Kasama is one of those places where the past lingers in quiet corners, and Mulenga Park is where much of that history feels most tangible. Tucked away in the heart of the town, this small but significant green space serves as both a local gathering spot and a subtle monument to Zambia’s colonial and post-independence eras. Unlike the grand national parks that draw visitors from across the globe, Mulenga Park doesn’t announce itself with dramatic landscapes or wildlife. Instead, it offers something quieter—a sense of place, a pause in the rhythm of daily life, and a few stories etched into its trees and pathways.
The park takes its name from Simon Kapwepwe, one of Zambia’s most influential political figures, whose middle name was Mulenga. Kapwepwe was a key figure in the country’s struggle for independence, serving as vice president under Kenneth Kaunda before their political paths diverged. Though the park itself isn’t a formal memorial, its existence reflects the town’s connection to this chapter of Zambian history. Kasama, after all, was a hub of activity during the independence movement, and the park’s unassuming presence feels like a nod to that legacy. There are no grand statues here, just a few plaques and the occasional murmur of locals discussing politics, football, or the day’s news under the shade of its trees.
The layout of Mulenga Park is simple, almost understated. A central paved area is surrounded by well-tended lawns, benches, and a handful of mature trees that provide welcome relief from the midday sun. In the dry season, the grass takes on a golden hue, while the wet months bring a burst of green that softens the edges of the town. The park isn’t large—you could walk its perimeter in a few minutes—but its size makes it feel intimate, a place where people come not for spectacle but for respite. On weekends, families spread out picnics, children chase each other in games of tag, and elderly men gather to play bao, a traditional board game that’s been a staple of Zambian social life for generations.
One of the park’s most striking features is the old clock tower that stands near its center. The structure is modest, its white paint slightly weathered, but it has become something of a landmark in Kasama. The clock itself no longer keeps time—its hands frozen in place—but that only adds to its charm. It’s the kind of detail that makes the park feel lived-in, a relic of an earlier era when such things were built to last. The tower isn’t just a decorative piece; it’s a reminder of the town’s colonial past, when Kasama was a British administrative center. The architecture, with its simple lines and functional design, reflects the utilitarian approach of the time, when public spaces were meant to serve rather than impress.
Beyond its historical layers, Mulenga Park is very much a part of contemporary Kasama. It’s where vendors set up stalls selling roasted maize, fresh fruit, and cold drinks, their voices blending with the hum of the town. The park’s location, just a short walk from the bustling market and the main bus station, means it’s often the first place visitors encounter when they arrive. For those passing through, it offers a moment to sit and observe the rhythm of the town—women balancing baskets on their heads, men loading goods onto bicycles, the occasional honk of a minibus navigating the nearby streets. There’s a sense of community here, the kind that’s built over time through shared routines and small interactions.
The park also plays a role in local events, though not in the way that larger venues might. During national holidays, like Independence Day or Heroes’ Day, it becomes a gathering point for speeches, performances, and celebrations. Schoolchildren in neat uniforms recite poems or sing songs, while elders watch from the benches, their faces reflecting a mix of pride and nostalgia. These moments are fleeting, but they reinforce the park’s place in the town’s collective memory. It’s not a grand stage, but it doesn’t need to be—its significance lies in its ordinariness, in the way it quietly anchors the community.
For travelers, Mulenga Park might not be the reason to visit Kasama, but it’s often where the town’s character reveals itself. There’s no entrance fee, no guided tour, no scripted experience. Instead, it offers something more authentic: a glimpse into the everyday life of a Zambian town that’s neither a tourist hotspot nor a forgotten backwater. It’s a place where history and modernity coexist without fanfare, where the past isn’t preserved in glass cases but woven into the fabric of daily life. If you sit on one of the benches long enough, you might hear snippets of Bemba, the local language, or catch the scent of woodsmoke from a nearby braai. You might even find yourself drawn into a conversation with a stranger, as often happens in places where people have time to linger.
In many ways, Mulenga Park is a microcosm of Kasama itself—unassuming, resilient, and deeply rooted in its surroundings. It doesn’t demand attention, but if you pay it any, it rewards you with stories. Stories of independence, of community, of the small but meaningful moments that shape a place. It’s not the kind of park that makes it into glossy travel brochures, but for those who take the time to notice, it’s exactly the kind of place that makes travel feel real.
