Lusaka

Explore the city many suburbs and informal communities. Take a map and explore the city’s marketplaces, second-class retail district, and many more hidden gems. The only precautions advised are to leave valuables at your hotel and bring just the cash required for the day, as would be the case in any big city.

Parray’s Game Ranch is 21 kilometers from the town center. There are game drives, swimming, and a playground available. There are Zebra, Kudu, and other herbivores to be found there.

Chaminuka Lodge – Amazing accommodation and amenities, close to the airport. A variety of antelopes, elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, and hyenas live in the privately owned park.

Manda Hill. The first formal mall in Lusaka opened in 2000, and it received a warm welcome.

Soweto Market – The front of Soweto Market is a contemporary covered market. Behind it is a vast market selling anything from beans to used clothing. It contains conventional remedies, bicycle mechanics, and engine spare components. (Be careful to keep your handbag and any other belongings with you.)

Henry Tayali Gallery is located in the city Showgrounds and hosts exhibits of local art. There are unique and professional items available, and the staff can gladly box your work for safe flight.

Arcades. The capital’s second mall, has a reasonably priced Spar store where you can stock up on Western groceries. There are also theatres (Ster-Kinokor) with air-conditioning and plenty of room to view a movie. There is a bowling alley just next to the cinema with a decent quality, and they also conduct disco-bowling in the late evening. Every Sunday, a Sunday market (handicrafts, clothing, and plants) is held throughout portions of the parking lots.

Kabwata Cultural Village, Burma Road. Shopping has a “African” vibe, with hundreds of curio producers and marketers. You’ll shortly discover that “seeing is free,” but the products aren’t. Be prepared to spend some time, and don’t be scared to haggle.

Flights to Lusaka are available from Johannesburg, Dubai, Nairobi, and Addis Ababa. Lusaka and Dubai are connected by Emirates five times a week. South African Airways has numerous daily flights to Lusaka, and Kenya Airways has two daily flights from Nairobi. Ethiopian Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines Ethiopian Airlines Ethiopian Airlines Ethiopian Airlines Ethiopian Airlines Ethiopian Airlines Ethiopian Airlines Ethiopian (Note that airlines in Johannesburg have no control over baggage in transit, and the airport’s baggage concessionnaire is contractually protected from liability, thus misplaced and especially pilfered baggage can be a problem.)

Lusaka is also served by a number of other African airlines. Zambia Airways went bankrupt in December 1994, and Zambian Airways (formerly Mine Air Services) discontinued operations in early 2009. In late 2011, Zambezi Airlines suspended operations.

All Zambian airlines have been denied authorization to operate services to the European Union as of July 15, 2009. The EU Air Safety Committee made its conclusion after an ICAO investigation of Zambia found severe flaws in the Zambian civil aviation authorities’ capacity to oversee the safe operation of airlines licensed by them. If a viable alternative exists, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom advises against traveling with any Zambian-based airline.

Lusaka is served by the following international airlines:

• Air Botswana flies to Gaborone.
• Malawi airlines. flies to Lilongwe.
• Kenya Airways flies to Nairobi.
• South African Airways flies to Johannesburg.
• Ethiopian airlines. flies to to Addis Ababa..
• Emirates airlines. Flies to Dubal.
• FastJet. flies to Dar Es Salaam.
• RwandAir. flies to Kigali and Johannesburg.
• TAAG Angola airlines. flies to Luanda.
• Air Namibia. flies to Windhoek.
• south African Express. flies to Durban.
• Airlink airlines. flies to Johannesburg.
• Turkish Airlines is looking to fly directly to and from Istanbul.
• Qatar airways is looking to fly three times a week to and from Doha.
• domestic flights, there are two airlines, Mahogany Air and Proflight Zambia. and for charters Ngwazi Air Charters.

Lusaka International Airport (LUN) is located 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) east of the city center, off the Great East Road.

You can get a ride into Lusaka city center for as little as k100 if you go out of the airport terminal and cross the car lot to the gasoline station. You will spend much more if you take a taxi outside the Terminal.

The new Jubilee Express Night train runs from Lusaka to Livingstone three times a week, at 18:00 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 18:00, the train departs Livingstone for Lusaka. It takes roughly 12 hours to travel by rail. A six-berth sleeper class ticket costs 145 Kwacha, while an Economy class seat costs 75 Kwacha. The new Jubilee fast train runs twice a week between Lusaka and the Copperbelt in the north.

