Lusaka has become something of a boom town of late. New buildings are going up everywhere and many chain stores and shopping malls are springing up all over the sprawling suburbs.
The road development isn’t quite keeping up so peak hour traffic is finally becoming like other cities, but it has an optimistic air of a town on the rise. For many, this is the perfect example of what economic liberalization has done for the country.
And viewed from the villages, Lusaka is the glittering capital which still persuades rural Zambians to migrate to the city in search of jobs and dreams. Well over 60% of its 2 million inhabitants are unemployed, but there are surprisingly few beggars.
Although petty theft occurs, most people try to make an honest living selling their wares or services, always with a friendly smile.
The markets are a hive of activity as the thousands of stalls are set up, graded and cleared away every day. A myriad of motor spares dealers, restaurants, hairdressers, fishmongers, fruit sellers and rows and rows of “salaula” – stalls of discarded clothing from the West sold to Africa by the bale.
The capital covers an area of over 70km2 and is one of the fastest-growing cities in central Africa. It’s population almost trebled in the immediate post-independence era and continues to grow daily. There has been no influx control and the city is bursting at the seams.
Grossly inadequate municipal facilities are hard-pressed to cope with the ever-increasing demand. It is a sprawling, metropolis with many multi-storey buildings, high-walled suburbs and busy shanty towns.
Development has brought together people of many nationalities, making it a bustling center for economic, political and cultural activities.
The city lies at the junction of the main highways to the north, east, south and west, and at an altitude of 1300 meters above sea level. There are air links to most of the major tourist destinations in Zambia from Lusaka International Airport.
Attractions and Things to Do in Lusaka Zambia
Lusaka, the capital and largest city in Zambia, is home to over 3 million people. It is one of the fastest growing cities in Southern Africa. Its downtown streets are lined with street sellers and the skyline has only a few highrise buildings.
While it is on an economic uplift there is a still a huge unemployment rate in the city. The business area of Lusaka is very modern-looking while its outskirts are lined with scrambling shanties and lively markets. 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 few days. Here are some highlights and what to do during your visit.
Markets
The city prides itself in its market culture and every day, there are literally thousands of stalls that sell a myriad things. There are fresh fruit stalls, hairdressers, fishmongers, restaurants, spare parts, second hand clothing and gifts to name a few.
Lusaka City Market
– Zambians go to this fascinating market to get their bargains. The market is host to over 400 stalls and despite its chaotic nature, tourists don’t often get hassled.
Soweto Market
–this market is more functional than the City Market but is still worth a visit.
Sunday Craft Market
–every Sunday the Arcades Shopping Center car park is turned into a craft market. 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.
Culture
In and around the city there is plenty to see and do for the visitor. The Lusaka National Museum, art galleries focusing on local artists, the Lusaka Playhouse theater, the Kabwata Cultural Village and the Moore Pottery Factory are great places to visit in the city. The city boasts a rich culture of local artists and many of their pieces are available for sale.
For Children
Adventure City offers a variety of activities including water slides, paint-balling, and swimming pools.
About 11 kilometres from the city center is the Nembo Scenic Park which is designed, to scale, over a 47 000 square meter area showing a model of the map of Zambia. The Park 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, its facilities include a cool veranda where refreshments are served and a putt-putt course.
Monkey Pools is on the Mukamunya Estate and offers a beautiful outing for swimming and playing in the crystal clear turquoise waters, the source of the Mukamunya river. The grounds are extremely beautiful and with jungle like forests and make an excellent picnic spot for a day out. You’ll find them out on the Leopards Hill Rd where the tar ends. Take the road to the left and look out for the signs.
<h3Wildlife
Munda Wanga is 16km from Lusaka City Centre. It is an Environmental Park that is comprised of an Environmental Education Centre, a Wildlife Park and Sanctuary and a beautiful Botanical Garden. Open daily from 8am- 16:00
Lilayi Elephant Nursery is just 15 minutes south of Lusaka on the Kafue Rd, you’ll find a turnoff to Lilayi Game Reserve and here you will find the Elephant Orphanage Project that rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants before releasing them back into the wild. Open daily for viewing the baby elephants between 11.30am and 13:00.
