Mondoka Zambia
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.
And with that introduction out of the way, here are a few of the city´s top experiences:
Lusaka National Museum
Founded in 1996, this two-story institution provides a pretty good survey of Zambia’s history and culture from the Stone Age up till the present era — from archaeology and ethnography to contemporary art and urban culture (the upper floor features excellent exhibitions by Zambian artists).
Kabwata Cultural Village
A ten-minute drive from the CBD, this is a lively cooperative of artisans selling carvings, baskets, and textiles, set in traditional huts. You can watch craftspeople at work and enjoy local drumming performances. It´s great for picking up authentic souvenirs such as pottery; traditional wood carvings; baskets, mats, and trays woven from grass, ilala palm, and sisal; bright, colorful chitenge fabric; and crafts made with malachite, copper, and semiprecious stones. The village is also currently undergoing something of a facelift to enhance its appeal to visitors.
Alan samila
Sunday Market at Arcades Shopping Mall
Also a ten-minute drive from the CBD, the Arcades is one of the city´s premier shopping centers, and in its parking lot every Sunday morning vendors set up stalls selling crafts (similar to that you´d find at Kabwata Cultural Village, above), jewelry, handmade bags, and street food such as . It´s a must-visit for local color, and perfect for mingling and picking up gifts.
In the Kabulonga area some 20 minutes east of Cairo Road, this gallery considered the hub of the city´s contemporary art scene, hosts exhibitions from top Zambian and regional artists, and that along with an attached café and shop make it a perfect stop for a cultural afternoon.
Soweto Market
For some great photo ops, one of Africa’s biggest open-air markets — with more than 5,000 vendors — is colorful as well as a bit chaotic. Here you’ll find everything from fresh produce to handmade shoes. To make the most of it, go with a local guide.
Cool Nightlife
Energetic and eclectic, it mixes live music, dance floors, and open-air lounges. Great examples include
- The Experience by Latitude 15° – A sophisticated hotel rooftop lounge with curated cocktails, art-inspired design, and occasional DJ nights. Ideal for sundowners and a chic crowd.
-
Chicago’s Reloaded – One of Lusaka’s liveliest venues, located at the East Park Mall, home to themed parties, karaoke nights, and a blend of local and international music.
-
Kalahari – A more local and energetic spot popular with young Zambians, featuring Afrobeat, dancehall, and Zed beats late into the night.
Lilayi Elephant Nursery
A little farther afield – a half hour south of Cairo Road – this refuge on the grounds of Lilayi Lodge is managed by Lusaka-based Game Rangers International, this spot is a heartwarming experience where from a viewing platform you can see baby elephants being cared for before they’re released back into the wild; it´s open to visitors for morning feedings.
Munda Wanga Environmental Park
Munda Wanga Environmental Park
Also a litle over a half hour from the CBD, this peaceful retreat founded as a botanical garden in 1950 is these days a cross between the original 500-species botanical garden and sanctuary for rescued wildlife, including giraffes, lions, monkeys (including the rare Zambian blue monkey, found in the wild only in one region of the country), ostriches, and pangolins, Best times to visit are during the animal feedings at 2 pm Friday through Sunday.
Chaminuka Lodge and Nature Reserve
Chaminuka Lodge and Nature Reserve
A little farther still – about an hour outside town – this 40-hectare (nearly 15½-square-mile) private reserve (and luxury lodge) offers game drives as well as walking and horseback safaris to view more than 7,000 animals, including antelopes, cheetahs, elephants, and lions. Other experiences include feeding lions; getting to know elephants up close and personal; and walking tame cheetahs on a leash. There´s also an impressive African art collection, and you can get a tour of that, too.
So yes, Lusaka may not scream adventure at first glance, but spend several days here and you’ll uncover a city brimming with warmth, creativity, and life. Whether you’re sipping a Mosi beer at a rooftop bar, exploring local art at 37d Gallery, or bargaining for handwoven baskets at Kabwata, its a city which rewards curiosity.
Comments