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Wildlife & nature

Wildlife & nature in Lusaka

You don't have to leave the city to see wildlife. Six places — most within thirty minutes of the centre — offer everything from orphaned elephant feedings to a proper mini-safari.

Where they are

Six places, mapped

Most are clustered to the south and east of the city. None take more than ninety minutes to reach. The pins below show approximate locations — click any place card below to open Google Maps directions.

The Jewels of Zambia

Five wildlife & nature spots

Filter by what matters for your day.

A family-friendly farm and attraction featuring giant Nile crocodiles, venomous snakes, and tortoises, complete with lush picnic spots.

© Kalimba Reptile Park

Kalimba Reptile Park

20km · 35-40min from central Lusaka

A family-friendly farm and attraction featuring giant Nile crocodiles, venomous snakes, and tortoises, complete with lush picnic spots.

Best for families and wildlife lovers
Zambia's newest national park offering a convenient escape for wildlife viewing, notably featuring a highly protected rhino sanctuary just outside the city.

© Lusaka National Park

Lusaka National Park

20km · 40-45min from central Lusaka

Zambia's newest national park offering a convenient escape for wildlife viewing, notably featuring a highly protected rhino sanctuary just outside the city.

Best for families and wildlife lovers
A sprawling recreational park featuring lush botanical gardens, a rescued wildlife sanctuary, and public swimming pools.

© Munda Wanga

Munda Wanga

16km · 25-30min from central Lusaka

A sprawling recreational park featuring lush botanical gardens, a rescued wildlife sanctuary, and public swimming pools.

Best for families and wildlife lovers
A scenic, historic natural area featuring crystal-clear, blue-green springs and shaded lawns that are highly popular for weekend picnics.

© Mukamunya Estate

The Monkey Pools

25km · 35-45min from central Lusaka

A scenic, historic natural area featuring crystal-clear, blue-green springs and shaded lawns that are highly popular for weekend picnics.

Best for families and wildlife lovers
A vast private nature reserve offering wildlife game drives alongside one of the largest private collections of contemporary African art.

© Chaminuka

Chaminuka Reserve & Lodge

45km · 1 h 10min from central Lusaka

A vast private nature reserve offering wildlife game drives alongside one of the largest private collections of contemporary African art.

Best for immersive wildlife encounters

Suggested itinerary

A wildlife day from Lusaka

Combine three of the closest spots into a full day. Leave the city by 10am, back by 5pm. Roughly K500 per adult, half for kids.

Morning · Lilayi Elephant Nursery

Aim to arrive by 11:15am for the 11:30 feeding. Stay an hour. Walk through the curio shop on the way out — it funds the keepers.

Lunch · Munda Wanga Gardens

15 minutes from Lilayi. Picnic under the jacarandas or eat at the on-site restaurant. Lets the kids run before the afternoon stop.

Afternoon · Lusaka National Park

30-ish minutes from Munda Wanga. Self-drive a loop until 4pm — animals are most active in the cooler late afternoon. Back in the city by 5pm.

Or book it as a tour

Let someone else drive

Lusaka operators run a half-day or full-day wildlife combo with hotel pickup, all entrance fees and a traditional lunch included.

Wildlife & Culture full-day combo

New Soweto Market + Lilayi Elephant Nursery + Lusaka National Museum + traditional lunch. 

From $79 per person.

Book via GetYourGuide
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