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".
- Nkwali Camp
Nkwali Camp has been designed so that guests always look out - to the bush and to the river. South Luangwa is superb game viewing country, with a beautiful area of ebony woodland and open grasslands.
Elephants regularly cross the Luangwa River, seen from the bar, or come to the waterhole near the thatched dining room.
- Chundukwa River Lodge
Chundukwa River Lodge, a small intimate and luxurious lodge located within a 30-minute drive from Livingstone and 36 kilometres upstream of the Victoria Falls.
Owner run and managed, Chundukwa offers just six river-facing chalets all with views of the Zambezi.
- Kakuli Bush Camp
Kakuli Bush Camp is one of the few Zambian and South Luangwa National Park bush camps to open in February and March.
At this time of year, the river is high, we gain access by boat and activities are either on the river or on foot in the drier, sandy areas that surround the camp, with spectacular wildlife.
- Royal Chundu Zambezi River Lodge
Royal Chundu Zambezi River Lodge, a Relais & Châteaux property situated on the mighty Zambezi River just upstream from Victoria Falls on a 15 km stretch of private waterway.
The perfect option for both a romantic escape or a unique, fun-filled family holiday.
- Luwi Bush Camp
Due to its remote location, there are not many roads in the area so activities are centred on walking safaris. This fact makes Luwi Bush Camp one of the most enthralling camps in Zambia.
The wildlife in the South Luangwa National Park is prolific and to track it each day on foot is a memory that will last a lifetime.
- Busanga Plains Camp
Busanga Plains Camp is an intimate option for those seeking out an almost private wildlife safari experience, perfect for couples, honeymooners and small groups alike.
The luxury Kafue camp offers up only four luxurious tented suites, each with commanding views over the Busanga Plains.