Top Things to Do in Lusaka

Lusaka, Zambia

About the City

Lusaka, Zambia: A City of Contrasts and Vibrant Culture Welcome to Lusaka, Zambia's bustling capital, where the sun smiles warmly upon both the modern high-rises and the lively street markets. In this enterprising city, you can haggle for vibrant chitenge fabrics in the morning and sip rich Zambian coffee at a chic cafe in the afternoon. The streets are a symphony of honking minibuses, known as 'combis,' zipping through the thoroughfares with a certain organized chaos that becomes an acquired taste. Beneath the canopies, local vendors showcase a cornucopia of fresh fruits, and the alluring aroma of barbecued maize follows you around every corner. Culture thrives here, with traditional dance and music serving as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the locals. However, every city has its shadows; Lusaka grapples with traffic congestion that can test the patience of saints, and the urban sprawl occasionally tests the city’s infrastructure. At day's end, the sky paints a picture with hues of fiery orange and calming purples, a backdrop for friendship and laughter at local eateries where the day's stress is dissolved in the rich flavors of nshima and relish. Whether it's the warmth of the people or the eclectic pace of life, Lusaka is a city you’ll experience with all your senses fully engaged. It's a place of vivid contrasts and undeniable charm, rich with stories waiting to be told.

Things to Do in Lusaka

Local Village Chicken Feast

Food & Drink

Get clucking with some village chicken, also known as 'insaka'! This isn't your regular grocery store bird – it's free-range to the max, spicy, and oh-so-flavourful. You gotta chew a bit more, but the...

Garden Township Graffiti Gallery Walk

Outdoors

Forget the Louvre, let's hit the streets! Stroll through Garden Township where walls are the canvas. Uncover Lusaka's hidden street art gems and give your legs a good stretch as you peek into the city...

Get Cultured at the Local Theater

The Unexpected

Lusaka's not all about the great outdoors - it's got a pretty snazzy indoor scene too! Why not dress to impress and catch a live theater show at one of the city's cultural hubs? You'll experience loca...

Patriotic Poetry Slam

The Unexpected

Unleash your inner poet at a Lusaka poetry slam! Let the rhythm and words flow as you share stories and rhymes about this vibrant country. Or simply snap along as you enjoy the local spoken word talen...

Lusaka Cookout Experience

The Unexpected

Get your apron on and join a local cookout! Sizzle up some Zambian barbeque delights with the pros and learn the secret behind those mouthwatering marinades. A feast for the stomach and a treat for th...

Roller Skate Rendezvous

The Unexpected

Glide and ride around Lusaka on roller skates! Whether you're a seasoned pro or your legs resemble newborn giraffes, it's all about the fun vibes and funky moves. Find your balance, feel the breeze an...

Reservoir Relishing

Outdoors

A dip in the clean, fresh waters of a reservoir is a top-tier way to cool off! Perfect your backstroke or just float around, soaking up the bliss. And if fishing floats your boat, you could snag yours...

Gravel Grind on a Mountain Bike

Outdoors

Kick up some dust as you tear through the rugged terrains on a mountain bike. Feel the burn in your thighs and the wind whooshing past! Whether you're a beginner or an MTB ninja, Lusaka's landscape wi...

City Cycling Adventure

Outdoors

Pedal power to the people! Hop on a bicycle and explore the wide, sunny boulevards of Lusaka. Whether you're cruising like the breeze or pumping the pedals like you're in the Tour de France, the city’...

Lusaka Parkrun

Outdoors

Get your game face on for a weekend parkrun! Whether you're sprinting like a gazelle or trotting like a happy hippo, the important thing is to have fun. It's all about community vibes, so bring along ...

Tantalizing T-Bone Steaks

Food & Drink

Put on your steak face, 'coz you're about to gnaw into one of Lusaka's legendary T-bone steaks. This meaty masterpiece is a fave for protein lovers and comes chargrilled to perfection. Best enjoyed at...

The Copper Art Trail

Sights

Time to shine a light on Zambia's copper-craftiness! Get your hands on the metal magic at local artisans' studios. You’ll be bedazzled by copper trinkets and maybe even get to see masters in action. T...

Kalimba Market Mayhem

Sights

Gear up for a sensory overload at Kalimba Reptile Park, but it's not just about scaly friends. Meander through the market, snag some local crafts, and don't leave without trying some delectable crocod...

High-Flying History Buff

Sights

Elevate your history game at the Lusaka National Museum! Get a high from learning about Zambia's rich heritage through artifacts, paintings, and witchcraft exhibits. It's a trip through time that'll m...

Craft Market Connoisseur

Sights

Get your bargaining hat on and dart through the Kabwata Cultural Village. It's a treasure trove packed with handmade crafts, vibrant textiles, and wooden curios. Scoop up souvenirs that'll make your f...

The Urban Jungle Stroll

Sights

Wanna walk on the wild side? Hit the lush pathways of the Munda Wanga Environmental Park. It's not just plants and pretty flowers; you'll get to say 'hello' to rehabilitation-seeking wildlife too. Per...

Zambian Kapenta with Nshima

Food & Drink

Prepare your taste buds, because we're dipping into the small yet mighty Kapenta! These tiny fish, straight from the Zambian lakes, are typically dried and then fried to crispy perfection. Pair them w...

Beer-Battered Bream

Food & Drink

Are you even doing it right if you haven't had the famous Zambian bream fish with an ice-cold local beer? Head to Lusaka's top-notch steakhouses or fish joints to savor beer-battered bream that's frie...

Sweet Zambian Sausages

Food & Drink

Hey there, food explorer! Wanna sample something sizzlingly special from Zambia? Try out the local sweet sausages, seasoned with a unique blend of spices that'll have your taste buds doing the shimmy....

Ride the Rapids! Kayaking Fun

The Unexpected

For an adrenaline surge, why not take on some kayaking? Tackle some waves, feel the splash, and paddle your heart out as you navigate through the waters. Remember, teamwork makes the dream work, so br...