Serving as the capital of Zambia, Lusaka is a colourful city that centres around a sprawling market and a museum where the country’s cultural history is explored. It’s on the doorstep of several wildlife reserves that include Lusaka National Park, the Munda Wanga Environmental Park and the Lilayi Elephant Nursery.
Things to do in Lusaka
Begin your visit at the Lusaka National Museum, which details the rich culture and history of Zambia. Contemporary paintings and sculptures are displayed in the lower gallery while the country’s ancient past and transition to modernity are explored in the upper gallery. If you’re travelling with kids, there’s also a dedicated children’s corner to keep them entertained.
A short drive south of Lusaka is the Munda Wanga Environmental Park where you can get up close to rarely seen animals such as pangolins, as well as zebras, crocodiles and impalas. Coincide your visit with one of the animal feeding sessions and take time to explore the picturesque botanical garden where around 500 plant species are showcased.
Another wildlife destination not to miss is Lusaka National Park, which opened to the public in 2015 on the site of a former forest reserve. Game drives, walking safaris and bicycle tours offer up-close encounters with the park’s big-game species, which include giraffes, white rhinos and blue wildebeest. Dedicated birdwatching tours are also offered, with around 70 resident species recorded in addition to migratory birds.
Getting around Lusaka
Kenneth Kaunda International Airport is a 25-minute drive from the centre of Lusaka and has flights to destinations across Africa and the Middle East. Trains connect from the Lusaka railway station to cities along the Cape to Cairo Railway while long-distance buses travel to destinations across Zambia. Minibuses and share-taxis are the main means of getting around Lusaka.