The Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in Lusaka: Top Attractions Near Riverbird Guesthouse

Thinking about a trip to the lively capital of Zambia? Whether you're in town for business and have a little free time or you're a tourist eager to dive into the local scene, finding the best things to do in Lusaka will ensure your visit is truly memorable. Nestled in the serene Leopards Hill area, Riverbird Guesthouse is the ideal spot to kick off your adventure, giving you easy access to Lusaka's must-see attractions, cultural gems, and stunning natural sights.

Path-way leading into Riverbird Guesthouse

Why Visit Lusaka?

Lusaka, the vibrant capital of Zambia, is a place where urban life meets stunning natural landscapes. It stands apart from the usual tourist hotspots, offering a genuine African experience without the hassle of large crowds. Whether you're looking to connect with wildlife or dive into the local culture, Lusaka has something special for every kind of traveler. Plus, its central location makes it a fantastic base for discovering all that Zambia has to offer. After a day of adventures, you can unwind in cozy guesthouses like Riverbird, ensuring you have a perfect spot to relax and recharge.

Wildlife and Nature: Top Things to Do in Lusaka for Animal Lovers

Lusaka National Park

Just a short drive of about 17 to 25 minutes from Riverbird Guesthouse (traffic depending), you'll find Lusaka National Park, which offers one of the easiest wildlife adventures right in a capital city. This beautiful conservation area covers over 67 square kilometers and is home to an array of wildlife, including white rhinos, giraffes, zebras, blue wildebeest, and a variety of antelope species like eland, sable, and kudu.

What to expect:

• Self-drive game viewing

• Walking safaris with experienced guides

• Bird watching

• Rare white rhino sightings under 24/7 protection

• The relocated GRI Elephant Nursery (see below)

Insider tip: For the best chance to see wildlife and enjoy cooler temperatures, plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon. While it may not be the Serengeti, this park offers a fantastic wildlife experience and plays a vital role in rhino conservation.

GRI Elephant Nursery (Now at Lusaka National Park)

The Game Rangers International (GRI) Elephant Nursery has made a move to Lusaka National Park as of August 2022, creating a more spacious and natural environment for the rescued orphaned elephants. This sanctuary not only allows visitors to see conservation efforts firsthand but also offers a chance to watch feeding times and learn about elephant behavior, along with the various challenges that Zambia's wildlife faces.

Best for: Families, photographers, and anyone who cares deeply about wildlife conservation.

Bonus: You can now enjoy both the rhino sanctuary and the elephant nursery in one convenient location at Lusaka National Park!

Cultural Attractions in Lusaka

Kabwata Cultural Village

Looking to dive into the heart of Zambian culture? Kabwata Cultural Village is the perfect spot! Here, local artisans from various provinces proudly display their traditional crafts, sculptures, and artwork. This vibrant artisan village is home to talented artists who create everything from stunning wood carvings to beautifully handwoven textiles.

Arts & Crafts from loacal artisan at Kabwata Cultural Village

Here’s what you can expect to find:

• Traditional wood carvings

• Handwoven baskets and textiles

• Unique copper artwork

• Gorgeous gemstone jewelry

• Live demonstrations showcasing traditional crafts

Pro tip: Don’t forget that prices are open to negotiation, so brush up on your friendly bargaining skills! This is a fantastic place to pick up authentic Zambian crafts.

Lusaka National Museum

Understanding Zambia's rich history is one of the most enriching things to do in Lusaka. The Lusaka National Museum is divided into four main areas: contemporary art, witchcraft, ethnography, and history. The witchcraft exhibition is particularly fascinating, offering a window into traditional Zambian beliefs.

Must-see exhibits:

• Traditional musical instruments

• "Witchcraft" exhibition exploring traditional beliefs

• Contemporary Zambian art gallery

• Archaeological findings from across Zambia

Shopping and Dining: Activities in Lusaka

Arcades Shopping Mall

For a modern shopping experience, Arcades is one of Lusaka's premier malls. Located in the on Great East Road (around 30+ minutes from Riverbird Guesthouse depending on traffic), it's convenient for guests looking to shop, dine, or catch a movie.

East Park Mall

Another excellent shopping destination offering international brands (Woolworths, Nando's, Toys R Us), local boutiques (African Wear Craft & Trading), restaurants, and entertainment options including GameZone. It's one of the best places to visit in Lusaka for a relaxed afternoon.

Sunday Crafts Market at Arcades (Pakati Market)

Every Saturday and Sunday, the Arcades parking lot transforms into the vibrant Pakati Market featuring beautiful African arts and crafts. It's become a favorite weekend activity for both locals and tourists.

Day Trips and Extended Excursions from Lusaka

Chaminuka Game Reserve

Located about 2-3 hours from Lusaka, Chaminuka offers a luxury safari experience. This private reserve features over 72 species including lions, elephants, and giraffes, along with:

• Luxury spa treatments

• Fine dining with bush views

• Photography safaris

• Horseback riding

• Walking with Cheetah's

Perfect for: Travelers wanting a safari experience closer to Lusaka. Plan for a full day or overnight stay to make the most of your visit. Visitors should be aware of challenging road conditions leading to the reserve and mixed reviews on accommodation, with some guests noting rooms are in need of renovation.

