WHAT TO DO IN LUSAKA

Lusaka, the capital of and largest city in Zambia, is home to over three million people and counting.  It is one of the fastest-growing cities in Southern Africa. Its downtown streets are lined with street sellers and the skyline has an increasing number of high-rise buildings.

While many tourists to Zambia don’t spend a great deal of time in the capital, you may find yourself exploring the city for a day on either side of your safari. Here are some highlights and what to do during your visit.

The city prides itself on its market culture and every day, there are literally thousands of stalls that sell a myriad things. There are fresh fruit sellers, hairdressers, fishmongers, restaurants, spare parts, second-hand clothing and gifts to name a few.

Lusaka City Market Zambians go to this fascinating market in Los Angeles Road to get their bargains. The market hosts over 400 stalls and despite how busy it is, tourists don’t often get hassled.

Soweto Market This market, just off Los Angeles Road, is more functional than the Lusaka City Market but is still worth a visit.

Pakati Sunday Craft Market Every Sunday the Arcades Shopping Centre car park in East Park is turned into a craft market. This is a great place for gifts and crafts.

Northmead Market Known as a great place to stock up on souvenirs and to enjoy the small supermarkets, restaurants and fresh food stalls in the area around Chigwilizano Road.

In and around the city there is plenty to see and do for the visitor. The Lusaka National Museum on Independence Avenue, art galleries focusing on local artists, the Lusaka Playhouse (on Church and Nasser Roads) and the Kabwata Cultural Village are great places to visit. Lusaka boasts a rich culture of local artists and many of their pieces are available for sale.

Adventure City, off Leopards Hill Road, offers a variety of activities including water slides, paintball, and swimming pools.

About 11km / 7mi from the city centre is the Nembo Scenic Park which is designed, to scale to show a model of the map of Zambia. Nembo features lakes and waterfalls and is a perfect place to go for a stroll with the family.

The Kalimba Reptile Park has an interesting collection of snakes, tortoises, chameleons, crocodiles and other reptiles, found in the surrounding areas, as well as from the rest of Africa. It is a great place to explore for the entire family and features a playground for the little ones. Set in a lush garden on  crocodile farm, its facilities include a cool veranda where refreshments are served and a putt-putt course.

Monkey Pools is on the Muka Munya Estate and offers a fun outing for swimming and playing in the  crystal-clear turquoise waters, the source of the Mukamunya River. The grounds are lush, with jungle-like forests, and make an excellent picnic spot for a day out. You’ll find them on the Leopards Hill Road.

Munda Wanga is 16km / 10mi from the city centre near Chilanga on the Kafue Road. It is an environmental park that is comprised of an environmental education centre, a wildlife park and sanctuary, and a beautiful botanical garden.

The Lusaka Elephant Orphanage rescues and rehabilitates elephant calves that have lost their mothers or who have become separated from their herds. It is located at Luska National Park, which is the country’s smallest but has a wide variety of species. It is about an hour’s drive from the city.

Restaurants in the capital are plentiful. There are a number of Chinese and Indian restaurants to choose from as well as some very good steakhouses. If you are looking for western cuisine dining, the hotels and some shopping malls offer good options. If you are looking for a more traditional eating experience, keep a lookout for small cafes and restaurants which are likely to offer indigenous cuisine.