TOWNS & CITIES

Divided among 10 provinces, Zambia boasts destinations that are rich in culture and history. There are five major cities – Lusaka, Kitwe, Ndola, Livingstone and Chipata – but your opportunities are endless with more than 70 unique towns to visit in all.

If you are an avid explorer, in search of the next hidden gem, there are several monuments, heritage sites and lesser-known destinations that are waiting to be discovered. While Zambia is most famous for its outstanding natural heritage, its towns and cities present an interesting experience as modern skyscrapers and contemporary apartment blocks spring up.

With a population of roughly 21 million people and counting, at least 44% live in urban areas according to United Nations reports. Lusaka is home to over three million people and the country has an average density of around 29 residents per kilometre, according to Worldometer (this is considered low. Macau has around 21 000 per square kilometre, Monaco 19 000 and Singapore 7 000. When the area was colonised by European powers towards the end of the 19th century, population density was estimated to be one person per square kilometre).

Urbanisation following mining and the industrialisation of copper mining lead the development of Ndola and Kitwe. Most tourists visit Lusaka, the main travel hub, and Livingstone, the gateway to Victoria Falls. Another important town is Mfuwe, which is the main entry point for South Luangwa National Park. Siavonga is the major centre on Lake Kariba.

Zambia is organised accordingly: provinces – districts – constituencies – wards. Towns and cities are fairly well connected by air thanks to international and domestic airports.

PHOTO CREDITS: Matthew Grollnek, Duke Makangila, Ninara, Dealtt, Lighton Phiri, Mondoka and Francis Jackson | Wikipedia, Eston Oboch | Unsplash, Attila Jandi and Tatsiana Hendzel | Dreamstime