Planning a safari? We recommend partnering with Classic Zambia Safari's for expertly guided safari experiences throughout Zambia. Their professional guides and customized itineraries ensure you experience the very best of Zambian wildlife and wilderness.

Lower Zambezi National Park

For a true wilderness safari experience, Lower Zambezi National Park is one of Zambia's premier destinations. Located along the Zambezi River, this remote park is best accessed via a 35-60 minute charter flight from Lusaka's domestic terminal. Most visitors enjoy multi-day safari packages that include:

• Canoeing safaris

• Walking safaris

• Game drives

• Fishing expeditions

Want to explore beyond Lusaka? Classic Zambia Safari's specializes in creating unforgettable safari adventures across Zambia's most spectacular national parks, including South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Victoria Falls.

Important: This is a multi-day expedition requiring advance planning, not a casual day trip. Road access takes 2.5-3 hours to reach the park's edge, but a transfer by flight or boat is typically required to reach interior lodges.

Outdoor Activities and Recreation

Golf Courses

Lusaka boasts several excellent golf courses, perfect for business travelers or golf enthusiasts. Chainama Hills Golf Club and Lusaka Golf Club both offer challenging courses with beautiful landscaping.

Swimming and Relaxation

After exploring Lusaka attractions, return to Riverbird Guesthouse to enjoy our sparkling outdoor swimming pool surrounded by lush gardens. It's the perfect way to unwind after a day of Lusaka sightseeing.

Best Time to Visit Lusaka

Lusaka weather is generally pleasant year-round, but the best time to visit Lusaka is during the dry season (May to October). During these months:

• Wildlife viewing is excellent (animals congregate around water sources)

• Roads are easily accessible

• Temperatures are cool and comfortable from May to August (avg. 20-25°C), but rise significantly in the hot, dry months of September and October (often exceeding 30°C).

• There's minimal rainfall

• The rainy season (November to April) brings lush green landscapes and fewer tourists, though some attractions may have limited access.

Getting Around Lusaka: Transportation Tips

Taxi Services: Riverbird Guesthouse can arrange reliable taxi services for your Lusaka travel needs. We work with trusted drivers who know the city well.

Car Rental: For maximum flexibility exploring tourist attractions in Lusaka, consider renting a vehicle. Major international rental companies, such as Avis and Europcar, operate at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.

Ride-Sharing Apps: Ride-sharing apps are available in Lusaka and offer safe, affordable transportation. The most prominent services you will see are Yango and Indrive. Bolt also operates in the city.

Important timing note: When planning your activities, always factor in traffic conditions, especially during peak hours. Travel times from [suspicious link removed] can vary significantly depending on the time of day.

Safety Tips for Visitors

Lusaka is generally safe for tourists, but like any capital city, it's wise to take precautions:

• Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics

• Use reliable transportation services (we can recommend trusted providers)

• Stay in safe areas like Leopards Hill where Riverbird Guesthouse is located

• Keep copies of important documents

• Exchange currency at banks or authorized dealers

Plan Your Lusaka Adventure from Riverbird Guesthouse

Located in the serene Leopards Hill area, Riverbird Guesthouse offers the perfect balance of tranquility and accessibility. We're approximately 30-45 minutes from Lusaka city center (depending on traffic) and 30-60 minutes from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, making us an ideal base for your Lusaka tourism adventures.

Why Stay at Riverbird Guesthouse?

• Peaceful Location: Enjoy tranquil gardens in the lush Leopards Hill area

• Accessible Base: Reach major Lusaka attractions with proper planning

• Personalized Service: Our family-run guesthouse ensures authentic Zambian hospitality

• Modern Amenities: Complimentary WiFi, air conditioning, swimming pool, and more

• Local Knowledge: We're happy to help plan your daily activities and arrange transportation

Essential Things to Know Before Your Visit

Visa Requirements

Great news for international visitors! Starting January 1, 2025, Zambia waived visa requirements for nationals of 53 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and most European Union countries. Check the official Zambia Immigration website to confirm if your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry.

Currency

The Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) is the official legal currency for everyday transactions. While US Dollars are accepted at tourist areas, hotels, and safari lodges, all change will be given in Kwacha. Important: If bringing US currency, only bills printed after 2013 (with large heads) are accepted—older "small head" bills will be rejected.

Language

English is the official language used in business, government, and education, making Lusaka easy to navigate for international visitors. However, the everyday lingua franca in Lusaka is an urban variety of Nyanja, which you'll hear in markets and local interactions.

Climate

Lusaka has a subtropical climate. Pack light, breathable clothing and don't forget sunscreen and a hat.

Book Your Lusaka Experience

Ready to discover the best things to do in Lusaka? Whether you're visiting for business, leisure, or wildlife adventures, our comfortable guesthouse accommodation provides the perfect home base. From Lusaka National Park to Kabwata Cultural Village, you'll find engaging activities in Lusaka to fill your days.