Lusaka, in Lusaka Province, is the capital of Zambia. It is a cosmopolitan city that is home to about 2.7 million people (2020), approximately one in six Zambians. Lusaka is the centre of commerce and government in Zambia, and has several cultural facilities.
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Minibuses are ubiquitous, cheap, and, if already full, fast. Single rides generally cost (about US$0.50). Most routes head to/from the 4 major bus stations in the city centre (referred to collectively as "town"), although there are a small number of alternative routes or short-cut routes, especially during the rush hours. A rider can get just about anywhere in the city with one connection in town. Going in to town is quite straightforward. Going away from town it's best to ask the driver where he's going. Routes and destinations are not posted on the vehicles themselves, but if a bus is taking on passengers the conductor will likely be shouting the destination through the window.
1 Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross, 3 Chikwa Road (on the corner of Church Road and Independence Avenue), ☏ +260 211250484. It is an elegant concrete building with tall stained glass windows. Properly titled the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, it opened for worship on 14 September 1962. (updated Aug 2020) 2 Henry Tayali Gallery, Lion Lane Street. M-Sa 08:00-17:00, closed Su. In the city showgrounds; holds exhibitions of local art. Unique and professional pieces are available and the staff will be happy to pack your work for safe travel. (updated Aug 2020) 3 Munda Wanga Environmental Park, ☏ +260 968868901. daily 08:00-17:00.
Explore the city with its diverse suburbs and informal settlements. Take a map and explore the city's markets, its second class shopping area and many other nooks. The only precautions recommended would be to leave your valuables at your hotel and take only the cash needed for the day as would apply in any major city. Parray's Game Ranch is 21 km from the town centre. Available are game drives, swimming and a playground. There you can see Zebra, Kudu and other herbivores Chaminuka Lodge Located near the airport, amazing lodge and facilities. The privately owned park is home to a range of antelopes, a family of elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions and hyenas. [2]
Whilst not a gourmet destination there is some good eating to be had in Lusaka. The gradual shopping mall-isation of the city sadly means that uninspiring South African chain restaurants are multiplying - but there is still a good selection of independent places scattered around. Lusaka seems to specialise in Indian cuisine. Chindo Road is the closest thing that Lusaka has to a restaurant strip. Dil offers some of the best Indian food anywhere and is reasonably priced (though not dirt-cheap). It's in the Ibex Hill area of town, about 15 minutes drive from the city centre, provided there's no traffic.
Lusaka has many Western-styled bars (e.g., Brown's, mainly used by tourists, and ex-pats). Zambians love to drink; there are, therefore, a number of bars frequented by locals, as well. Unfortunately, these change often. Rhapsody's open late Chez Ntemba* has several branches, plays Rumba and African rhythms until the last person leaves Majestic Casino has an excellent bar, casino complete with blackjack and roulette tables and slot machines Johnny's Chinese is centrally located The Polo Grill has outdoor seating overlooking the Lusaka Polo Club also has a small casino Northmead Shopping Centre has an array of clubs and bars including some open 24 hours a day the infamous alpha bar should be…
Lusaka seems to have obtained a bad reputation for being a city plagued by crime, but in reality, this is exaggerated — other African cities such as Nairobi, Johannesburg and Lagos are much more risky. However, travellers should appreciate that walking around the city at night is foolish and that you will become a target for pickpockets if you make your valuables visible. HIV/AIDS is endemic here, so if you have sex while visiting Lusaka, make sure to use a condom and take other appropriate precautions.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Lusaka typically sees ~22°C daytime highs and 0 rainy days.
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