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Lusaka

Lusaka is the capital and largest city of Zambia, serving as the centre of both commerce and government in the country. Situated on the southern part of the central plateau, this fast-developing city connects to Zambia's four main highways and offers a dynamic urban experience in southern Africa.

Quick facts

Population
1,742,979 (city)
Currency
Zambian kwacha (ZMW)
Language
English
Timezone
CAT (UTC+2)
Local time now
23:20:06

Hotels in Lusaka

Lusaka offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. From budget-friendly choices like Broads Backpackers to established hotels such as Hilton Garden Inn Lusaka Society Business Park, Protea Hotel Cairo Road, The Lusaka Hotel, and StayEasy Lusaka, visitors can find suitable lodging throughout the city. See all hotels →

Airports in Lusaka

Lusaka is served by several airports catering to different travel needs. Kenneth Kaunda International Airport is the primary gateway for international flights, while Lusaka City Airport and Cholongolo Airfield provide additional aviation facilities for the capital. See all airports →

Lusaka City Airport
5.4 km from centre
Cholongolo Airfield
14.7 km from centre
Kenneth Kaunda International Airport
20.9 km from centre

Car Hire in Lusaka

Lusaka offers several car hire options for visitors and locals alike. Providers such as Europcar, Bonnet Car Hire, Crystal Car Hire Limited, and other services are available to help you rent a vehicle for your stay in the city. See all car hire →

Bonnet Car Hire
1.9 km from centre
Europcar
2.0 km from centre
Crystal Car Hire Limited
2.5 km from centre
Llangwe
4.1 km from centre

Things to Do in Lusaka

Lusaka offers a range of attractions for visitors to explore, from historic landmarks like the Freedom Statue to cultural institutions such as the National Heritage Conservation Commission. The city's diverse attractions include notable buildings and hotels that reflect its character and heritage. See all things to do →

E W Tarry's Building
145 m from centre
Bayport
315 m from centre
National Heritage Conservation Commission
377 m from centre
The Lusaka Hotel
402 m from centre
Freedom Statue
1.2 km from centre
Lusaka National Museum
1.2 km from centre

Restaurants in Lusaka

Lusaka offers a diverse dining scene with restaurants serving various cuisines. From Portuguese Restaurant and Bombay Lounge to Creamosa and Amatebeto, the city provides options for different tastes and preferences. See all restaurants →

Creamosa
ice_cream · 204 m from centre
Portuguese Restaurant
portuguese · 504 m from centre
Bombay Lounge
indian · 561 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Lusaka

Lusaka offers swimming facilities for residents and visitors. The Municipal Swimming Pool is among the aquatic venues in the city, though it is currently closed. See all swimming pools →

Municipal Swimming Pool (Closed)
3.6 km from centre

Spas in Lusaka

We're still gathering spas listings for Lusaka — check back soon.

Nightlife in Lusaka

Lusaka offers a lively nightlife scene with a variety of venues catering to different tastes. From jazz clubs to dance venues like Chillas Nite Club, Misty Jazz Club, Club Vegas - Annex, and Qube Night Club, there are plenty of options for an evening out in the city. See all nightlife →

Sandton City
2.0 km from centre
Chillas Nite Club
3.3 km from centre
Misty Jazz Club
3.5 km from centre

Bars in Lusaka

Lusaka offers a variety of bars where visitors and locals can enjoy drinks and socialise. Popular venues include Ponchick, P&B, Smuggler's Pub, Johnny's, and Psalms, each offering their own atmosphere for an evening out. See all bars →

Ponchick
425 m from centre
P&B
2.0 km from centre
Smuggler's Pub
2.3 km from centre

Cafes in Lusaka

Lusaka offers a diverse cafe scene for coffee enthusiasts and casual diners alike. Popular spots like Mugg & Bean, Peaberry Coffee Roasters, The Garden Cafe & Buddha Bar, ZAMCoffee, and Scallywags Cafe And Restaurant provide welcoming venues throughout the city. See all cafes →

Mugg & Bean
554 m from centre
Peaberry coffee roasters
2.1 km from centre
The Garden Cafe & Buddha Bar
british;american;asian_fusion;mexican · 2.4 km from centre

Shopping in Lusaka

Lusaka offers a variety of shopping destinations catering to both locals and visitors. Major shopping malls such as Levy Junction Shopping Mall, Cairo Mall, Oasis Mall, Iringa Mall, and Kamwala Shopping World provide a range of retail and dining options throughout the city. See all shopping →

Levy Junction Shopping Mall
513 m from centre
Cairo Mall
784 m from centre
Oasis Mall
810 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Lusaka

Lusaka offers several green spaces and natural areas for visitors to explore. From Embassy Park Presidential Burial Site to Small Park, the city provides opportunities to experience nature within the urban landscape. See all nature & wildlife →

Embassy Park Presidential Burial Site
3.0 km from centre
Small Park
5.3 km from centre
Kenneth Kaunda Chilenje House National Monument
6.2 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Lusaka experiences seasonal variations typical of southern Africa's central plateau region. The city enjoys warm periods balanced with cooler months, with distinct wet and dry seasons shaping the local weather patterns throughout the year.

Interesting Facts About Lusaka — Weird & Wonderful

  • Lusaka is one of the fastest-developing cities in southern Africa
  • The city sits at an elevation of approximately 1,279 metres (4,196 ft) on the southern part of the central plateau
  • Lusaka is the hub connecting Zambia's four main highways heading north, south, east, and west
  • While English is the official language of city administration, Bemba, Tonga, and Chichewa are commonly spoken on the streets

Frequently Asked Questions About Lusaka

What is the official language in Lusaka?

English is the official language of city administration. However, Bemba, Tonga, and Chichewa are the languages most commonly spoken on the streets.

What is Lusaka's role in Zambia?

Lusaka is the capital and largest city of Zambia, serving as the centre of both commerce and government for the country.

Where is Lusaka located geographically?

Lusaka is situated on the southern part of Zambia's central plateau at an elevation of about 1,279 metres (4,196 ft).

Is Lusaka a developing city?

Yes, Lusaka is one of the fastest-developing cities in southern Africa, making it a dynamic and growing urban centre.

What transportation connections does Lusaka have?

Lusaka connects to all four of Zambia's main highways, heading north, south, east, and west, making it a key transport hub for the country.

Map of Lusaka

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