Set on a high plateau in the center of the country and surrounded by rolling countryside, this low-rise, sprawling city of 3.3 million is one of Africa´s fastest growing - and it´s highly underrated, ending up surprising more than a few visitors. Though it may not have the safari fame of Livingstone or South Luangwa, Lusaka has no grand monuments but it does provide a vibrant look into modern Zambian life — where street-food stalls, crafts and traditional markets, contemporary art galleries promoting young African artists, and hopping nightlife all coexist in a single day’s stroll. So far from being just a stopover on your way to and from the country´s eco riches, Lusaka has become a hub for culture, cuisine, and community — an authentic introduction to the country’s rhythm and resilience, well worth at least a couple of days, and pretty affordable to boot, doable on as little as US$30 a day.
Based on a village of the Lenje and Soli peoples dating back to the 11th century, the city as such was founded in 1905 as a water stop for a railway built by the British South Africa Company, then eight years later designated as the capital of Northern Rhodesia, becoming the capital of Zambia when it got its independence from Great Britain in 1964. These days Lusaka is one of southern Africa’s safest and friendliest capitals, with locals known for their warmth and easygoing charm. With no real "skyline" to speak of, it´s a patchwork of neighborhoods and business districts spread along wide, tree-lined roads. The heart of the city is compact but quickly transitions into suburban areas where houses sit behind walled gardens. The busy downtown – known as the Central Business District (CBD) – is full of 1960s–1980s concrete government buildings, banks, and shopping arcades. Its main artery is Cairo Road, lined with offices, small shops, and informal markets, and hums from dawn to dusk. Away from downtown, modern suburbs like Ibex Hill, Kabulonga, Rhodes Park, and Woodlands are greener and more spacious, filled with jacaranda trees, bougainvillea-lined avenues and home to embassies, restaurants, new shopping malls, and gated homes.
Read more in my post Why Zambia´s Capital Lusaka Is Worth a Visit.
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