Lusaka is Zambia's capital and largest city, a busy and fast-growing place on a high plateau in the centre of the country. For most visitors it is a transit point for flights to South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and Kafue, and a night here lets you rest and sort out your luggage before the next flight.
The city has shopping malls, markets, galleries and restaurants, and a few attractions worth a visit: the Lusaka National Museum, the Kabwata Cultural Village for crafts, Munda Wanga Environmental Park and the Lilayi elephant nursery, where orphaned elephants are raised before returning to the wild.
Lusaka is a city, but Munda Wanga and the Lilayi Elephant Nursery, both a short drive from the centre, offer close encounters with wildlife. The nursery is run by the Game Rangers International charity and raises orphans for release into Kafue and Lower Zambezi.
Lusaka has a mild highland climate, with warm days of 24°C to 33°C, cool nights and a wet season from November to March. The dry season from May to October is sunny and comfortable.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28 | 17 | 230 |
| Feb | 27 | 17 | 190 |
| Mar | 28 | 16 | 110 |
| Apr | 28 | 14 | 25 |
| May | 26 | 10 | 3 |
| Jun | 24 | 7 | 0 |
| Jul | 24 | 7 | 0 |
| Aug | 27 | 9 | 0 |
| Sep | 31 | 13 | 0 |
| Oct | 33 | 16 | 20 |
| Nov | 31 | 17 | 100 |
| Dec | 28 | 17 | 190 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
May to October is dry and sunny, with cool nights in June and July. October is hot before the rains.
November to April brings regular afternoon thunderstorms and heavy rain, which can slow traffic.
Lusaka can be visited all year. Most guests pass through in a day or less.
Best time to visit Apr to Oct
Kenneth Kaunda International Airport lies about 25 kilometres north-east of the centre, with flights from Johannesburg, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Dubai and Harare. It is the hub for scheduled and charter flights to South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Kafue and Livingstone.
Many nationalities are exempt from a Zambian visa for stays of up to 90 days, and others can buy a single-entry visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa, currently about US$50. Please check the rules for your passport.
Lusaka has good private clinics and hospitals. The city is a malaria area, so please take advice before you travel.
National ParkSouth Luangwa National ParkLeopards and walking safaris
National ParkKafue National ParkVast, wild and rarely visited
City & TownLivingstone and Victoria FallsVictoria Falls from the Zambian side
National ParkLower Zambezi National ParkCanoeing past elephantsSafaris from
US$3,666 per person
Plan your time in Lusaka
Every safari we run is private and built around you. Tell us your dates and what you hope to see, and we will shape the route, the lodges and the permits.
Made to measure
Tell us how you like to travel and we will build a private journey around it: the right lodges, the right pace and the permits already in hand.
Start planningCookies
Essential cookies keep this site working. With your permission we also remember the safaris and places you have viewed. You can change your mind any time from Cookie settings in the footer.
