Things To Do
in Lusaka
Lusaka is Zambia’s energetic capital — a sprawling, fast-growing city that blends modern development with strong local culture. The city is a regional hub for commerce, government and arts, with busy markets, small neighborhoods and leafy suburbs. Visitors will find museums, cultural villages and nearby green escapes like Munda Wanga and Lusaka National Park within easy reach.
Lusaka serves as a practical base for safaris, Victoria Falls excursions and exploring Zambia’s central provinces.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Lusaka National Museum, where you can discover the rich cultural heritage of Zambia through its diverse exhibits. Stroll through the nearby Freedom Statue and take in the significance of this landmark that commemorates Zambia's independence. Enjoy a traditional Zambian breakfast at a local café, sampling dishes like nshima and fried fish.
In the afternoon, head to the historic city center to explore the bustling markets, where vendors sell everything from handmade crafts to fresh produce. Visit the nearby Cathedral of the Holy Cross, an architectural gem that showcases the country’s colonial history. Take a break at a local park, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps engaging with friendly locals.
As the sun sets, dine at a local restaurant to try authentic Zambian cuisine, such as biltong or kapenta. After dinner, enjoy some live music at a nearby venue, where you can experience the local music scene and dance to traditional Zambian rhythms. Conclude your evening with a leisurely walk through the city, soaking in the lively nightlife.
Spend your morning at Bantu Arts, where you can participate in a traditional craft workshop led by local artisans. Learn about the intricate techniques used to create beautiful jewelry and textiles, gaining insight into Zambian culture. Enjoy a refreshing drink at the café on-site, surrounded by vibrant artwork and local crafts.
In the afternoon, explore the nearby art galleries showcasing contemporary Zambian artists, providing a glimpse into the country's evolving art scene. Take the opportunity to purchase unique pieces directly from the artists, supporting the local economy. Before heading out, indulge in a light lunch at a local eatery offering delicious vegetarian options.
As evening approaches, attend a cultural performance at the venue, where local dancers and musicians showcase their talents. Enjoy the colorful costumes and lively music, immersing yourself in the cultural heritage of Zambia. After the performance, share your thoughts over dinner with fellow travelers, discussing the inspiring artistry you’ve witnessed.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| ☕Coffee (regular café) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (city) | $3-8 |
| 🍺Local beer (bar) | $2-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $50-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Good base for regional travel and safaris with airport connections
- Friendly people and strong cultural experiences
- Access to nearby wildlife and birding sites close to the city
- Affordable dining and local markets with fresh produce
- Infrastructure can be uneven — potholes and occasional power or water interruptions
- Limited late-night public transport; taxis/ride-hailing often needed
- Petty crime in busy areas — requires vigilance
- Fewer polished tourist services compared with larger safari hubs
- "Muli bwanji?" - How are you?
- "Zikomo" - Thank you
- "Ndine bwino" - I am fine
- "Chonde" - Please
- "Ayi" - No
- "Takonzeka" - We are ready / OK
Places to Visit in Lusaka
Visit one of these nice places.
Botanical gardens, a small wildlife sanctuary and scenic gardens ideal for nature shots, close-up plant photography and captive birdlife.
A short drive from the city, offering open landscapes, wildlife (antelopes, warthogs, birds) and sunset vistas suitable for wide-angle and wildlife photography.
Vibrant market scenes full of color, textiles, produce and portraits of local traders — excellent for street and documentary photography (ask for permission before close portraits).
Craft stalls, artists at work and cultural performances provide opportunities for photographing handmade goods, artisans and cultural events.
A nearby shallow lake and reed beds with good birdlife and reflective water surfaces for landscape and bird photography, especially at dawn and dusk.
Food in Lusaka
Lusaka Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The national staple — stiff maize porridge served with a variety of relishes such as leafy greens (rapha/rape), beans, groundnut stew or stewed meats. Found everywhere from market stalls to restaurants.
Must-Try!
A traditional vegetable and groundnut (peanut) stew often served with nshima; rich, nutty and widely available in home-style eateries and markets.
Small dried or fresh fish (from Lake Tanganyika or Kariba) served fried or in stews; try at local markets and plate houses that focus on fish.
