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Things to Do in Lusaka

Things to Do in Lusaka

Lusaka Province Zambia Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

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

Wildlife Encounters & Safaris

Lusaka National Park

Offers readily accessible game drives and walking safaris. A great choice for a half-day or full-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 plus for learning close-up encounter with these animals.

Chaminuka Game Reserve

About an hour'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: Limited formal hiking within Lusaka itself. Lusaka National Park offers guided walking trails due to the local 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. Discovered on Kafue River (outside city) or Lake Kariba/Zambezi River (near Livingstone).
  • Adventure Sports: Lusaka is not a key destination. Livingstone (Victoria Falls) is Zambia's adventure capital.

Swimming & Relaxation

  • Many hotels offer swimming pools.
  • Non-guests can sometimes access for a day fee.
  • A place to de-stress and cool off in the city.
  • No 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.
  • Offer classes for various levels.
  • Formal multi-day retreats rare within the city.
  • Check locally for class schedules.

Safety Note for Outdoor Activities

When venturing into wildlife areas, always adhere to guide instructions. For cycling, exercise extreme caution on main roads.

Cultural Immersion

Engaging with Lusaka's culture offers deep insights into Zambian life.

Workshops & Performances

  • Workshops: Occasional traditional arts/crafts workshops by cultural centers or artisan groups.
  • Cultural Performances: Some accommodations 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 community 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 enhance interactions and demonstrate respect 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 neighborhoods like Longacres and Kabulonga.
  • No significant hot 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 connections or your accommodation if interested.

Beach & Pool Clubs

Lusaka is not by the sea, so no beaches. A lot of 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, making sure of 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

Saloons 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-populated-lit, populated areas.

Event Listings

Review local 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.

  • Delight in local and foreign food.

Shopping & Markets

Traditional Markets & Bazaars
  • City Market & Soweto Market: Largest, chaotic, everything from produce to electronics.
  • Kamwala Market: Known for clothing, 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.
  • Gift Ideas: 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 ensure fair 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 artifacts. Keep receipts.

Activity Planning Summary

Experiences in Lusaka

  • Safari at Lusaka National Park for white rhinos.
  • Dine at "nshima joints" for real 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 discovering the natural world in the Zambezi Valley escarpment.
  • Consider domestic flights for travel to distant attractions.
Things to Do in Lusaka. Activities, Experiences, Adventures