Lusaka: a first-timer's guide to Zambia's capital

Why visit Lusaka

Most safari travellers only see Lusaka from the airport, but a day or two here shows you the Zambia that most Zambians know. This is where politicians, students, traders and returning diaspora families mix, where weddings spill into hotel gardens on Saturdays, and where Zambian artists sell work straight from their studios. It is also the practical hub of the country: the best place to change money, buy a local SIM card, stock up on supplies and catch onward flights.

Top things to do

Start at the **Lusaka National Museum** on Independence Avenue for an overview of Zambian history, traditional life and contemporary art. Nearby, the **Freedom Statue** marks the independence struggle, and **Embassy Park** holds the graves of Zambia's former presidents, including Kenneth Kaunda.

For art, visit the **Henry Tayali Visual Arts Centre** at the Showgrounds, an artists' cooperative, and **Namwandwe Gallery** on Leopards Hill Road, a private collection that tells the story of Zambian art since independence. In the evenings, check what is on at the **Lusaka Playhouse**.

Markets are a highlight. **Kabwata Cultural Village** sells carvings, baskets, copper work and chitenge cloth from small huts. The Sunday crafts market at **Arcades Shopping Centre** is relaxed and easy for first-timers. For the full, loud, everyday experience, go to **Soweto Market** or **City Market** with a local friend or guide and keep your phone tucked away.

Nature close to the city

**Lusaka National Park**, south east of the city, is a small fenced park with white rhino, giraffe and zebra, good for a half day. The **Lilayi Elephant Nursery**, run by Game Rangers International, cares for orphaned elephants and has a public viewing at feeding time. **Munda Wanga Environmental Park** in Chilanga combines botanical gardens and a wildlife sanctuary, and **Chaminuka Nature Reserve** north of the city mixes lakeside walks with a large art collection.

Food and drink

Try **nshima**, the stiff maize porridge eaten with your right hand, with relishes such as village chicken, beef stew, rape leaves, beans or **kapenta**, small dried lake fish. Market stalls serve the most authentic plates. Lusaka also has good Indian restaurants, steakhouses, garden cafés in Kabulonga and Leopards Hill, and modern malls with familiar chains. Mosi and Castle are the local beers.

Where to stay

Most visitors stay in the leafy eastern suburbs such as Kabulonga, Rhodes Park, Longacres and Woodlands, or near the Great East Road for quick airport access. The choice runs from international hotels in the centre to boutique guesthouses, backpacker hostels and bush camps on the city's edge.

Getting around

Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps, which are widely used in Lusaka. Minibuses are cheap and go everywhere but are crowded and confusing at first. Traffic can be heavy on Cairo Road and the Great East Road at rush hour, so allow extra time for the airport.

Staying safe

Lusaka is generally calm, but bag snatching, pickpocketing and theft from cars happen, especially around the markets, the bus stations and the city centre after dark. Do not walk alone at night, keep windows up in traffic, and avoid showing phones and cash. Avoid political gatherings and demonstrations. Check your government's current travel advice before you go.