Lusaka
Lusaka is a low-rise, spread-out capital built around a colonial-era grid and a long central avenue. It is mostly a base and a stopover, with the national museum, the Sunday craft market and an elephant nursery and a cheetah project nearby.
Lusaka is a low-rise, spread-out capital built around a colonial-era grid and a long central avenue. It is mostly a base and a stopover, with the national museum, the Sunday craft market and an elephant nursery and a cheetah project nearby.
The museum's history and contemporary art displays, and the independence monument on Independence Avenue.
The weekend craft market at Arcades, and the large, busy Soweto and Kamwala markets for a sense of the working city.
The Lilayi Elephant Nursery, which cares for orphaned calves, and Munda Wanga sanctuary and gardens, both a short drive from the centre.
Most visitors need a visa, available online or on arrival, and the KAZA UniVisa covers Zambia and Zimbabwe together. Payments mix kwacha and US dollars. Use arranged transport or ride-hailing, and check current travel advice.
Most trips head straight for South Luangwa, Livingstone and Victoria Falls, or Lower Zambezi. A day in Lusaka covers the museum, a market and a wildlife project.
The city is very spread out with little that is walkable. Plan on a taxi or hired car between stops.
The Arcades craft market runs at weekends and is the easiest place to shop for Zambian crafts.
Do I need a visa for Zambia?
Most nationalities do. Buy it online in advance or on arrival; the KAZA UniVisa also covers Zimbabwe if you plan to visit both.
Is Lusaka safe?
It is generally calm. Petty crime happens in markets and after dark, so use arranged transport and keep valuables discreet.
What is worth doing in a day?
The National Museum and Freedom Statue, the Arcades craft market at weekends, and the Lilayi Elephant Nursery.
When is the best time to visit?
The cooler, dry months from May to August. The rains fall roughly November to March.
Lusaka was chosen as the capital of Northern Rhodesia in 1935 for its central location and rail links, replacing Livingstone.
It became the capital of independent Zambia in 1964 and has grown rapidly into the country's political and commercial centre, though tourism is concentrated elsewhere in the country.
This page is an independent guide for visitors, covering any government and tourism body.
