PROFILE: A Day at Lusaka National Park & the Heart of Conservation

Just 30 kilometres southeast of Zambia’s bustling capital lies a hidden gem — Lusaka National Park, locally known as Paki ya Lusaka. Though it’s one of the country’s youngest and smallest national parks, this 67 km² sanctuary offers a surprisingly rich wildlife experience just minutes from the city.

Recently, I joined a Discover Zambia × Sony Photo Walk at the park — a photo-safari outing that turned out to be more than just a photography trip. It became an immersive conservation journey, thanks to the inspiring work of Game Rangers International (GRI).

Arriving at the Park — What to Expect

Despite its modest size, Lusaka National Park delivers big when it comes to natural beauty and accessibility. The park’s location makes it an ideal quick getaway for anyone craving a taste of the wild without venturing deep into Zambia’s vast wilderness.

We arrived early in the morning — that golden hour photographers dream of. The air was cool and crisp, the savannah bathed in soft light, and the wildlife just beginning to stir. Giraffes peeked through the acacia trees, zebras grazed lazily, and impalas darted across the open plains. With its mix of open grasslands and gently wooded areas, the park offers a variety of backdrops perfect for photography.

The Photo Walk Experience

Being part of the Discover Zambia × Sony team added a professional and creative edge to the experience. We spent the morning framing rhinos against dramatic skies, capturing zebras in motion, and experimenting with angles to bring out the textures of the landscape.

Switching between wide-angle lenses for sweeping vistas and telephoto lenses for close-up wildlife portraits made a noticeable difference. The Sony gear handled the changing light and movement beautifully — and the guidance from the Discover Zambia crew ensured we didn’t just take pictures, but told visual stories.

One of the most memorable moments came when we visited the Elephant Orphanage Project facility within the park’s conservation zone. Run by Game Rangers International (GRI), this centre provides sanctuary for young elephants orphaned by poaching or human-wildlife conflict. Watching these gentle giants play in the mud, feed, and interact under the watchful care of their keepers was both heartwarming and humbling.

Conservation in Action — Game Rangers International

What truly elevated the day was witnessing conservation in motion. GRI’s Wildlife Rescue Programme, which includes the Elephant Orphanage Project, is a cornerstone of wildlife protection in Zambia. The team’s mission extends far beyond rescue — it’s about long-term rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into the wild.

Orphaned elephants start their journey in Lusaka National Park, where they receive round-the-clock care in the nursery. Once mature enough, they’re moved to a release facility in Kafue National Park, where they gradually learn to survive independently and join wild herds. It’s a process that can take years, requiring patience, expertise, and deep compassion.

A Must-Visit for City Dwellers

If you find yourself in Lusaka wondering how to spend a free day, Lusaka National Park should be at the top of your list. It’s not just an easy escape into nature — it’s a reminder that meaningful conservation and unforgettable experiences can be found right on the city’s doorstep.

Whether you go for the wildlife, the photography, or simply the peace of the open savannah, this park offers a glimpse of Zambia’s wild heart — close enough to visit, yet far enough to feel worlds away.