Nightlife, Dinning and All info About Lusaka
The city of Lusaka has almost everything a major city like Harare or Blantyre has when it comes to enjoying nightlife. Although you might not get so much excitement while enjoying the attractions during the day, after the sun sets life actually takes an exactly opposite turn and excitement starts filling this city.
Those looking for easy going nightlife will have many options and those who like dancing all night will have many nightclubs to roam. In this guide for Lusaka Nightlife we have compiled a list of nightclubs and bars where you can head for an exciting nightlife experience.
O’Hagans Is the Place for Drinking and Eating
It is located on Manda Hill which is easy to reach from the center of the city. The uniqueness of this club is that it is built in a typical Irish style that makes it very exciting. After all, it is the Irish touch that made the club happening.
The collection of drinks in this nightclub is huge although they could be a little bit pricy at times. It also has a huge size satellite TV so that you can enjoy all sorts of channels as per your choice. Although you might have to compromise with what the majority wants. The hospitality of this nightclub is also something which you will surely cherish.
Alpha Bar for Those Who Love Dancing
It is located in the north mead area of Lusaka which can be reached taking any taxi from various locations. This place is famous for the huge collection of drinks and the great atmosphere which it sets up for those who love dancing. You will surely appreciate the happening music played in this nightclub. It is the perfect mix of music, pool, dancing, alcohol, and ladies all under one single roof.
Brown Frog Is the Hub of Drinking
You really don’t need to search for this nightclub. Ask any taxi driver and he will drop you to Brown Frog. It is actually very famous in Lusaka. You will surely appreciate the music and the huge collection of drinks. Lastly, it is fairly cheap too.
Restaurants
The variety of restaurants and clubs ranges according to one’s preference and many are popular with the expatriates. Most places are very convenient and easy to locate though it is important to know one’s way around, the mode of payment used at the particular place, as well as a contact to make sure it’s available.
Marlin
Located in Los Angeles Boulevard, Lusaka Club; a top class restaurant with an excellent wide menu, Indian dishes, steaks, creole and more.
Plates Restaurant and Wine Bar
Situated on Plot 22768 Acacia Park, Arcades Center and consists of American, Mediterranean and eclectic cuisines.
Mint Lounge
Located at the Acacia Park, Arcades Shopping Center is a very nice continental bar ideal for lunch.
Eviva
Situated at 2 Tito Road, off Church Road, Rhodes Park. Its eclectic mix of Mediterranean food, complete mezze dishes, a fresh sushi bar and cocktails offers a luxurious menu for many guests to enjoy.
Chang Shun
Thai restaurant along Independence Avenue.
Portico Restaurant
Situated in the Showgrounds gives you a feel of Italian cuisine in a tranquil ambience.
Sugarbush Farm and Café
Situated on the outskirts of Lusaka, Leopards Hill which serve amazing French press coffee.
Rhapsody’s
A trendy restaurant in Arcades Shopping Center that offers a mixed cuisine and cocktail bar.
Mugg and Bean
A good coffee themed restaurant that is known for its clean and good service with a cozy atmosphere located at Manda hill and Levy Park Malls.
Roma House
Popularly known as the “Italy in Zambia” is an upmarket bistro restaurant, bar and lounge that offers event and conference facilities situated on 609 Zambezi Road, Roma.
Gerritz Restaurant
An exotic German Restaurant that also handles catering services in a peaceful garden setting with an enclosed lounge area and large covered terrace; located at 26 Chaholi Road.
Chicago Bistro Lounge
Situated in Manda Hill is a stylish restaurant inspired by 1950’s and 1960’s décor. Known to serve the tastiest pork chops and ribs ever; it’s the ultimate life experience.
The Misty Jazz Restaurant and Lounge
Offers a soul experience with karaoke nights on Wednesday’s and live bands during the week from Tuesday through to Sunday served with international cuisine.
Dil Restaurant
Situated along Kabulonga Road in Ibex Hill is known to serve the best Indian food in Lusaka.
Blue Moon Café
Located in the Woodlands Mall near Pick n’ Pay and serves the most delicious bagels served with a good cup of coffee.
Ocean Basket
Situated in the Arcades Shopping Center serves a range a seafood.