The capital of Zambia is a small town consisting of a modern part and ancient quarters typical of Africa, where dusty markets coexist with Soviet-looking high-rises. Despite the fact that Zambia is an exciting country, Lusaka will never be the main attraction point for tourists. There are several buildings with a history, nice monuments and museums, but much more - a true African feeling, expressed in white smiles, general serenity and some kind of dust.
What is really worth visiting is the local markets, galleries and a couple of nightclubs on weekends. But those who are forced to spend a few days in Lusaka should not be sad: for 48-60 hours in the capital of Zambia it's difficult to get bored, but to spend time pleasantly and relentlessly is easy.
How to get
Buses and minibuses run from the capital to the surrounding towns, such as the Siawong resort (100 km, US $ 3.50) and the Chirundu fossil forest (40 km, US $ 3). Departure from Lusaka City Market Bus Station (address: Lumumba Rd) or City Bus Station (end of Chachacha Rd), the latter is also called Kulima Towers Station.
Intercity buses depart from Lusaka Inter-City Bus Station (address: Dedan Kimathi Rd) in the directions: Ndola (US $ 5, 5 hours), Kitwe (US $ 5, 5 hours), Livingstone (US $ 10, 7 hours) and Chipata $ 18, 8 hours). Buses of private company JR Investments go to Mongu (US $ 10, 12 hours) on Tuesdays and Fridays; CR Holdings buses - every day in Kitwe, via Ndola, as well as in Livingston, Mongu and Chipata.
The Zambezi Express train connects the capital with Livingston (US $ 6/8/10/13 economy / standard / 1st class / sleeping compartment, 18 hours) via Choma. Departure from Lusaka at 19:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Tickets can be bought at the ticket offices of the station (between Cairo & Dedan Kimathi Rds) from 15:00 to 17:00 the day before departure. It's better to come early and get ready for the line. Normal (read slow) trains leave for Ndola (US $ 5.50, 8 hours) via Kapiri Mposhi, departure: Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 10 pm.
Climate
Partly cloudy, light rain, thunderstorms +22 ° С in the day +17 ° С at night ° С water |
Partly cloudy, light rain, thunderstorms +23 ° С in the day +18 ° С at night ° С water |
Partly cloudy, light rain +22 ° С in the day +17 ° С at night ° С water |
| Lusaka weather forecast for 10 days | ||
Transport
Local minibuses run along the main roads of Lusaka, but there are no identification signs or numbers on them. The standard fare is 0, 50-0, 75 US $.
Official taxi can be found at the number on the doors. They can be stopped on the streets, or caught in parking lots near major hotels and markets, near the supermarket Shoprite on Cairo Rd. The fare on the center is $ 4-5, from the center to the airport - $ 20.
Money and ATMs
Along Cairo Rd there are branches of Barclays, Standard Chartered Bank, Indo-Zambian Bank and Stanbic Bank with ATMs. They also put their ATM in the shopping centers of Manda Hill and Arcades Shopping Centers (Great East Rd).
To exchange money, look for Zampost Bureau de Change (inside the post office, at the corner of Cairo & Church Rds); or Prosper Bureau de Change (Findeco House, South End Roundabout, Cairo Rd), where they also exchange American Express checks with a reasonable commission.
Lusaka hotels
In Lusaka, you can stay in a top-notch hotel for a few hundred dollars (for example, Intercontinental); or enjoy no less comfort in smaller hotels (like Ndeke) for about $ 50. There are also budget accommodation: campsites ($ 8), hostels ($ 15), double rooms in low-star hotels $ 30 (for example, ChaChaCha Backpackers or Ku-omboka Backpackers).
Shopping and souvenirs
Adults can enjoy the craft market Kamvala, which takes several shopping areas to the south of the center of the capital. The market is located in the open air and its color and noise resembles eastern markets.
Entertainment, Excursions and Attractions of Lusaka
The city is not rich in architectural and historical monuments, but all kinds of galleries and museums are more than worthwhile. For example, the Anthropological Museum and the village museum of African life attract attention. Separate attention deserves the Museum of the Zintu Community, whose exposition tells about the traditional applied art of the peoples of Zambia. Finally, it is worth to visit the National Museum.
As for the galleries, the best is the Gallery of Fine Arts Henry Tayali in the Shougraunds area. Temporary exhibitions of local artists and sculptors are organized here, whose works can be purchased as a souvenir. Recently, African art has become increasingly popular in the world, so buying a painting will also be a good investment. Also worthy collection of artists can boast Mpala Gallery and Garden of Sculpture at the Garden House Hotel, which are located near the center of Lusaka.
The Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Crucifix (the corner of Church Street and Independence Ave) - an elegant building with high stained-glass windows that was opened on September 14, 1962 - draws attention.
But the children will be delighted with the zoo and the botanical park of Lusaka. It is worthwhile to go with them to the ranch of the wild nature of Lilayi. At the ranch, a restaurant and swimming pool are open.