Holiday in Lusaka

City in sambia — tips, highlights & best time to visit

Country

sambia

Type

City

Best time to travel

May to October (dry season, 15-28 °C). June-August cool. Best safari time: September-October (animals at waterholes). Rainy season November-April.

Budget/day

50-120 €

Getting there from Germany

Flight to Lusaka Kenneth Kaunda (LUN, approx. 10-14 h with layover via Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, or Nairobi). Apply for eVisa online in advance.

About Lusaka

Lusaka is the capital of Zambia and the gateway to one of the last great safari adventures in Africa. The 2.2-million city is located on a plateau at an altitude of 1,280 meters, which gives it a pleasant climate, and serves as a hub for the world-famous national parks of the country: South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Kafue, and the Victoria Falls (Livingstone) are all accessible from here. The city itself surprises with a growing gastronomy and cultural scene. The Lusaka City Market and the adjacent New City Market are huge, covered markets where Chitenge fabrics (Zambia's colorful wraps), vegetables, dried fish, and traditional medicine are traded. The Manda Hill and Levy Junction Malls showcase the modern face of the city. The Lusaka National Museum documents Zambia's history from the Stone Age to independence in 1964, and the Kabwata Cultural Village offers an introduction to the cultures of Zambia's 73 ethnic groups — featuring crafts, dance, and traditional music. What truly sets Lusaka apart is its location as a springboard: The Victoria Falls (UNESCO) in Livingstone can be reached by domestic flight in 1 hour or by bus in 7 hours. The South Luangwa National Park, one of the best walking safari parks in the world, is 6 flight hours away and offers close encounters with leopards, elephants, and hippos.

Urban
85
Winter
70
Nature
65
Safety
60
Adventure
55

Top 5 highlights in Lusaka

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Victoria Falls (Day Trip)

1 hour by flight to Livingstone: the largest waterfalls in the world (UNESCO) — Zambia's most famous natural wonder and adrenaline hotspot.

2

Lusaka National Museum

From the Stone Age to independence: Zambia's history and contemporary art under one roof — a compact introduction to the country.

3

Kabwata Cultural Village

73 ethnic groups, one village: crafts, dance, and music of Zambian cultures — authentic and interactive.

4

Lilayi Elephant Nursery

Elephant orphanage on the outskirts: observe orphaned baby elephants bathing and playing — moving and only 20 km from Lusaka.

5

Munda Wanga Environmental Park

Zoo, botanical garden, and conservation station: learn about Zambia's wildlife without leaving the city.

Hotels in Lusaka

Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.

Über 700.000 Hotels
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Hotels in Lusaka vergleichen

* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.

Reise-SIM für Lusaka

Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM

Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

Best time to travel for Lusaka

Recommended travel time

May to October (dry season, 15-28 °C). June-August cool. Best safari time: September-October (animals at waterholes). Rainy season November-April.

Summer

20-30 °C, rainy season November-April with afternoon thunderstorms

Winter

8-25 °C, dry season May-October, cool in the mornings and warm during the day

How much does a holiday in Lusaka cost?

Average costs per person per day

🎒

Budget

20-40 €

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

🏨

Mid-range

50-120 €

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

🌟

Luxury

150-500 €

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

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5 travel tips for Lusaka

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

Apply for eVisa online in advance — Zambia's eVisa system works well. Alternatively, Visa-on-Arrival is possible (50 USD).

Use Lusaka as a hub — the city is ideal as a gateway: Victoria Falls (1 h flight), South Luangwa (1 h flight), Lower Zambezi (1 h drive).

Visit Lilayi Elephant Nursery — the feeding at 11:30 AM is the highlight. Register in advance on the website.

Uber works in Lusaka — safer and more convenient than most taxis. For longer distances, book a private driver.

Kwacha as cash — ATMs (Zanaco, Stanbic) work reliably. Dollars are accepted in hotels.

Food & drink in Lusaka

These specialties you must try!

Nshima — Zambia's staple food: firm maize porridge, shaped into balls by hand and dipped in relish — every day, every meal.
Ifisashi — vegetables (pumpkin leaves or kale) in peanut sauce: the most popular side dish to Nshima — creamy and nutritious.
Bream (Tilapia) from the grill — fresh freshwater fish over charcoal: the protein of choice, especially on Saturday grill nights.
Vitumbuwa — fried dough balls made from maize flour: slightly sweet and the most popular morning snack at the market.
Munkoyo — traditional fermented drink made from maize flour and root bark: slightly sour, refreshing, and an ancient tradition.
Suitable for:SafariVictoria FallsSpringboardElephantsNational ParksSouthern AfricaWalking Safari

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