Happy TravellerLocated in the heart of Zambia’s Copperbelt Province, Kalulushi is a town steeped in history and natural beauty. Founded in 1953 as a company town for workers at the nearby Chibuluma copper and cobalt mine, Kalulushi emerged as a planned community with the development of mining companies in the mid-20th century. Today, the town is home to a diverse community and offers visitors a unique glimpse into the country’s past and present.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Kalulushi’s history is the story of how it got its name. According to legend, two gentlemen were out hunting for rabbits when they spotted one of the creatures. Excitedly, one of the men called out ‘kalulu!’ which means rabbit in the local language. His friend quickly shushed him, hoping to avoid alarming the animal and causing it to run away. And so the town of Kalulushi was born.
Despite facing economic challenges in recent years, Kalulushi remains a vibrant community with much to offer visitors. The town’s major employer is Chambishi Metals, a mining company that has been a mainstay of the local economy for many years. In addition to mining, Kalulushi is home to a number of schools, including Kalulushi Trust School, Chavuma High School, Kalulushi High School, and St. Marcellin’s Secondary School. The town also boasts a unique roundabout with five roads connecting to it, as well as the second of two independence stadiums in Zambia.
For those interested in higher education, Kalulushi is home to Zambia Catholic University, a private institution that offers degrees in a variety of fields, including business administration, education, and human resource management. The town is also home to two colleges: Kalulushi College of Nursing, which offers nursing training, and Chibuluma College of Health Sciences, which has a multi-purpose sports court catering for tennis, volleyball, basketball, and soccer.
For nature lovers, the Chati Forest Reserve west of the city is a must-see destination. This protected area manages large plantations of eucalyptus, tropical pine, and other exotic tree species, supplying wood for the mining industry. The woods are also supplied to ZESCO, an electricity company. And for sports enthusiasts, Kalulushi is home to the Chibuluma Rugby Club and Kalulushi Modern Stars FC, both playing in the country’s top flight leagues in rugby and football respectively.
Kalulushi’s mining heritage remains a point of pride for many residents, and the town is home to several active mines, including Chambishi Metals, NFC Africa Mining, Chibuluma Mines, Chambishi Copper Smelter, Kagem Mining Limited, and Gemcanton Mining Services Ltd. While mining continues to be an important part of the local economy, Kalulushi is also looking towards the future, with plans to expand education and tourism in the coming years.
Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or sports, Kalulushi offers something for everyone. So why not plan a visit to this charming Zambian town and experience its many treasures for yourself?
