Lusaka
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At a glance
- Country
- Zambia
- Region
- Lusaka Province
- Population
- 3 million
- Best time to go
- May to August
- Main airport
- Kenneth Kaunda International (LUN)
- Coordinates
- 15.39°S, 28.32°E
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Overview
Zambia's capital is a sprawling, fast-growing city on a high plateau, more a place of business than of grand sights. Most visitors pass through on the way to the national parks.
Give it a day or two and it rewards you, though: craft markets, a good national museum, an elephant orphanage on the edge of town and a warm welcome. It's also the jumping-off point for safaris on the Lower Zambezi.
Things to see
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Lilayi Elephant Nursery
Watch orphaned elephant calves at feeding time before they are moved to Kafue National Park for release.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Ninara from Helsinki, Finland, CC BY 2.0 Lusaka National Museum
Zambian history, culture and contemporary art in a modern building in the city centre.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Icem4k, CC BY-SA 4.0 Munda Wanga Environmental Park
Botanical gardens and a wildlife sanctuary caring for rescued animals, south of the centre.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: BazunguAu, Public domain Kabwata Cultural Village
Craftspeople carving and weaving in a cluster of thatched huts, a good place to buy direct.
Things to do
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Sunday Market
A weekly craft market with carvings, chitenge fabric, baskets and jewellery.
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Photo: Paresh Jai from Nairobi, Kenya, CC BY 2.0 Eat nshima
The stiff maize porridge is eaten by hand with relishes of greens, beans or stewed meat.
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Photo: Joachim Huber from Switzerland, CC BY-SA 2.0 Lower Zambezi safari
Canoe past elephants and hippos in one of Zambia's finest parks, a few hours' drive away.
Find tours
Where to stay
Rhodes Park
Central and leafy, with guesthouses close to shops and embassies.
Hotels in Rhodes ParkKabulonga
Quiet, upmarket suburb with boutique lodges and restaurants.
Hotels in KabulongaWoodlands
A residential area with mid-range options and easy access to the centre.
Hotels in Woodlands
Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the simplest option; minibuses are cheap but crowded. Traffic can be heavy at rush hour.
Kenneth Kaunda airport lies north-east of the city, around 30 to 45 minutes from the centre by taxi.
When to go
The cool, dry season (May to August) has clear skies and comfortable days. September and October are hot, with good wildlife viewing in the parks. The rainy season runs from November to April.
Plan your trip to Lusaka
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.