Mpulungu

Mpulungu is a port city on Lake Tanganyika in Zambia to 788 meters above sea level. It is the seat of the administration of the district of the same with 67,602 inhabitants ( 2000 census ).

Economy

Mpulungu is the only Zambian port. It is a small town with very few shops but a considerable turnover of goods. There is a market.

Infrastructure

The port is served by the MS Liemba every Friday. From there a paved road to Mbala and from there to the north to Tanzania and to the southeast to Kasama and on to Tanzam Highway. A dirt road connects with the border town of Mbala Nakonde on Tanzam Highway.

Tourism

The shores of Mpulungu consist of sandy beaches, granite cliffs and marshes. The clear, 1,433 meters deep lake offers more than 350 species of fish, including the Tigersalmler and some cichlids and numerous ornamental fish for export. The fishing industry is the largest employer with 300 jobs of the place. 60 km west of the lake lies the Nsumbu National Park. Its main town Nsumbu was until the mid 19th century, a slave collection point for the shipment of the lake to Zanzibar. There are several lodges and camps in all categories.

Mpulungu is the starting point for tours to the Kalambo waterfalls.