Things to Do in Lusaka

About Lusaka

Lusaka sits at the heart of modern Africa, where shopping malls share streets with traditional markets and nshima competes with café lattes. Most travelers don't expect this. The city is sprawling, authentic, and decidedly urban—Zambia's capital in every sense. Zambian hospitality shows up everywhere. Taxi drivers talk. Strangers invite you to eat. The interactions feel real. Tree-lined avenues turn purple when the jacaranda blooms, and nearby Munda Wanda Environmental Park offers shade under old trees where families spread picnics. Lusaka isn't just a stopover en route to Victoria Falls or safari country—it deserves time on its own. Traditional chitenge fabrics stack in bright piles at the markets. Live music drifts from venues into the evening air. The mix of old and new works here, somehow, and you can feel the city's resilience in that balance.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Minibuses charge 3-8 ZMW ($0.12-0.32) for city routes but can be overcrowded. Taxis have no meters - city center to airport costs 80-150 ZMW ($3.20-6) and takes 45 minutes. Bolt operates with rides typically 15-60 ZMW ($0.60-2.40). Intercity buses to Livingstone cost 120-180 ZMW ($4.80-7.20) for the 5-hour journey. Car rental starts at 300 ZMW ($12) daily plus fuel costs. Bicycle rental is available at some lodges for 50 ZMW ($2) daily. Local buses to markets cost 2-5 ZMW ($0.08-0.20). Motorcycle taxis operate but aren't recommended for visitors.

Money: Zambian kwacha (ZMW) is the currency. ATMs at Barclays and Standard Chartered dispense cash but may have limits. USD is accepted at hotels and tourist sites but change given in kwacha. Budget $35-55 daily. Credit cards work at upscale venues but carry cash for most transactions. Banking hours are Monday-Friday 8:15am-2:30pm. Mobile money via MTN and Airtel is popular for small payments. Tipping 10% at restaurants is appreciated. Exchange rates can vary significantly between locations - banks offer the best rates.

Cultural Respect: Greet with 'Muli bwanji' (how are you) in Nyanja - responses are important. Handshakes use both hands as a sign of respect. Dress modestly - revealing clothing is inappropriate. Pointing with index finger is rude - use open hand or nod. Photography of people requires permission. Church attendance is high on Sundays. Bargaining is expected at markets but be reasonable. Remove hats when greeting elders. English is widely spoken alongside local languages. Sharing food and drinks is a sign of friendship. Avoid political discussions.

Food Safety: Nshima (maize meal) with relish costs 25-45 ZMW ($1-1.80) at local restaurants. Grilled tilapia runs 60-100 ZMW ($2.40-4) depending on size. Indian food at curry houses costs 80-150 ZMW ($3.20-6) per dish. Local beer like Mosi costs 15-25 ZMW ($0.60-1) in bars. Biltong (dried meat) costs 40-70 ZMW ($1.60-2.80) per portion. Street food like vitumbua costs 5-15 ZMW ($0.20-0.60) each. Restaurant meals average 100-200 ZMW ($4-8) per person. Bottled water costs 8-15 ZMW ($0.32-0.60). Fresh juice costs 20-40 ZMW ($0.80-1.60). Most local places close by 9pm.

When to Visit

Lusaka's dry season (May-October) offers the most comfortable weather, with temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) at night to 26°C (79°F) during the day, minimal rainfall, and clear blue skies. This peak season sees hotel prices increase by 30-40%, especially June-August when wildlife viewing is optimal elsewhere in Zambia. The hot dry season (September-November) brings scorching temperatures up to 35°C (95°F) but offers 20-30% lower accommodation rates. The rainy season (December-April) transforms Lusaka into a lush green great destination with afternoon thunderstorms and temperatures of 20-30°C (68-86°F). Expect 100-200mm monthly rainfall, with January-March being wettest. Hotel rates drop 40-50% during this period, making it ideal for budget travelers who don't mind brief daily showers. Key festivals include the Zambian International Trade Fair (June-July), Lusaka July agricultural show, and various cultural celebrations during the dry season. Business travelers prefer May-September for optimal conference weather, while culture ensoiasts enjoy the rainy season when local communities are most active and the landscape is spectacular. Photography ensoiasts will love the dramatic storm clouds and lively green scenery from December-March.