Visting Zambia: How to spend 24 hours in Lusaka

Zambia’s capital, Lusaka is a beautiful city with a lot to experience. It has a rich cultural history which is fascinating to learn. In 24 hours, it is possible to have the best of Lusaka.

Market visit

Some of the crafting at the Comesa market in Zambia [Photo by The Lusaka Sun]

Comesa Market is a favourite destination for visitors in Zambia. It has rich souvenirs and fabric (Chitenge) which speaks of the Zambian culture.

Kabwata Cultural Village

Art and craft items are sold at specialised areas like the Kabwata cultural village in Lusaka [Photo by Beautiful Zambia]

The Kabwata Visual Arts and Cultural Association, KAVICA, was established in 1974 and currently has 120 subscribed members. It’s a popular Lusaka attraction where visitors can find traditional Zambian artefacts to take home as souvenirs and gifts.

It is home to hundreds of artisans whose work is amazing. They mould beautiful metal/stone sculptures and drums. There are also paintings and fabric art and traditional dance on Saturdays.

Zambian cuisine

Trying out a new dish is part of the adventure that comes with visiting a new place. Zambian traditional meals are mostly prepared from indigenous plants. The most common dish is grilled Kafue bream (fish) served with Bowa (wild dried mushroom) and pumpkin leaves. Southern Sun Ridgeway restaurant serves a traditional buffet every Wednesday afternoon. Kapenta fish, boiled cow hooves and sweet potato leaves (Kalembula) and cassava are served.

Visit Lusaka National Park

A rhino at the Lusaka National Park, Zambia [Photo by Zambia Let’s Explore]

Lusaka National Park is located to the south-east of the city of Lusaka in Zambia. It is Zambia’s newest national park, established in 2011 and officially opened in 2015. It is also Zambia’s smallest national park at 6,715 hectares.

Lusaka National Park has a lot of game to watch including the rare White Rhino. You can choose to watch the wildlife here while on foot through trails or on a tour vehicle.

Lilayi Elephant Nursery

Lilayi Lodge and Elephant Nursery in Lusaka, Zambia [Photo by Untold Africa]

It is home to young elephants abandoned at birth. They are taken care of before they are introduced to life in the world. You can see them being fed from 11 am to 1.30 pm daily; Monday is free entry.

You can also do wildlife drives on its 650-hectare property. There is a beautiful restaurant and lodge where, if you’re staying, you can get a behind-the-scenes look at the elephants.

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