Tickets for the TAZARA railway from Kapiri Mposhi to Tanzania may be purchased at Tazara House, which is located on the market corner of Cairo Road and Independence Avenue in Lusaka. A 50 percent discount is available to students. 200 kilometers north of Lusaka lies the Kapiri Mposhi Tazara railroad station. The Tazara railway is an inexpensive method to travel between Zambia and Tanzania. The cost of a second-class sleeper ticket between Kapiri Mposhi and Mbeya, Tanzania is 152 Kwacha. The 2nd class sleeper cost from Kapiri Mposhi to Tunduma, Tanzania’s border town, is 109 kwacha. The 227 Kwacha 2nd class sleep fee covers the 1860 kilometer journey from Kapiri Mposhi to Dar Es Saalam. The train leaves Kapiri Moshi twice a week, on Tuesday at 16.00 and Friday at 14.00, and arrives at the Tanzanian border about 11am the next day.

Mazhandu Family Bus Service is largely regarded as the greatest and most dependable bus service in Zambia, by both natives and expatriates. Buses depart from the Inter-City terminal, which is located close downtown Lusaka. They are always on time, have a huge fleet of buses with spares in case of a breakdown, make stops in well-lit places with enough restrooms, tag your baggage for you, and have pleasant bus personnel. The owner is nearly always there, ensuring that everything runs well. Between Lusaka to Livingstone, there are seven buses every day, including one overnight trip. A number of buses are designated as “business class,” with bigger seats and more legroom. The first bus leaves at around 6 a.m., while the final bus leaves at 19.30 p.m. includes bus charges of 120 Kwacha per person (about US$11). The distance between Lusaka and Livingstone is 482 kilometers, and the journey takes around 7 hours.

Intercape, a South African bus company, providing overnight trips from Johannesburg and other Southern African destinations. Buses also go to Lusaka from Malawi, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Mozambique.

Minibuses are common, inexpensive, and, if not already full, quick. Single rides are usually K5 (about USD1) or less. Although there are a few alternate or short-cut routes, especially during rush hours, most routes travel to/from the four major bus stops in the city center (referred to collectively as “town”). With just one link in town, a rider can reach almost anywhere in the city. It’s not difficult to get into town. When leaving town, it’s a good idea to ask the driver where he’s headed. Routes and destinations are not shown on the vehicles themselves, however if a bus is carrying people, the conductor will most usually scream the destination through the window. Minibuses run into the nights, although their frequency decreases as the evening progresses.

A cab, at least at first, may be a preferable alternative for the inexperienced. Taxis are mainly Toyota Corollas and come in two colors: sky blue and light grey. Because Zambian taxis do not have meters, pricing are slightly flexible but always on the high side for Africa. Before getting into the cab, make sure you agree on a fee; K20 for a short journey is a reasonable tourist charge. (Tip: Find out how much your vacation should cost in a hotel lobby.) If the cab driver offers you a higher fare, tell him you’d like to go in a minibus. Keep an eye on the pricing.)

Take down the phone number of a taxi driver; most will be willing to do an all-day deal, wait for you while you explore, pick you up early or late, and transport you to and from the airport.

Walking is an option because the distances are short and there are plenty of street names to assist you navigate. Walking at night, however, has its risks: manhole covers are not common in Lusaka, and there are many uncovered drains that could swallow you whole, so bringing a torch is a good idea; and drivers seem to be allergic to moving over for pedestrians walking on the road, so stick to the dirt paths along the side of the road (which are more common than pavements / sidewalks).

Suburbs around Lusaka include Makeni Konga, Handsworth Park, Sunningdale, Kabulonga, Meanwood (Ndeke Village), Woodlands, Jesmondine, Acacia, Northmead, Olympia Park, Roma, Kalundu, Chelston, Avondale, Rhodes Park, Prospect Hill, Longacres, Fairview, State Lodge, Makeni, Emmasdale, Leopards Hill, New Kasama, Ibex Hill, Kabwata (a working class area, home to the Kabwata Cultural Centre), Madras, Mass Media, Libala, Marshlands, Manda Hill, Chainda, Chudleigh, Kamwala, Kamwala South, Mwembeshi, Barlastone Park, Foxdale, Madras, NIPA, Mapepe, Lilayi, Presidential Housing Initiative (PHI) (originally named as the Bennie Mwiinga Housing Complex), Nyumba Yanga, Olympia Extension, Thorn Park, Twinpalm, Villa Elizabetha and newly created areas such Chalala which comprises Hill View area, Rock field and Bedrock which is also called woodlands chalala with prominent residents such as Kashiwa Bulaya living there.

