Lusaka, Zambia’s bustling capital city, offers travellers a vibrant blend of modern urban life and authentic African culture. Often overlooked in favour of the country’s spectacular natural attractions, Lusaka serves as an excellent gateway to understand contemporary Zambian life and provides a perfect starting point for exploring the wider country’s renowned wildlife and landscapes.

Quick Facts About Lusaka

• Population: Approximately 3.3 million
• Language: English (official), Nyanja, Bemba
• Currency: Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)
• Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT), GMT+2
• Best Time to Visit: April to October (dry season)
• Climate: Subtropical with distinct wet (November-March) and dry (April-October) seasons

Getting to Lusaka

By Air

Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) serves as Lusaka’s main airport, with flights connecting to major African cities and international destinations. Airlines serving Lusaka include:

• Ethiopian Airlines
• South African Airways
• Kenya Airways
• Emirates (via Dubai)
• Air Tanzania
• Proflight Zambia (for domestic and regional connections)

By Road

Lusaka is connected to neighbouring countries via several major highways:

• From Zimbabwe: Via Chirundu border crossing
• From Botswana: Via Kazungula border crossing
• From Malawi: Via Chipata and the Great East Road
• From Tanzania: Via Nakonde and the Great North Road

Getting Around Lusaka

Public Transport

• Minibuses: The most common form of public transport; inexpensive but often crowded
• Taxis: Blue and white registered taxis are available throughout the city
• Ride-sharing: Uber and Yango operate in Lusaka

Car Rental

• Several international car rental companies operate in Lusaka, including Avis and Europcar
• Local options like Voyagers and Savannah Car Hire often offer competitive rates
• Consider a 4×4 vehicle if planning to explore beyond the city

Travel Tips

• Traffic can be heavy during rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM)
• Many streets lack proper signage; consider using offline maps
• Negotiate taxi fares before starting your journey

Where to Stay in Lusaka

Luxury Accommodation in Lusaka

• Taj Pamodzi Hotel: Offers elegant rooms, a pool, fitness centre, and multiple dining options
• InterContinental Lusaka: Centrally located with excellent amenities and business facilities
• Radisson Blu Hotel Lusaka: Modern luxury hotel with spacious rooms and excellent service

Mid-Range Accommodation in Lusaka

• Protea Hotel by Marriott Lusaka Tower: Contemporary hotel with good amenities and central location
• Neelkanth Sarovar Premiere: Modern rooms with an Indian restaurant and swimming pool
• Southern Sun Ridgeway: Colonial-style building with beautiful gardens and comfortable rooms

Budget Accommodation in Lusaka

• Lusaka Backpackers: Popular among budget travellers with private rooms and dormitories
• Fawlty Towers Backpackers Lodge: Garden setting with a pool and various accommodation options
• Chainama Hotel: Simple but clean rooms at affordable rates

Boutique & Unique

• Latitude 15° Hotel: Stylish boutique hotel featuring contemporary African art and design
• Lilayi Lodge: Located on the outskirts with an elephant nursery and wildlife experiences
• Pioneer Camp: Eco-friendly camp with thatched chalets in a natural setting

Where to Eat in Lusaka

Fine Dining

• Marlin Restaurant: Upscale dining with international cuisine and an excellent wine list
• Plates Restaurant & Wine Bar: Contemporary setting with fusion menu and extensive wine selection
• Dil Restaurant: Authentic Indian cuisine in an elegant setting

Casual Dining

• Deli’s Restaurant: Popular spot with a diverse menu of Zambian and international dishes
• Rhapsody’s: Relaxed atmosphere with good burgers, pizzas, and local dishes
• Mika’s Restaurant: Family-friendly with excellent local and international options

Local Cuisine

• Mutale’s Village Restaurant: Authentic Zambian dishes including nshima (maize porridge)
• Savanna Restaurant: Traditional Zambian cuisine with live music on weekends
• Katete’s Place: No-frills restaurant serving local favourites like ifisashi (greens in peanut sauce)

Cafés & Desserts

• Café Zambezi: Trendy café with good coffee, light meals, and homemade cakes
• Mugg & Bean: Popular chain with reliable coffee and extensive menu
• Mint Lounge: Stylish café with freshly baked goods and specialty coffees

Street Food & Markets

• Lusaka City Market: Vibrant market with food stalls serving local snacks
• Sunday Craft Market: Food vendors alongside crafts during the weekend market
• Northmead Market: Local street food including roasted corn, fritters, and grilled meats

What to Do in Lusaka

Cultural Attractions

• Lusaka National Museum: Exhibits on Zambian history, art, and culture
• Namwane Art Gallery: Contemporary Zambian art by local artists
• Kabwata Cultural Village: Traditional crafts and occasional cultural performances
• Henry Tayali Visual Arts Centre: Gallery showcasing work by emerging and established Zambian artists

