The Lusaka Thirty: 30 Things to Do in Zambia's Capital
Lusaka rewards people who dig a little. Its best experiences aren't lined up on one boulevard. They're spread across galleries in leafy suburbs, markets in busy townships, game parks on the city edge and lodges an hour down the road. This is our bucket list: 30 things that, between them, show you what Zambia's capital is really about.
History and heritage
1. Lusaka National Museum. Start here for Zambian history, culture and contemporary art, on Independence Avenue.
2. The Freedom Statue. A short stop on Independence Avenue, and one of the city's best-known landmarks.
3. Cathedral of the Holy Cross. The Anglican cathedral that gives Cathedral Hill its name. Free to visit.
4. Chilenje House. The modest house in Chilenje where Kenneth Kaunda lived before independence.
5. Oliver Tambo Heritage House. The Chelston home of the ANC leader during his years in exile in Lusaka.
6. Tazara Memorial Park. A quiet memorial on the Great East Road in Chongwe, free to enter.
Freedom statute Lusaka 
Lusaka National Museum 
Oliver Tambo Heritage House 
Catherdral of the cross Lusaka
Wildlife and the outdoors
7. Spot rhino in Lusaka National Park. White rhino, giraffe and zebra, about 40 to 45 minutes south of the city.
8. Meet orphaned elephants at Lilayi. The elephant nursery near Lilayi Lodge is a highlight for all ages.
9. Wander Munda Wanga. A wildlife sanctuary and gardens in Chilanga.
10. Face the crocodiles at Kalimba Reptile Park. Crocodiles, snakes and tortoises in Ngwerere.
11. Swim in the Monkey Pools. A natural pool in a pocket of forest off Leopards Hill Road.
12. Stay a night at Chaminuka. A private reserve and lodge in Chongwe, about an hour away.
Kalimba Reptile Park Lusaka 
Chaminuka Nature Reserve 
Munda Wanga Gardens
Art and culture
13. Henry Tayali Gallery. A long-standing gallery at the Showgrounds. Free.
14. Lechwe Trust Art Gallery. Contemporary Zambian art in Rhodes Park. Free.
15. 37D Gallery. Zambian and African contemporary art in Kabulonga. Free.
16. The Lusaka Contemporary Art Centre. Exhibitions in New Kasama. Free.
17. The Chena Art House. A gallery at Nkwashi, east of the city, worth combining with a drive out. Free.
18. Kabwata Cultural Village. Buy carvings, baskets and crafts direct from the makers, on Burma Road.
19. Learn a few words of Nyanja and/or bemba.
Markets and shopping
20. New Soweto Market. One of Zambia's largest open-air markets, for fresh produce and the full Lusaka bustle.
21. A Sunday craft market. The easiest place to find souvenirs in one go.
22. Lusaka's malls. Manda Hill, Arcades and EastPark for everyday shopping, food courts and the cinema.
Food and drink
23. Eat nshima the traditional way. Try it with relishes at a Matebeto.
24. Shoka nyama. Grilled meat, Zambian-style, at Grandaddy's Shoka Nyama in Salama Park.
25. Take a food tour. Jiranileo runs hands-on local food experiences across the city.
26. Sundowners in the city. Cocktails at SOHO Lounge on the Great East Road or 464 on Parliament Road.
27. Dinner at Botanica. The fine-dining room at Ciêla Resort, for a special occasion.
Matebeto Botanica at Ciela Granddaddy's Shoka Nyama
Further afield
28. See the jacarandas. In September and October, purple jacaranda blossom lines Lusaka's avenues. See Lusaka in October.
29. Take the Ultimate Lusaka tour. A guided full day covering culture, markets and the baby elephants. Check availability.
30. Drive to Lake Kariba. Siavonga is 2 to 2.5 hours south, for boat trips and lake sunsets.
Make a plan
Two or three days covers the city highlights; add a night at Chaminuka or a weekend in Siavonga to see more. Browse every listing in See & Do, and read up on the practicalities in our kwacha guide and Getting Around.
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