Other residential areas and slums are Misisi, Chawama, Ziwa Zakho, Shang’ombo, Shadreck, Matero, Mtendere, Chaisa, Chawama, John Laing, Kalingalinga, George compound, Chipata Compound, Ng’ombe, Lilanda, Chunga, Mandevu, Garden Compound, Bauleni, Helen Kaunda, Kaunda Square (stage one and stage two), and Chilanga (Lusaka), Zambia.

Tourist (Backpacker) – 34 $ per day. Estimated cost per 1 day including:meals in cheap restaurant, public transport, cheap hotel.

Tourist (regular) – 103 $ per day. Estimated cost per 1 day including:mid-range meals and drinks,transportation, hotel.

MARKET / SUPERMARKET

RESTAURANTS

ENTERTAINMENT

PERSONAL CARE

CLOTHES / SHOES

TRANSPORTATION

• Soweto Market  – The front of Soweto Market is a contemporary covered market. A large market sits beyond it, selling anything from beans to secondhand clothing. Traditional remedies, bicycle mechanics, and engine replacement parts may all be found there. (Be sure to keep your handbag and any other valuables with you.)
• The Anglican Cathedral (on the corner of Church Road and Independence Avenue) is a beautiful concrete structure with huge stained glass windows. The Cathedral of the Holy Cross, as it is officially known, first opened for service on September 14, 1962.
• Henry Tayali Gallery located in the city Showgrounds, hosts local art exhibits. There are a variety of unique and professional items available, and the staff can gladly pack your work for safe transit.
• Munda Wanga Environmental Park – Environmental Education Center, Botanical Gardens, Recreational Village, and Wildlife Park and Sanctuary It began as a private garden in 1956 and has now evolved into Zambia’s premier environmental education facility. Munda Wanga, with over 50,000 visitors every year, reaches out to Zambia’s future generations to educate them about their environment and natural heritage. Phoenix the young elephant was recently released back into the wild, and 20 baboons are off for a new life in the jungle. However, many animals still find their way to the refuge after being discovered in the illicit pet trade. The Botanical Gardens are a great spot to unwind and get away from the rush and bustle of the city. Nice cuisine and cool drinks are offered at the Terrace Bar and Restaurant.
• Lilayi Lodge a wildlife ranch. Take a game drive to view animals as near to their natural habitat as possible in the city. Lilayi Lodge offers a fantastic restaurant that serves Sunday buffets that may be enjoyed while sitting by the pool.
• Wakmaf Bus Services (Max Katyamba), Lusaka, Zambia,  +260 977-417331, e-mail: [email protected]. Maxwell Katyamba has spent the past 13 years working for World Vision and has now chosen to launch his own company. Wakmaf Bus Services can transport groups of 1 to 7 persons, or bigger parties of up to 29 people.
• The National Museum, Independence Ave (next to the new Government Complex). 9AM-4.30 7 days a week. If you’re looking for something to do, go to this dusty, underfunded African museum. On the main level, there’s an amusingly harsh ‘collection’ of modern art, which is paired with a more absorbing exhibition upstairs about Zambia’s colonial past, rural life, and witchcraft. Several vintage newspaper clippings provide a fascinating peek into British Colonial Officers’ biased opinions and attitudes toward the ‘natives.’ Give yourself at least an hour, but don’t have high expectations for yourself. K10,000.

• Explore the city’s many suburbs and informal communities. Take a map and go exploring the city’s marketplaces, second-class retail district, and other hidden gems. The only precautions suggested are to leave valuables at your hotel and simply bring enough cash to get by for the day, as in any large city.
• Parray’s Game Ranch is located 21 kilometers from town. Game drives, swimming, and a playground are all available. Zebra, Kudu, and other herbivores can be seen there.
• Chaminuka Lodge Amazing accommodation and facilities, close to the airport. A variety of antelopes, an elephant family, giraffes, zebras, lions, and hyenas live in the privately owned park.

While Lusaka is hardly a gourmet destination, it does have several nice restaurants. Unfortunately, the city’s rapid shopping mallization means that boring South African chain restaurants are multiplying, although there is still a nice range of small restaurants strewn about. Lusaka appears to be known for its Indian food. Chindo Road is the city’s closest approach to a restaurant strip.