Nature & Wildlife

• Lusaka National Park: Small but accessible park with zebra, antelope, and giraffe just outside the city
• Munda Wanga Environmental Park: Botanical gardens and wildlife sanctuary
• Kalimba Reptile Park: Close encounters with snakes, crocodiles, and other reptiles
• Lilayi Elephant Nursery: Rehabilitation centre for orphaned elephants with viewing sessions

Shopping

• Arcades Shopping Centre: Popular mall with shops, restaurants, and a weekend craft market
• Manda Hill Mall: Largest shopping centre in Lusaka with international brands
• Sunday Craft Market: Excellent for souvenirs, crafts, and artwork by local artisans
• Kabwata Cultural Village Market: Traditional crafts including wood carvings, baskets, and textiles

Day Trips from Lusaka

• Chaminuka Lodge: Private game reserve with wildlife viewing about 30 minutes from the city
• Lake Kariba: Scenic reservoir with fishing and boating opportunities (3-hour drive)
• Lower Zambezi National Park: Wildlife viewing along the Zambezi River (2.5-hour drive)
• Blue Lagoon National Park: Excellent bird watching during wet season (2-hour drive)

Events & Festivals

• Lusaka International Film Festival: Annual event showcasing African and international films (August)
• Zambian Art & Design Show: Exhibition of contemporary Zambian art and design (July)
• Agricultural & Commercial Show: Major trade fair showcasing Zambian agriculture and business (August)
• Livingstone Cultural Festival: Celebration of Zambian music and culture (October)

Practical Information for first time visitors to Lusaka

Visa Requirements

Most visitors require a visa to enter Zambia. Many nationalities can obtain visa-on-arrival, but check the latest requirements before traveling. E-visas are available through the Zambian Department of Immigration website.

Health & Safety

• Yellow fever vaccination may be required depending on your country of origin
• Malaria is present in Zambia; consult with your doctor about prophylaxis
• Drink bottled or purified water
• Standard safety precautions apply; avoid displaying valuables and be cautious after dark

Money

• ATMs are widely available throughout Lusaka
• Major hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, but smaller establishments often require cash
• It’s advisable to carry some small denominations of Kwacha for markets and taxis

Communication

• Local SIM cards are inexpensive and provide good coverage in urban areas
• Major providers include Airtel, MTN, and Zamtel
• Most hotels and cafés offer Wi-Fi, though connection speeds may vary

Suggested Itineraries in Lusaka

24 Hours in Lusaka

• Morning: Visit the Lusaka National Museum
• Afternoon: Explore Kabwata Cultural Village and shop for souvenirs
• Evening: Dinner at Marlin Restaurant followed by drinks at Latitude 15’s bar

3 Days in Lusaka

• Day 1: City exploration, including museums and markets
• Day 2: Day trip to Lusaka National Park and Munda Wanga
• Day 3: Shopping and relaxation day with dinner at a local restaurant

Lusaka + Beyond (1 Week)

• Days 1-2: Explore Lusaka’s attractions
• Days 3-5: Visit Lower Zambezi National Park
• Days 6-7: Return to Lusaka for shopping and relaxation before departure

When to Visit

• April to August: Dry season with cool temperatures; ideal for wildlife viewing
• September to October: Dry and increasingly hot; good for safaris but can be uncomfortable in the city
• November to March: Wet season with lush landscapes but, some roads may become difficult to navigate

Insider Tips

• Many shops and businesses close early on Saturdays and remain closed on Sundays
• Lusaka traffic can be extremely congested; allow extra time for journeys
• Zambians are generally friendly and helpful; don’t hesitate to ask for directions
• The craft markets are great places to interact with locals and support artisans
• English is widely spoken, particularly in business and tourism settings

Responsible Tourism

• Support local businesses and community initiatives where possible
• Be respectful when taking photographs of people; always ask permission
• Conserve water, especially during the dry season
• Consider carbon offset options for your flights to Zambia
• Learn a few basic phrases in Nyanja or Bemba to enhance your interactions

Useful Phrases

• Hello: Muli bwanji (Nyanja) / Muli shani (Bemba)
• Thank you: Zikomo (Nyanja) / Natotela (Bemba)
• Yes/No: Inde/Ayi (Nyanja) / Ee/Awe (Bemba)
• How much?: Ndalama bwanji? (Nyanja)
• Goodbye: Tizaonana (Nyanja) / Shalapo (Bemba)

Lusaka might not immediately present itself as a traditional tourist destination, but those who take the time to explore its vibrant streets, meet its friendly people, and experience its evolving urban culture will discover the authentic heart of contemporary Zambia. As a gateway to some of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife destinations, Lusaka offers both a compelling start to your Zambian adventure and a fascinating destination in its own right.