Northern Plateau

The Northern Plateau is a region of Zambia

• -10.53333332.051 Chinsali — hometown of former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda
• -10.21166731.1783332 Kasama — capital of the Northern Province
• -11.18222228.8833333 Mansa — provincial centre of Luapula Province
• -11.85833331.4333334 Mpika — fast growing town of Northern Province
• -8.77531.1166675 Mpulungu — on Lake Tanganyika

• -9.33333329.1666671 Lusenga Plain National Park
• -8.7529.52 Mweru Wantipa National Park
• -8.74393930.3826893 Nsumbu National Park

Northern Plateau is a broad highland region of Zambia covering much of the country's northern interior. It is characterised by elevated terrain, extensive miombo woodland, wetlands, rivers and fertile areas used for agriculture.

The Northern Plateau is generally higher and cooler than many of Zambia's lowland areas. Much of the landscape consists of gently rolling plateau, woodland and open grassland.

The region includes parts of Northern Province, Muchinga Province, Luapula Province and neighbouring areas. Important towns include Kasama, Mbala, Mporokoso, Mpika and Mansa.

Agriculture is an important economic activity. Farmers grow crops such as maize, cassava, beans, groundnuts and other food crops. Fishing is also important around the region's numerous lakes and rivers.

The Northern Plateau is particularly significant for its wetlands and water resources. Several major rivers, including the Luapula River and tributaries of the Congo River system, have their headwaters or catchments in the region. The Northern Plateau has long been inhabited by several Bantu-speaking peoples, including the Bemba, Bisa, Lunda, Lamba and other communities.

Traditional kingdoms and chiefdoms played an important role in the political and social organisation of the region before colonial rule.

During the colonial period, the area became part of Northern Rhodesia. Mission stations, administrative centres and transport routes gradually expanded across the plateau. After Zambia gained independence in 1964, the region remained predominantly agricultural, while roads and towns developed as administrative and commercial centres.

Safari vehicles, four-wheel-drive vehicles, taxis and local minibuses are used around Mfuwe. Walking is possible within some parts of the town, but visitors should be cautious around wildlife outside built-up areas.

• Lusaka — Zambia's capital and main transport hub.
• Copperbelt — A major mining region to the southwest.
• Eastern Zambia — A region of agricultural land and wildlife areas to the east.
• Luapula Province — Known for lakes, rivers and wetlands.
• Malawi — The neighbouring country east of northern Zambia.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo — The country bordering Zambia to the north.

Northern Province, Zambia

Luapula Province