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Lusaka

Lusaka is the capital and largest city of Zambia, serving as the centre of both commerce and government for the nation. One of the fastest-developing cities in southern Africa, Lusaka sits on the southern part of the central plateau and connects the country's four main highways.

Quick facts

Population
1,742,979 (city)
Currency
Zambian kwacha (ZMW)
Language
English
Timezone
CAT (UTC+2)
Local time now
23:02:24

Hotels in Lusaka

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

Airports in Lusaka

Lusaka is served by several airports providing access to Zambia's capital city. Kenneth Kaunda International Airport is the primary hub for international flights, while Lusaka City Airport and Cholongolo Airfield offer additional aviation facilities for the region. 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 residents alike. Major providers including Europcar, Bonnet Car Hire, and Crystal Car Hire Limited operate in the city, alongside local services such as Llangwe and Cobs Transporter, giving you flexibility in choosing your rental vehicle. 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 variety of attractions for visitors to explore. From historic landmarks like the Freedom Statue to cultural institutions such as the National Heritage Conservation Commission, there's plenty to discover in Zambia's capital city. 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 cuisines from around the world. From Portuguese and Indian fare at Portuguese Restaurant and Bombay Lounge to local and international options at Creamosa and Amatebeto, there are plenty of choices for every palate. 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 pool facilities for residents and visitors. The Municipal Swimming Pool is among the known facilities in the city, though availability and operating status may vary. 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's nightlife offers a diverse mix of venues for evening entertainment. From jazz clubs to dance venues like Chillas Nite Club, Misty Jazz Club, Club Vegas - Annex, and Qube Night Club, the city has options for different tastes and occasions. 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 locals and visitors 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 café scene with options ranging from speciality coffee roasters to casual dining spots. Whether you're looking for freshly roasted coffee at Peaberry coffee roasters, relaxed dining at Scallywags Cafe And Restaurant, or unique venues like The Garden Cafe & Buddha Bar, Lusaka's cafes provide welcoming spaces to enjoy refreshments 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 for visitors and locals alike. Major shopping malls such as Levy Junction Shopping Mall, Cairo Mall, Oasis Mall, Iringa Mall, and Kamwala Shopping World provide convenient venues for retail and entertainment 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 natural spaces and wildlife areas for visitors to explore. From Embassy Park Presidential Burial Site to Small Park, the city provides opportunities to experience green spaces and natural heritage. 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 a subtropical highland climate due to its elevated position at approximately 1,279 metres above sea level. The city sees distinct seasonal variation, with warmer, wetter conditions during certain periods and cooler, drier weather at other times of 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 about 1,279 metres (4,196 ft) on the southern part of the central plateau.
  • Lusaka connects to Zambia's four main highways heading north, south, east, and west, making it a crucial transport hub.
  • 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 population of Lusaka?

As of 2022, Lusaka's population was approximately 2,204,059, making it Zambia's largest city.

What languages are spoken in Lusaka?

English is the official language of city administration, while Bemba, Tonga and Chichewa are commonly spoken by residents.

What is Lusaka's role in Zambia?

Lusaka is the capital of Zambia and serves as the centre of both commerce and government for the country.

Where is Lusaka located?

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

Why is Lusaka considered important in southern Africa?

Lusaka is one of the fastest-developing cities in southern Africa and serves as a major hub connecting the country's main highways.

Map of Lusaka

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