'''Lusaka''', in Lusaka Province, is the capital of Zambia. It is a cosmopolitan city that is home to approximately one in ten Zambians.

Get in

By air

Lusaka is reasonably well-served by flights from Johannesburg, Nairobi, Lilongwe, and London. British Airways is the main intercontinental carrier that flies to Lusaka from Europe, with direct flights from London three times a week. South African Airways fly to Lusaka from Johannesburg and Kenya Airways from Nairobi with multiple flights per day, making these two cities excellent transfer points. (However, in Johannesburg the airlines have no control over baggage in transit and the airport's baggage concessionnaire is exempt from responsibility by contract, so lost baggage can be an issue.) Various other African airlines serve Lusaka. In December 1994, Zambia Airways went into liquidation, and Zambian Airways (former Mine Air Services) ceased operation in early 2009, so there is no national airline flying larger than commuter-type aircraft; Pro-Flight traditionally has specialized in serving tourist game lodges rather than trunk intercity flights. Therefore, it is recommended that getting to Lusaka by plane should be done with well-established intercontinental airlines.

International airlines that are represented in Lusaka include:

  • '''Air Angola''' - PO Box 37731, Lusaka; tel: 01 222401, 221684.
  • '''Air Botswana''' - c/o Steve Blaus Travel, Nkwazi Road, PO Box 31530, Lusaka; tel: 01 227739/40, 227285. [http://www.airbotswana.co.bw Website]
  • '''Air France''' - c/o Steve Blaus Travel, Nkwazi Road, PO Box 31530, Lusaka; tel: 01 227739/40, 227285. [http://www.airfrance.com Website]
  • '''Air India''' - 1st Floor, Shop 4, Findeco House, Cairo Road, PO Box 34471, Lusaka; tel: 01 223128, 226349. [http://www.airindia.com Website]
  • '''Air Malawi''' - ZNIB House, Dedan Kimathi Road, PO Box 36384, Lusaka; tel: 01 228120. [http://www.airmalawi.net Website]
  • '''Air Tanzania''' - 5300 Pandit Nehru Road, PO Box 32635, Lusaka; tel: 01 251189, 252499. [http://www.airtanzania.com Website]
  • '''Air Zimbabwe''' - Kariba House, 32 Chachacha Road, PO Box 35191, Lusaka; tel: 01 225431, 221750. [http://www.airzim.co.zm Website]
  • '''British Airways''' - Holiday Inn, PO Box 32006, Lusaka; tel: 01 254444, 255320, 254482. [http://www.ba.com Website]
  • '''Kenya Airways/KLM''' - Church Road, PO Box 31856, Lusaka; tel: 01 228908/886. [http://www.kenya-airways.com Website]
  • '''South African Airways''' - Room 242, Hotel InterContinental; tel: 01 254350. Airport tel: 01 271101. Open Mon-Fri 08.30-16.30, Sat 09.00-11.00. [http://www.flysaa.com Website]
  • For domestic flights, there are various airlines, indluding '''Airwaves''', '''Avocet Air Charters''', '''Stabo Air Charters''', '''Staravia''' and '''Ngwazi Air Charters''' [http://www.ngwaziaircharters.com Website].

    '''Lusaka International Airport (LUN)''' is well-signposted and is situated 25km from the centre, off the Great East Road.

    By road

    Since it is the commercial center and governmental seat of Zambia, all the arterial roads lead to Lusaka. Buses run between Livingstone and Kitwe. Operators of this route regularly change, so ask locally before you travel. Currently, Euro-Africa Coaches is the most reliable option.

    By train

    Few travellers use Zambia's ordinary trains for transport, but if you have a lot of patience, try them. Lines like Lusaka with Livingstone and the Copperbelt in the north. Express trains to Livingstone leave at 19.30 every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and take about 12 hours. Slower trains, which stop even more frequently, leave every morning.

    Get around

    Minibuses are ubiquitous, cheap, and fast. For under a dollar, you can get almost anywhere in the city. The problem, is that bus routes are not posted, and a novice is likely to get lost. Do not be afraid to ask a conductor where he's headed.

    For the uninitiated, then, a taxi might be a better option, at least initially. There are no meters in Zambia's taxis, so prices are somewhat negotiable. Be sure to ''set a price before getting in the cab''. (Tip: Ask at a hotel lobby how much your trip should cost. If the cab driver states a higher price, mention that you're happy to ride a mini-bus. Watch the price drop. )

    Take down a taxi driver's mobile number, most will be happy to do an all day deal, wait for you while you explore, pick you up early or late and take you to and from the airport.