South Asian

• Arabian Nights Restaurant Ltd (Arabian Nights), Unit 37, Arcades Shopping Centre (Opposite Investrust Bank at Arcades Shopping Centre), 257085. 11-22.00. Fine fusion cuisine with Pakistani curries, steaks, continental cuisine, seafood, game meat, wraps, salads, and homemade ice cream. There are take-out options available. Their Kitwe location earned the Tourism Council’s “Best Restaurant in Zambia” title, and this one is nearly as good. They also have their own (vanilla) ice cream parlor, where they produce homemade ice cream from simple ingredients. It’s not cheap, but neither is Ben & Jerry’s.
• Dil serves some of the greatest Indian food in town at a fair price (though not dirt-cheap). It’s in the Ibex Hill neighborhood of town, roughly a 15-minute drive from the city center if traffic is light. The trip is well worth it, although a cab price each way is more expensive than a dinner.
• Muskaan Good Indian & Pakistani food, slightly cheaper than Dil. There are two sister restaurants in Kabulonga (Muskaan I and Muskaan II). Muskaan I on Chindo road is slightly more consistent (tel: 265976). Muskaan II is located near the Intercontinental Hotel on the crossroads of Haile Selassie Avenue and United Nations Avenue. Main courses cost roughly K50,000 and above, excluding a 26 percent VAT and service surcharge.
• Shamiana, Birdcage Walk (in the Millennium Village behind Intercontinental hotel). evenings. Unpretentious Indian eatery with a competent chef de cuisine. K35,000 for the mains.
• Oriental Garden United National Avenue, opp. German Embassy With a lovely small patio and garden, this Indian restaurant and bar is a must-visit.

East Asian

• Diane’s Kitchen / Korean Cuisine, On Saise Road (Plot 5018) off of Addis Ababa drive (look for the ‘Korean Cuisine’ signs). Despite the fact that it is owned by a Chinese couple, this restaurant serves some excellent Korean cuisine. It also has a separate area with low tables where you may cook at your table. Korean barbeque is worth a try. Mains start at K40,000.
• Dong Fang Good local Chinese fare in Long Acres, near Ndeke Hotel.
• The Courtyard Hotel at the Corner of Thabo Mbeki & Nangwenya Roads near ZNBC’s Mass Media Complex.
• Savanna at the Intercontinental Hotel. Does standard international hotel food in a nice setting by the pool. 365 days a year, a la carte and all-you-can-eat buffet. A lunch will set you back roughly k100,000.
• The Marlin Restaurant at the Lusaka Club, Los Angeles Boulevard, Longacres,  +260 211 252 206. For roughly $10, you can have good steaks and Chinese food in a “country club ambiance.”
• Taj Pamodzi This upscale hotel includes two restaurants for evening meals, one with a buffet that changes daily and the other with a grill bar. The food offered indicated the Indian ownership. Grilled crocodile kebabs and great vegetarian choices are available. A dinner will set you back $15 or more.
• Portico’s Homemade Italian cuisine are served at Lusaka’s newest hotspot. Located near the polo pitch at the Showgrounds. New, extended outside area with groovy design.
• Marlin. The Lusaka Club, Los Angeles Boulevard, Longacres. Lusaka’s eating scene has long been dominated by this restaurant. Pepper steak is a specialty of marlin. There are also other meats and Chinese dishes on the menu. The restaurant has a distinct 70s vibe, but it’s often packed (reservations are required at peak hours), and the beef is quite delicious (porterhouse a better option than the fillet). VAT and service are not included in the prices. The wine selection is entirely comprised of Nederburg wines. Mains start at K70,000.

