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City Guide · ZA
Zambia's capital and largest city, a railway water stop turned seat of government.
History & Heritage
Lusaka began in 1905 as a railway water stop. It is named after Chief Lusaaka of the Lenje people.
In 1935 the town replaced Livingstone as the capital of Northern Rhodesia.
In 1964 Lusaka became the capital of independent Zambia. Government buildings, the University of Zambia and the international airport followed. The airport opened in 1967 as Lusaka International Airport and was renamed Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in 2011, after Kenneth Kaunda (1924–2021), Zambia's first president from 1964 to 1991.
Today Lusaka is Zambia's largest city, with 2,204,059 people at the 2022 census. Its past is on show in the city: the Lusaka National Museum covers Zambian history from early tribes through the colonial era and independence to the 1991 multiparty transition, Chilenje House is a museum in Kaunda's former home, and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, built since the 1950s, has stained-glass windows.
Key Historical Places
Covers Zambian history from early tribes through the colonial era and independence to the 1991 multiparty transition.
A museum in the former residence of President Kenneth Kaunda, with 1960s artefacts.
A church built since the 1950s in a style influenced by Coventry and Guildford, with stained-glass windows.
↑ Free entry; English-language Sunday Mass is open to the public.
Timeline
Must-See Attractions
Cares for orphaned and injured elephants aged 1–6 until release to the wild.
Small donation requested. Call ahead to arrange a visit.
Galleries on Zambian history and culture, including art, sculpture and artefacts.
Craft huts selling carvings, chitenge fabric and jewellery, with traditional dance and artisans.
Bargaining is expected.
Botanical garden, wildlife sanctuary and education centre in south Lusaka.
About 165 crocodiles and several snake species, with picnic areas.
Accommodation
Latitude 15 Degrees, Lusaka Excellent 8.7/10 boutique hotel in the Kabulonga area of Lusaka, about 20 minutes from the city centre and 30 minutes from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport. Property Details Type: Boutique hotel Guest Rating: 8.7/10 (Booking.com, 266 reviews) Rooms: 32 guest rooms plus 3 two-bedroom suites Amenities Restaurant, bar and lounge, Poolside terrace...
Restaurants & Dining
Dining room and outdoor courtyard in the Arcades Shopping Centre.
Classic Indian dishes and tandoor specialties.
Indian restaurant in Kabulonga.
Garden setting, with a second branch at Centro Mall in Kabulonga.
Activities & Experiences
New Soweto Market sells fresh produce and handmade crafts. Arcades Mall and EastPark Mall sell international and local brands.
A guided walk through Garden Compound covering history, topography and everyday living conditions, with lunch included.
Learn to cook traditional Zambian dishes such as nshima with relish.
The Quorum (bar) and Dacapo (club) are named as options for nightlife.
Events & Entertainment
Annual agricultural and commercial trade show at the Lusaka Showgrounds, with exhibitors from agriculture, industry and commerce.
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