    See

  • '''Soweto Market''' the front is a modern covered market. Behind it lies a massive market selling everthing from beans to used clothes. In it you can find traditional medicines, bicycle repair men and engine spare parts. (Ensure you hold onto your handbag and any other items)
  • '''The Anglican Cathedral''' (''on the corner of Church Road and Independence Avenue'') is an elegant concrete building with tall stained glass windows. Properly titled the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, it opened for worship on 14th September, 1962.
  • '''Henry Tayali Gallery''' 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.
  • '''Munda Wanga Environmental Park''' Wildlife Park and Sanctuary, Botanical Gardens, Recreational Village and Environmental Education Centre. Started in 1956 as private garden and has grown to be Zambia's Premier Environmental Education Facility. With over 50,000 visitors a year Munda Wanga reaches out to the future of Zambia to learn about their environment and natural heritage. Recently Phoenix the baby elephant has been released back to the wild, 20 baboons are on their way to a new life in the bush. However, there are still plenty of animals that find their way in to the sanctuary after being found in the ilegal pet-trade. The Botanical Gardens are a place to relax and leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind you. The Terrace Bar and Restaurant has nice food and cold drinks available.
  • '''Lilayi Lodge''' a wildlife ranch. Take a game drive and see animals as close to the wild as they can be in the city. Lilayi lodge has an excellent restaurant and hosts sunday buffets which can be eaten while lounging in around the pool.
  • Do

  • '''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 located 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. See www.chaminuka.com.
  • theres so many funn things to do. even some things that weren't mentioned. ;)

    Buy

  • '''Manda Hill'''. Lusaka's first official mall, opened in 2000, and the reception was huge. GAME Stores, the South African version of Walmart, is the anchor, and the mall also features some high-end boutiques, a bookshop, a Subway restaurant (but without turkey!?), some memorabilia shops, and some clothing stores.
  • '''Arcades'''. The capital's second mall, featuring a relatively cheap Spar supermarket, where you can find your Western food goods. There are also cinemas (Ster-Kinokor) with air-con and a lot of space when watching a movie. A ticket is around K10,000. Right next to the cinema there is a bowling alley with a pretty good standard, and they also do disco-bowling in the late evening.
  • '''Kabwata Cultural Village''', Burma Road. Shopping with a more "African" feel, with dozens of curio-makers and salesmen. You will quickly learn that "looking is free," but the goods are not. Be prepared to spend a while, and don't be afraid to dicker.
  • '''Dutch Reformed Church Market'''. Held on the last Saturday of each month and has been going for several years. There you can buy an assortment of curios, books and Art. A special feature is the large number of goods available from other countries such as Congo and Zimbabwe. You can have a light Indian or Chinese meal while children have their faces painted. Look for stand selling products made from recycled glass bottles and handicrafts made by people with disablities.
  • theres so many funn things to do. even some things that weren't mentioned. ;)

    Eat

  • '''The Dil''' offers some of the best Indian food anywhere and is reasonably priced (though not dirt-cheap). It's located in the Ibex Hill area of town, about 15 minutes drive from the city centre, provided there's no traffic. Well worth the drive.
  • '''The Intercontinental Hotel''' does a reasonable hotel-style brunch in Zambia, for about $10.
  • '''The Marlin Restaurant at the Lusaka Club''' provides quality steaks and Chinese food in a "country club atmosphere" for around $10.
  • '''Debonair's Pizza''' delivers for about $5.
  • '''Gerritz''' Local German restaurant.
  • '''Chit Chat Cafe''' Great outdoor seating and cosy atmosphere. You must try the Moroccan chicken and Asian chicken salads as well as the wraps.
  • '''LA Fast Foods''' Near the Intercontinental Hotel. Upstairs is an Indian restaurant that serves authentic dishes. Good but service is slow.
  • '''La Mimosa''', Arcades. Sandwiches and possibly Lusaka's best milkshake at 10 pin (K10,000).
  • '''Rhapsody's''' A cornerstone at Arcades mall, serves a good variety of beef, chicken, pork, pasta and salad dishes. Also a popular night hangout.
  • '''Kilimanjaro''' Nice cafe at Manda Hill serving yummy sandwiches, crepes, and the best coffee frappucino.
  • '''Portico's''' Lusaka's newest hot spot serving homemade Italian dishes. Located at Showgrounds by the polo grounds, the decor is very posh.
  • '''Dong Fang''' Good local Chinese fare in Long Acres, near Ndeke Hotel.
  • '''Diane's Kitchen''', Off of Addis Ababa drive. While owned by a Chinese couple, this restaurant serves pretty good Korean dishes. Try the Korean barbecue.
  • '''The Courtyard Hotel''' at the Corner of Thabo Mbeki & Nangwenya Roads near ZNBC's Mass Media Complex must be the premier vegetarian dining spot in the country. superb mid-priced food ranging across the indian/thai/malay spectrum.
  • '''Taj Pamodzi''' This upmarket hotel has 2 good restaurants for evening meals - one offering a buffet style indian menu and another grill bar. Food in both places good (check out crocodile kebabs on the grill or some of the excellent vegetarian options) expect to pay $15+ for a meal.
  • Drink

