A traditional ceremony of the Tonga people that takes place around August or September each year when they give thanks for a successful harvest season through dance performances and feasting.
These are just a few examples of cultural events and festivals celebrated in Zambia that may be attended by residents of Mufulira depending on their personal interests or affiliations with different ethnic groups within Zambia itself.
- Nkana Restaurant – a restaurant that serves traditional Zambian cuisine such as nshima (a staple made from maize flour), grilled meat, and vegetables.
- Golden Peacock Restaurant – a Chinese restaurant known for its delicious dumplings, stir-fried dishes, and noodles.
- The Country Lodge – a hotel with a restaurant that offers both international and local cuisine including fish from Lake Tanganyika.
- Chikwanda’s Kitchen – a small eatery that serves delicious Zambian dishes such as kapenta (small dried fish), beans with nshima, and chicken stew.
- Kafue Fisheries Limited – this is the place to go if you want to try some of the best fish in town! They serve fresh tilapia grilled or fried with chips or nshima on the side.
- Kafue National Park
- Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage
- Mufulira Golf Club
- Mufulira Rugby Club
- Kamuchanga Recreational Park
- Ndeke Hotel and Conference Centre
- Mokambo Hills Forest Reserve
- Chingola Open-pit Mine Viewpoint
