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Things to Do in Lusaka

Things to Do in Lusaka

Lusaka Lusaka Province, Zambia Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Lusaka provides some outdoor opportunities, specifically for wildlife viewing, though extensive adventure activities are outside the city.

Wildlife Encounters & Safaris

Lusaka National Park

Offers readily accessible safaris in a vehicle and walking safaris. A great choice for a half--half-day or full-day-day safari experience close to the city, with white rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope.

Lilayi Elephant Nursery

Experience orphaned elephant calves during daily feeding sessions. A heartwarming and educational close-up encounter with these animals.

Chaminuka Game Reserve

Roughly 60 minutes's drive east, this private reserve a more intimate safari experience. Wildlife drives, walking safaris, and cultural village appointments within the reserve.

Hiking & Adventure Sports

  • Hiking/Trekking: Not much formal hiking within Lusaka itself. Lusaka National Park offers guided walking trails due to wildlife.
  • Cycling: Limited safe cycling infrastructure in Lusaka. Main roads are not generally safe. Recreational cycling possible withprivately estates or guided tours.
  • Water Sports: None directly in Lusaka. Found on Kafue River (outside city) or Lake Kariba/Zambezi River (near Livingstone).
  • Adventure Sports: Lusaka is not a key destination. Livingstone (The Smoke that thunders) is Zambia's adventure capital.

Swimming & Relaxation

  • Numerous hotels provide swimming pools.
  • Non-guests can sometimes access for a day fee.
  • A place to de-stress and cool off in the city.
  • Without beaches within Lusaka.

Spa & Wellness

  • Luxury and mid-range hotels offer spas.
  • Massages, facials, beauty treatments.
  • Independent spas in affluent neighborhoods.
  • No significant hot springs directly in Lusaka.

Yoga & Meditation

  • A few private yoga studios exist.
  • Provide classes for various levels.
  • Formal multi-day retreats rare within the city.
  • Ask locally about class schedules.

Safety Note for Outdoor Activities

When venturing into wildlife areas, always adhere to guide instructions. For cycling, be extremely careful on main roads.

Cultural Immersion

Engaging with Lusaka's culture offers profound understanding of Zambian life.

Workshops & Performances

  • Workshops: Occasional traditional arts/crafts workshops by cultural centers or artisan groups.
  • Cultural Performances: Some places to stay or centers host traditional dance/music.
  • Check Alliance Française or Lusaka Playhouse for local performance schedules.
  • Larger national cultural festivals often occur outside Lusaka.

Community & Language

Community Tourism

Formal community-based tourism programs for tourists are limited in Lusaka. Some NGOs or social enterprises insights into local communities, with an educational focus.

Language Learning

Locals appreciate attempts to speak their language. Language apps can help.

Cultural Festivals

Various cultural festivals celebrating different Zambian tribes are held throughout the year, many regionally. The Lusaka Agricultural & Commercial Show (late July/early August) includes cultural displays.

Learn Local Crafts

Seek out local workshops to learn about Zambian craftsmanship and potentially make your own traditional art piece.

Connect with Communities

Research NGOs or social enterprises for opportunities to meet local communities and gain social understanding.

Practice Local Languages

Utilize basic Nyanja or Bemba phrases to make interactions better and show consideration for local culture.

Relaxation & Wellness

Lusaka provides various options for unwinding and personal care.

Spa & Wellness Centers

  • Many luxury and mid-range hotels feature their own spas.
  • Offer massages, facials, and other beauty/relaxation treatments.
  • Independent spas also exist in affluent districts like Longacres and Kabulonga.
  • No significant thermal springs or natural therapy options directly in Lusaka.

Yoga & Traditional Healing

Yoga & Meditation Retreats

A few private yoga studios operate in Lusaka, offering classes. Formal, multi-day yoga or meditation retreats are rare within the city itself.

Traditional Healing Practices

Traditional healers exist in Zambia, offering various forms of traditional medicine. Exercise caution and seek advice from trusted local contacts or your accommodation if interested.

Beach & Pool Clubs

Lusaka is not on the coast, so no beaches. Many hotels have swimming pools that non-guests can access for a day fee, for cooling off.

Wellness Insights

Urban Oasis

Discover pockets of tranquility within the bustling city at hotel spas and private wellness studios.

Local Expertise

Consider local advice when exploring traditional healing, ensuring a safe and respectful experience.

Cooling Off

Hotel swimming pools are a refreshing way to beat the heat and relax after a day of exploration.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Lusaka offers diverse entertainment options, especially after dark.

Live Music & Venues

  • Some restaurants and bars (Longacres, Kabulonga) feature live musical acts, especially on weekends.
  • Mix of local and international music genres.
  • Check local event listings for larger concerts at Woodlands Stadium or Heroes Stadium.
  • Lusaka Playhouse: Main theatre venue for plays, comedy, and other performances.

Clubs & Late-Night

Nightclubs

Popular spots include Chez Ntemba, Chicago's, and several smaller clubs. Exercise caution when visiting nightclubs and stay aware of your surroundings.

Bar Districts

Pubs are spread throughout the city, concentrated around large shopping plazas and in the Longacres/Kabulonga neighborhoods. No formal "pub crawl" culture exists.

Late-Night Dining

Restaurants and clubs generally stay open late, offering dining and entertainment into the night. Look for institutions in well-lit, populated areas.

Event Listings

Check local event listings for performances, concerts, and cultural events happening during your visit.

  • Alliance Française often hosts cultural events.

Socialize Safely

When exploring nightlife, use reputable transportation after dark and travel with companions.

  • Avoid walking alone at night.

Dining & Drinks

Many restaurants transition into lively bars in the evening, offering both food and drinks in a relaxed setting.

  • Savor local and international cuisine.

Shopping & Markets

Traditional Markets & Bazaars
  • Urban Market & Soweto Market: Largest, chaotic, everything from produce to electronics.
  • Kamwala Market: Known for apparel, fabrics (chitenge), textiles.
  • Caution: Be watchful against pickpockets; carry small amounts of cash.
Artisan Crafts & Souvenirs
  • Kabwata Cultural Village: See artisans creating carvings, basketry, pottery, textiles.
  • Suggestions For souvenirs: Wooden carvings, traditional baskets, colorful chitenge fabric, local artwork, beaded jewelry.
  • Upscale shops/hotel boutiques also sell curated crafts.

Ethical Shopping & Customs

Support local artisans directly to secure equitable compensation. Avoid purchasing items from endangered species (illegal and unethical). For international shipping, major courier services (DHL, FedEx) operate in Lusaka. Be aware of your home country's customs regulations, especially for agricultural products, animal products, and historical objects. Keep receipts.

Activity Planning Summary

Experiences in Lusaka

  • Safari at Lusaka National Park for white rhinos.
  • Dine at "nshima joints" for authentic local cuisine.
  • Explore bustling City Market or Soweto Market.
  • Visit the Lusaka National Museum and Freedom Statue.

Beyond the City Limits

  • Adventure sports and The Largest waterfall in the world in Livingstone.
  • World-class safaris at South Luangwa or Lower Zambezi National Parks.
  • Hiking and outdoor exploration in the Zambezi Valley escarpment.
  • Consider domestic flights for travel to distant attractions.
Things to Do in Lusaka. Activities, Experiences, Adventures