    Lusaka boasts many Western-styled bars (e.g., '''Brown's''' and '''McGinty's''', mainly used by tourists, and ex-pats). However, Zambians love to drink; there are, therefore, a number of bars frequented by locals, as well. Unfortunately, these change often.
  • '''Arcades''' Mall hosts 5 restaurants/bars. '''Times Cafe''' and '''Rhapsody's''' are open till late while '''Ocean Basket''', '''Michelanglo''' and '''Arabian Nights''' serve food and have great ambiance
  • '''Xenon''' nightclub in Northmead, often many young people here
  • '''Chez Ntemba*''' has several branches, plays Rumba and African rythms until the last person leaves
  • '''Majestic Casino''' has an excellent bar, casino comlpete with blackjack and roulette tables and slot machines
  • '''Cattleman's Grill''' at Chrismar hotel hosts live local bands and has a dance floor and restaurant
  • '''Johnny's''' Chinese is centrally located
  • '''Sam's Sports Bar''' is located on Cairo Road in the town centre
  • '''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 tested by all travellers.
  • ChaChaCha Bar. 61 Mulobwa Close. ww.chachachasafaris.com. 2 - 12. This busy, fun and friendly bar is located in local insitution ChaChaCha Backpackers. Its the most easy going place in the centre of the city. Its used by locals and tourists alike and is the place to be if you want to meet people in a place that doesnt need you to dress up first! You'll get local businessmen in suits for their after work beer and tourists getting out of the pool. There's even an informal taxi rank outside to get you home when you've finished your evening on the local Mosi beer! blah blah blah

    Sleep

    Accommodation in Lusaka runs the gamut.

    Budget

  • If you're traveling on a budget try '''ChaChaCha Backpackers'''. It is situated off Bwimjimfumo Road, two-thirds of the way down Mulombwa Close on the right-hand side. This place has a good reputation and if you don't fancy the walk all the taxi drivers know where it is. They provide space to pitch a tent ($8), dorm beds ($15), or private rooms ($30). There is great bar on site which locals use as a hang out. They will organise all your excursions and tours round Zambia and to South Africa. [http://www.chachachasafaris.com / Chachacha Backpackers]
  • Mid-range

    There are a number of mid-range accommodation options, as well.
  • '''The Abundant Life''' is an impeccably clean hostel run by a local church. No alcohol allowed on the premises. Staff is extremely friendly. They offer ''en suite'' rooms and genuine suites, too, for about $20. Keep in mind Abundant Life is also a church, and they offer worship services on-site. Don't be surprised (or afraid) if you wake to the sound of the congregation speaking in tongues!
  • Around 10 minutes from Lusaka center there's [http://www.makeniguesthouse.com Makeni Guesthouse] which is quite a relaxed guesthouse run by Jane. The rooms are basic but clean. It's got a nice relaxed feel to it and wierdly for this part of the world, has no public bar which is a welcome break if you want somewhere quieter.
  • For more of a hotel feel, try '''The Ndeke Hotel''' for about $45/night. The rooms have double beds and satellite TV, and the hotel features a nice pool, a good bar, and a clean restaurant.
  • Cresta Golfview Hotel is a great place with everything to offer the modest traveler.
  • Splurge

    Expect to spend anywhere from $200-$400 night for rooms in these hotels.
  • '''The Pamodzi Hotel''' is probably the nicest in Lusaka, having recently undergone a US$ 7 million renovation.
  • '''The Intercontinental Hotel''' is a close second.
  • '''The Holiday Inn''' is casual and comfortable, but expensive ($200 USD per night).
  • All three of these hotels offer wireless internet, for approximately $12-20 USD per day. Unfortunately, the billing system for each requires you to repeatedly obtain new passwords and userids, rather than simply keeping track of your total usage during the stay. It's as if you had to get a new userid and password every day to use the pool or minibar! WOOO!!XD

    Be safe

    Lusaka seems to have obtained a bad reputation for being a city plagued by crime, but in reality, this is exaggerated - other African cities, Nairobi, Johannesburg and Lagos for example, 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. Also, one should remember that HIV/AIDS is endemic here, and exercise caution when in intimate sexual situations.

    Get out

    Of course, there are game parks (like South Luanga National Park, or the more unspoilt Lower Zambezi) scattered throughout Zambia, and many Lusakans visit them on the weekends. Heading to Livingstone for a few days is also a popular choice.

  • Siavonga is on Lake kariba about two and half hours away from Lusaka
  • '''Protea Lodge''' Just outside Lusaka this provides both a great place to stay, game drives, a swimming pool and even Lions!
  • To have the real "out of africa" experience try the ZAMBIA SAFARI COMPANY, they can take you to Lower Zambezi NP so you can have your G&T watching the hippos in the Zambezi River!!! you can find them at [http://www.zambiasafaricompany.com / Zambia Safari Company]