Samp (cracked maize) or dried kapenta stews are common in markets and simple eateries; filling and flavorful.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A large, colorful market where you can sample street food, buy fresh produce and photograph lively trading scenes; try grilled meats and fresh fruit juices.
Good for handmade crafts and occasional food stalls serving traditional plates — a convenient spot to eat while shopping for artwork and carvings.
Busy local market with many food vendors; try roasted maize, grilled meat skewers and local snacks while taking in everyday Lusaka life.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings matter — a handshake and brief exchange ('Muli bwanji?' or 'Bwino?') goes a long way. Use respectful titles for elders and officials.
Dress conservatively in public and when visiting religious sites; business casual is the norm in offices and hotels.
Ask permission before photographing people, particularly in markets and rural communities; some may expect a small fee for posed photos.
Avoid public displays of anger, be patient in transactions, and show respect for local customs and traditional leaders.
Safety
Tipping in Lusaka
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected: 5–10% in mid-range restaurants if service is good, small tips (a few kwacha) for hotel staff and guides. Taxi drivers are not typically tipped but rounding up fares is common.
Zambian kwacha (ZMW) is the local currency; cash is widely used especially in markets and small shops. Credit and debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and malls, and ATMs are common in Lusaka but can be unreliable in remote areas. Mobile money is increasingly used but coverage varies.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot with regular afternoon thunderstorms; some rural roads and game-viewing routes become muddy or impassable, though the countryside is lush and birding is excellent. Carry a waterproof jacket, flexible plans and allow extra travel time.
Daytime temperatures are pleasant and nights can be cool; this is one of the most comfortable times to visit the city and nearby parks, with low humidity and good road conditions.
Hot and dry with dusty conditions as the landscape browns before the rains; early mornings and late afternoons are best for outdoor activities, and evenings can be warm.
Lusaka at Night
Hiking in Lusaka
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, accessible trails within the environmental park for casual walks, birding and botanical viewing — family-friendly and close to the city.
Scenic walks on private land/reserve where you can combine wildlife-education experiences with easy hiking and nature observation.
A nearby private reserve with guided walks through woodlands and savanna, offering scenic viewpoints and opportunities for wildlife spotting and photography.
Airports
How to reach Lusaka by plane.
Lusaka’s main international airport with regular flights to regional hubs and some international destinations; about 30–45 minutes from central Lusaka by car depending on traffic.
Main airport for visiting Victoria Falls and southern tourist routes — a domestic or short regional flight from Lusaka; used by travelers combining Lusaka with falls itineraries.
Northern Zambia airport serving the Copperbelt region; useful if combining travel to northern provinces or the Copperbelt with connections to Lusaka via domestic flight or road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
One of the larger ethnic-linguistic groups in Zambia, many residents in Lusaka originate from the Copperbelt and Northern provinces, enriching the city’s cultural mix.
Common in Lusaka and the Eastern provinces; Nyanja (Chewa) is widely spoken in the city and used for many everyday greetings.
Lusaka hosts government officials, NGO workers, diplomats and business expatriates, concentrated in diplomatic and commercial neighborhoods.
A mix of people from across Zambia and neighboring countries who come to Lusaka for work, education and trade, making the city ethnically diverse and multilingual.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport — local leagues, community matches and passionate fan bases; watching a match or catching local enthusiasm is a common pastime.
Widely played, especially among women and in schools, with active local competitions.
Athletics (running) and boxing have strong followings and produce national-level athletes; community training and events are common.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lusaka.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (vegetable stews, ifisashi, beans, salads) but choices can be limited in some street stalls — ask for vegetable relishes with nshima or seek out cafés and international restaurants which often offer more options.
Vegan dining is possible but requires asking about ingredients (many relishes use groundnut or fish-based broths). Larger restaurants and some markets can accommodate if you explain the restriction.
Maize-based nshima is naturally gluten-free, but be cautious with sauces, fried foods and cross-contamination. Inform kitchen staff at restaurants when possible.
Tap water is not always safe for travelers — prefer bottled or boiled water. Eat freshly cooked foods and avoid raw salads in street stalls if unsure about cleanliness.