Book flights to Lusaka (LUN)

Book your visit to Lusaka

The beating heart of Zambia – Lusaka – is a city where glassy high-rises are scattered amongst bustling, traditional markets. Locals greet you with a warm “muli bwanji”, meaning ‘how are you?” in Nyanja, the city’s lingua franca, as the scent of roasted maize wafts through the air. Lusaka is alive with energy and stories waiting to be uncovered.

Discover the history of Lusaka, and Zambia as a whole, by exploring the museums and historical sites in the city centre. Then head to the outskirts of the city, where you can find the most stunning and diverse wildlife and natural beauty.

Meet locals crafting homeware and cooking delicious street food for people to enjoy. Lusaka invites you to be more than a visitor. Here, you’re a friend.

Things to do in Lusaka

Your first stop has to be Lusaka National Park – a wilderness sanctuary where antelopes, zebras and the occasional giraffe roam freely. It’s a peaceful escape where walking trails promise awe-inspiring encounters.

For a close-up of Zambia’s conservation efforts, head to the Wildlife Discovery Centre. Learn about the region’s dedicated work in protecting these beautiful animals.

The Embassy Park Presidential Burial Site is worth a visit. It’s a national monument that serves as the official resting place of Zambia’s former leaders. Wrap up your historical sightseeing at the Freedom Statue. This monument is a powerful symbol of Zambia’s fight for independence.

Activities in Lusaka

The Lusaka National Museum reveals the story of Zambia’s ancient and modern history. The museum also boasts a contemporary art gallery dedicated to showcasing Zambian life through paintings, sculptures and models. If you’re an animal and nature enthusiast, start your day at the Lilayi Elephant Nursery, where orphaned elephants are raised with love and care. You can watch them roam around and be bottle-fed by their carers from a viewing platform. Continue your exploration about 30 minutes away, at the Munda Wanga Environmental Park. This botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary showcases the best of Zambia’s fauna and flora. Get up close to resident lions, baboons, impalas, zebras and more.

For a serene day out in nature, take a trip to Monkey Pools. This jungle-like haven is filled with crystal-waters. It’s the perfect place for a swim, followed by a picnic under the canopy of the trees. There’s space for the kids to play, while the adults unwind.

Food in Lusaka

Zambian food is a celebration of culture and flavour, with each dish telling a story. Your trip is not complete without trying Zambia’s staple dish, nshima. It’s a thick porridge made from finely ground maize and eaten by hand with relish and stew.

At the Lusaka Food Market on the last Saturday of each month, vendors offer up the best of Zambian cuisine. Indulge in ifisashi, a hearty dish made of leafy greens cooked in peanut sauce. Another Zambian delicacy you have to try is chikanda – also known as African polony. It’s a savoury vegan dish made by combining chikanda orchids, ground peanuts and water. The mixture is then baked and served in slices with a variety of side dishes, or on its own as a snack.

Shopping in Lusaka

Begin your shopping extravaganza at Lusaka City Market, where the aisles showcase stalls brimming with everything from local produce to handcrafted trinkets. A mosaic of colours and friendly vendors will welcome you on arrival and you're guaranteed to leave with at least a few souvenirs.

Wander through the Sunday Craft Market for artisanal crafts, paintings, beaded jewellery, sculptures, carvings and more – reflecting Zambia’s rich heritage.

Northmead Market has an edgier vibe, blending old school craftmanship with modern style. There’s colourful fabrics, locally made leatherwork and carved figurines that capture Zambia’s wildlife and folklore.

For fresh produce, Lusaka Fresh Market overflows with vegetables and spices sourced from local farmlands. Visiting Zambia is a culinary adventure; with ingredients you may have never seen before.