WELCOME TO LUSAKA
The Kwelan Guide

A practical guide to arriving, getting around and enjoying Zambia’s capital.

Lusaka is a busy, growing city, and your first few hours can feel a little overwhelming if you don’t know how things work. This guide is here to make it easier. Whether you’re arriving by air or bus, staying for a few days or using Lusaka as your starting point for a bigger Zambian adventure, these are the practical things worth knowing.

1. First: Know How You’re Arriving

Arriving by air

Most international visitors arrive through Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA). Before you leave the airport, make sure you have your accommodation address, a way to contact someone in Lusaka and a plan for your first trip into the city. The airport has ATMs, bureaux de change, mobile network services and car-hire/shuttle facilities.

Arriving by bus

If you’re travelling overland, Lusaka’s Intercity Bus Terminus is one of the main arrival points. It is busy and practical rather than touristy, so keep your luggage and valuables close and know where you’re going before you arrive. Have your accommodation address ready and arrange your onward transport in advance.

2. Get Connected Early

Getting a local SIM or eSIM is one of the first things worth sorting out. Airtel, MTN and Zamtel are the main mobile networks. If you’re arriving at KKIA, mobile network services are available at the airport. Make sure your phone is unlocked and carry the identification required for SIM registration.

Kwelan Tip: Save your accommodation address, emergency contacts and important WhatsApp numbers before you leave the airport or bus terminal.

3. Getting Around Lusaka

Lusaka is spread out, and traffic can make a short journey take much longer at peak times. If you’re staying for a few days, plan your movements around where you’re staying, where you need to be and what you want to see.

For visitors who want freedom to move between meetings, shopping areas, restaurants, attractions and day trips, hiring a car can be a convenient option. Kwelan provides vehicle rental options for different budgets and travel needs, with self-drive and chauffeur-driven options available on selected vehicles.

Kwelan Tip: If you plan to drive outside Lusaka, check the road distance, fuel stops and your return time before setting off.

4. Choosing Where to Stay

Don’t choose accommodation based only on the room. Look at the location. For a short business trip, being close to your meetings can save hours in traffic. For a holiday, consider being within easy reach of shopping, restaurants and activities. If you’re renting a car, check whether the property has secure parking.

5. What Can You Do in Lusaka?

Lusaka isn’t just a stopover. Depending on your interests, you can spend a morning learning about Zambia’s history, an afternoon seeing wildlife, or a Sunday browsing local crafts. Zambia Tourism highlights markets, museums, cultural sites, wildlife parks and family activities across the city.

For first-time visitors

• Lusaka National Museum – an introduction to Zambia’s history, culture and art.
  • Kabwata Cultural Village – local crafts and culture.
  • Local markets – a more everyday view of Lusaka and a chance to shop for local goods and souvenirs.

For wildlife lovers

• Lusaka National Park – a convenient city-edge wildlife experience with game viewing, birding, walking and other activities.
  • Munda Wanga Environmental Park – botanical gardens, wildlife and a relaxed day out.
  • Lilayi area – a good option for a southern Lusaka drive with wildlife-focused activities.

For families

• Kalimba Reptile Park – reptiles, gardens and family-friendly activities.
  • Nembo Scenic Park – an outdoor option with gardens, lakes and waterfalls.

For markets, food and local atmosphere

Lusaka has everything from international restaurants and shopping-mall dining to small local cafés and busy markets. If you want a more local experience, explore the city’s market culture and look for Zambian dishes rather than staying only within hotel and mall areas.

6. If You Have One Free Day

Keep it simple. Start with a cultural stop, have lunch somewhere convenient, then choose either shopping and markets or a wildlife/outdoor activity. If you have a car and want to get out of the city, plan a half-day or full-day trip rather than trying to fit too much into one afternoon.

7. A Few Things Worth Knowing

• Traffic is part of Lusaka life—give yourself extra time for appointments.
• Keep valuables secure, particularly in busy public areas and markets.
• Carry some local currency for smaller purchases.
• Check opening hours and entry requirements before travelling to an attraction.
• If you’re driving, plan your fuel stops before leaving the city.
• Keep your accommodation address saved on your phone.
• If you’re unsure about getting around, ask for help before setting off rather than trying to figure it out while driving.

Kwelan: Helping You Get Around

We built Kwelan to make getting around Zambia easier. Whether you’re in Lusaka for business, visiting family, attending an event or starting a holiday, our goal is simple: help you find a vehicle that works for your trip and make the booking process straightforward.

Explore available vehicles and make a booking at www.kwelan.com.

• Kwelan vehicle in Lusaka