What To Do In Lusaka
Continuing our series of African cities, we look at the capital of Zambia, Lusaka. Over the last ten years, and mainly due to economic expansion, Lusaka has exploded in terms of what it offers the modern traveller.
We have to be honest, Lusaka is not the most exciting African city to visit; one would, as a general rule, spend a maximum of a night, pre or post one's Zambia safari. Other than, should one find yourself with a few hours to spare, below is our suggestions of what to do when in town.
It is always best to ask at the front desk of the hotel or guesthouse that one is staying at what they suggest, as they will have the most up to date information and suggestions.
Traffic can be very slow-moving, so always start early and take advice on the best routes, which are not always the most logical.
Note; We have not included images as it seems easier pulling hen's teeth than attractions taking good photos in Lusaka :(
The 10 Best things To Do In Lusaka
1. Elephant Orphanage at Lilayi Lodge
Twenty kilometres south of the city, you will find this orphanage where these young elephants will be habituated back into the wild. This is no petting zoo but an informative and uplifting experience.
Information link: Elephant Orphanage at Lilayi Lodge
2. Jackal and Hide at Sugarbush Farm
About 25 kilometres drive east of the city. A farm setting where you can enjoy filling meals, sundowners and well known for its locally made leatherwork, especially bags and belts.
Information link: Jackal and Hide at Sugarbush Farm (seems COVID might have taken its toll, we cannot find a link)
3. Kabwata Cultural Village
On the outskirts of town. Effectively a large curio market where you can speak directly with and buy from the local artists, basket weavers, jewellery makers and so on. Probably the best value curio purchases you can make in Lusaka.
Information link: Kabwata Cultural Village
4. Pakati Sunday Market
At the Arcades Shopping Centre, east of the city centre. Another large curio market offers a huge variety of goods and souvenirs. Prices are normally higher than Kabwata.
Information link: Pakati Sunday Market (No link as such, but we do believe that the market is still currently operating)
5. Matebeto Restaurant
Matebeto is a traditional Zambian ceremony where the prospective bride cooks for the future grooms family. You won't need to attend the real ceremony as this restaurant will offer you all those local dishes. About 10 minutes drive from the centre of town.
Information link: Matebeto Restaurant
6. Munda Wanga Environmental Park
Which incorporates the botanical gardens and wildlife park. Open 7 days a week; it is about a forty-minute drive from the city centre. Beautiful gardens, a very relaxing day out for the family.
Information link: Munda Wanga Environmental Park
7. Kalimba Reptile Park
The park is mostly known for its Nile crocodile breeding and a large exhibit of snakes. It is set in a peaceful garden setting and is about 30 minutes drive from the city centre. For the not so sensitive, you can also eat a croc burger!
Information link: Kalimba Reptile Park
8. Parays Game Ranch
About twenty kilometres west of Lusaka, you can do a days game drive at your leisure. From Lion to Zebra and Kudu to Buffalo, this is a low key and relaxed way to see the game close to the city. There are full restaurant and bar facilities at the lodge.
Information link: Parays Game Ranch
9. Lusaka National Museum
Located in the city centre and is open daily from 9-4.30pm. Its wings and galleries focus on four categories of exhibits: history, contemporary art, witchcraft and ethnography. Everyone will be guaranteed to find something of interest.
Information link: Lusaka National Museum
10. Marlin Restaurant
Located in the city centre, this is an institution of long-standing in Lusaka. The food is Mauritian Creole but specialises in meat with its signature dish of pepper steak.
Information link: Marlin Restaurant
So there you have it, our list of 10 "What To Do In Lusaka".
Travel To Zambia Now
Map of Lodges in and around Zambia
Lodges And Camps In Zambia
King Lewanika Lodge
King Lewanika Lodge is Time + Tide's tented lodge on the open grasslands of Liuwa Plain National Park in western Zambia. Six canvas-walled villas look over the plain from raised decks, including a two-bedroom family villa. Game drives by day and night, guided walks and seasonal canoeing take you out among the wildebeest, hyena clans and birdlife of this remote corner of Zambia.
Kaingu Lodge
Kaingu Lodge is an owner-run lodge on a remote stretch of the Kafue River in the Namwala Game Management Area, directly opposite Kafue National Park. A ten-minute boat ride takes you across to game drives in the park, while the lodge side of the river offers boat cruises, canoeing, fishing, birding and walks among the channels, rapids and islands.
Busanga Bush Camp
Busanga Bush Camp puts you right on the Busanga Plains in the far north of Kafue National Park, with herds of puku and red lechwe grazing in front of camp. It is a small, comfortable tented bush camp built around the wildlife: game drives across the floodplain by day, night drives to find the plains' nocturnal side, and birding that rewards anyone who packs binoculars.
Ila Safari Lodge
Ila Safari Lodge sits on the banks of the Kafue River inside Kafue National Park, a riverside base for exploring one of Zambia's great wildernesses. Wake to hippo calling from the water, head out on game drives through woodland and dambos, and return to a lodge built with sustainability at its core. A superb choice for the river half of a Kafue safari.
Fig Tree Bush Camp
Fig Tree Bush Camp is an intimate four-tent camp on the Shishamba River in central Kafue National Park, named for the giant fig that shades its dining boma. Each tent stands on a platform about 3 m high, looking over a sandy lagoon on one side and open grassland on the other. Expect game drives, guided walks and campfire dinners under the stars. Sister camp to Mukambi Safari Lodge.
Busanga Plains Camp
Busanga Plains Camp is a small, intimate tented camp out on the vast Busanga Plains in northern Kafue National Park. The floodplain around it carries red lechwe and puku, and the predators that follow them, so game drives are rarely short of drama. Sister camp to Mukambi Safari Lodge and Fig Tree Bush Camp, it pairs beautifully with a river stay further south.
Shumba Camp
Shumba Camp stands on a tree island in the middle of the Busanga Plains, in the far north of Kafue National Park, and takes its name from the lion prides that hunt the plains. Six tents raised on wooden platforms sit beneath fig trees with sweeping views, and a pool cools the heat of the day. Game drives, night drives, boat trips when water lies on the plains, and hot-air balloon flights round out the activities.
Mukambi Safari Lodge
Mukambi Safari Lodge sits on the banks of the Kafue River in Kafue National Park, a relaxed base where the river is as much a part of the safari as the bush. Choose between game drives, guided walks and sunset boat cruises, then unwind with an open-air bath under the stars. Sister lodge to Fig Tree Bush Camp and Busanga Plains Camp, it links easily with a stay deeper in the park.