• Manda Hill. The first official mall in Lusaka, which opened in 2000, received a rousing welcome. The mall also has several high-end boutiques, a bookshop, a Subway restaurant, some souvenir stores, and following expansion, a wide range of businesses Shoperite grocery, apparel, jewelry, books, interior design, electronics, and food establishments with outside seating.
• Arcades. The capital’s second mall, which houses a reasonably priced Spar store where you can get your Western groceries. There are also theatres (Ster-Kinokor) with air conditioning and plenty of seating for moviegoers. A single ticket costs roughly 34 ZMW (half that price on weekdays). A good-quality bowling alley is located just next to the cinema, and they also provide disco-bowling in the late evening. Every Sunday, a Sunday market (handicrafts, clothing, and plants) is held throughout portions of the parking lots.
• Kabwata Cultural Village, Burma Road. With hundreds of curio-makers and marketers, it has a more “African” vibe to it. You’ll quickly discover that “seeing is free,” but “getting” is not. Prepare to put in some time and don’t be afraid to haggle.
• Dutch Reformed Church Market. It has been going on for numerous years on the last Saturday of each month. You may buy a variety of curios, literature, and artwork there. The enormous variety of commodities accessible from other nations, such as Congo and Zimbabwe, is a unique trait. While the kids get their faces painted, you may enjoy a small Indian or Chinese lunch. Look for a vendor offering recycled glass bottle items and handicrafts created by persons with disabilities.
• Jackal & Hide, Sugarbush Farm, Leopards Hill Lusaka, Zambia. A wonderful boutique hidden away in Sugar Bush Farm sells excellent authentic African leather purses and other leather items. High-quality materials, appealing designs, and affordable rates. They’ve also opened a café, which is ideal for a midday visit.
• Levy 1, Church Rd. A brand new (as of 2012) retail center with even more South African stores to explore, including a large Pick’n’Pay. As of 2013, the cinema is open.
• Lusaka City Market  – If you want to have a ‘African’ market experience, go to Lusaka City Market, which is located just east of the main downtown area. The ‘Town Centre’ market is depressing, with a lot of traffic jamming the streets.
• MP3 CDs. Lusaka is an excellent destination to add to your African music collection because it is strategically placed near numerous nations with a significant musical legacy (Congo, Zimbabwe). For around K10,000, various businesses in Lusaka City Market’s interior section will burn MP3s or transfer terabytes of music to your flashdisk or phone.

• Pick N Pay Supermarkets (Makeni mall and East Park Mall),  +260 21127378. 9am-9pm. By the end of 2015, Pick N Pay will have 15 locations in Lusaka and the Copperbelt.
• Shoprite (Manda Hill mall). 9am-9pm. With 25 shops, Shoprite is Zambia’s largest grocery chain.
• Spar Supermarkets. In Zambia, there are already around 11 Spar supermarkets. a greater cost
• Choppies supermarkets. 8am-8pm.

Many Western-style bars can be found in Lusaka (for example, Brown’s and McGinty’s, which are mostly frequented by tourists and ex-pats). Zambians enjoy drinking, thus there are a lot of pubs that are visited by people. Regrettably, these are subject to frequent alteration.

• Arcades  – 5 restaurants and bars are located within the mall. Rhapsody’s and Times Cafe stay open late, while Ocean Basket, Michelanglo, and Arabian Nights provide meals and have a nice ambience.
• Xenon nightclub in Northmead attracts a lot of young people.
• Chez Ntemba is a chain of restaurants that play Rumba and African rhythms till the last person departs.
• Majestic Casino offers a fantastic bar, as well as a casino featuring blackjack and roulette tables, as well as slot machines.
• Cattleman’s Grill located in the Chrismar Hotel, has live local musicians, a dance floor, and a restaurant.
• Johnny’s
• Sam’s Sports Bar is located on Cairo Road in the heart of town.
• The Polo Grill includes outside seats and a small casino with views of the Lusaka Polo Club.
• Northmead Shopping Centre features a variety of clubs and bars, some of which are open 24 hours a day. The iconic alpha bar is a must-visit for all visitors.
• The Cha Bar, 161 Mulobwa Close, Fairview. 12 – 12. Lusaka Backpackers is a bustling, entertaining, and welcoming bar (until its recent revamp called ChaChaCha Backpackers). It’s the most laid-back spot in the city, and it serves excellent meals. It is frequented by both residents and visitors and is the place to go if you want to meet new people without having to dress up. Local businessmen in suits will be enjoying an after-work beverage, while visitors will be exiting the pool. When you’ve ended your evening on the local Mosi beer, there’s even an impromptu taxi queue outside to transport you home.

Lusaka has a poor reputation for being a crime-ridden city, although this is overstated; other African cities, such as Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Lagos, are far more dangerous. Travelers should be aware, however, that roaming around the city late at night is dangerous, and that displaying valuables makes you a target for pickpockets. Also, keep in mind that HIV/AIDS is endemic in Lusaka, so use a condom and take other required measures if you have sex while visiting.