LUSAKA
Lusaka, city, capital of Zambia. It is situated in the south-central part of the country on a limestone plateau 4,198 feet (1,280 metres) above sea level. In the 1890s the area in which Lusaka is situated was taken over by the British South Africa Company from the local chiefs in the course of the formation of Northern Rhodesia, with control passing to the British Colonial Office in 1924. Lusaka became the capital of Northern Rhodesia in 1935. The city figured prominently in the movement for independence and was where the Federation of African Societies founded the Northern Rhodesian Congress in 1948. After the federation of Northern and Southern Rhodesia took place in 1953, Lusaka was a hub of the civil disobedience movement (1960) that led to the creation of the independent state of Zambia, of which Lusaka became the capital.
The most appealing factor to many who have made Lusaka their home is the superb climate – warm sunny summers, interspersed with cooling thunderstorms and mild winters with loads of sunshine. It can get very hot between October and March if there’s no rain. The average rainfall, between November and April, is about 950mm. Summer temperatures range from 20 degrees to 32 degrees C. Winter temperatures from 10 degrees to about 26 degrees. Humidity is usually below 40%.
Lusaka has an interesting history and culture and there are plenty of sights to see to help make the most of both. As with most African cities, Lusaka’s markets are its beating heart. For the best local wares and wonders, the Sunday Market at the Arcades Shopping Centre on Great East Road is a good place to fill your suitcase with souvenirs before flying home. If it’s atmosphere and cheap local fare that you are after then the Town Centre Market or Lusaka City Market are a better bet and less-touristy, if a little more chaotic.
The National Museum is also worth a visit, with a collection of contemporary Zambian paintings and sculpture as well as a more archaeological and ethnographical section upstairs that fills visitors in on some of Zambia’s fascinating cultural history. For a spot of suburban safari, Lusaka now has a National Park on the outskirts of the city. You’ll find it along the Leopards Hill Road. There’s a high viewing platform or several roads to take a drive and see several species of antelope.
On the southern side of Town you’ll find the Lilayi Private Game Reserve and Elephant orphanage. Further along is the Munda Wanga Environmental Park with stunning botanical gardens and a small zoo. Here rescued wild animals are rehabilitated for reintroduction into the wild, including lions and cheetahs. It also has a relaxing pool and braai area. Kalimba Reptile Park is a bit of a trek from town and only accessible with a 4×4, but it’s a great place to view crocodiles and snakes and then grab a beer and a crocodile sandwich!
Protea Hotel Cairo Road located in Lusaka’s central business district is only 30kms from the international airport and close to Arcades Shopping and Entertainment Complex and the National Museum. Business and leisure travellers will find Protea Hotel Cairo Road ideal for all requirements offering 75 spacious rooms with air-conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, electronic safes and electronic door locks, telephone and DSTV. Read More
Located 35 minutes from the centre of Lusaka, in a 2,500-acre private game reserve, Protea Hotel Safari Lodge offers superb facilities for the holiday and business traveller. Designed to capture the safari feel, the gum pole and thatch structures blend naturally into the surrounding environment, yet it offers all the best facilities available in any city centre venue. Read More
Sandy’s Lodge is an ideal resort for accommodation, a weekend of leisure, romance or a prestigious executive event. Guests can enjoy the beautiful surrounds of lush green gardens, scenic water features and a stunning swimming pool. The lodge has 30 en-suite chalets and 5 two bedroom self-catering apartments with onsite facilities such as restaurant & bar and free high-speed internet throughout the resort. Read More
The Southern Sun in Ridgeway is conveniently located in Lusaka’s business district, close to government offices and embassies, and only 27kms from Lusaka Airport. Set in attractive, landscaped gardens, the hotel offers business and leisure travellers the well-renowned Southern Sun welcoming atmosphere. The rooms are tastefully furnished and offer every modern facility, including free wireless internet access, available throughout the hotel. Read More
The Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka is an upmarket accommodation 5 kilometres from the city centre of Lusaka and 19.6 kilometres from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport. The hotel’s position also offers convenient access to the thriving business and commercial districts. An ideal location for your Zambian adventure or business trip, the Radisson Blu provides a quiet respite with modern amenities and 142 rooms and suites. Read More
Accommodation at Lilayi consists of 10 Deluxe Chalets and 2 Family Chalets. The Deluxe Chalets have been designed to offer a spacious environment that can comfortably sleep two people in the open plan, en-suite rooms. Each room has its own private veranda which is ideal for relaxing and enjoying the view of numerous animals which come to the waterholes to drink. The Family Chalets have two separate en-suite bedrooms, as well as a lounge area for relaxing and are ideal for travelling with children. The Board Room at Lilayi has been specifically designed to accommodate executive meetings of up to 16 people, with all the technical nuances provided. Read More
A 78-roomed 3-star hotel set in a serene environment with expansive gardens and animal life, the Cresta Golfview Hotel is located only 15 minutes drive to the Airport. Part of the renowned regional group of hotels, the hotel is set apart from the hustle and bustle of the city but still very close to the heart of it which is mainly the Arcades and the Manda Hill Shopping Malls which are only five minutes drive. Cresta Golfview Hotel is part of a regional group of 16 hotels in total managed by the renowned hotel group, Cresta Hotels. Cresta Hotels have presence in three countries which are Botswana with 10 hotels, Zimbabwe with five hotels and Zambia with one – the Cresta Golfview Hotel. Read More
Each of BEST WESTERN PLUS Lusaka Grand Hotel’s 92 guest rooms, consisting of standard and executive rooms and Junior Suites, which are all air-conditioned and well-appointed. Luxurious amenities, in-room hospitality tray (tea/ coffee making facilities), free Wi-Fi, minibar (on request), electronic safe, DSTV Connection, iron/iron board (on request), an outdoor swimming pool, free usage of the Business Centre and friendly staff will make your stay unforgettable. Read More
Mika Hotel Kabulonga is subsidiary of the Mika Group of Hotels, an indigenous owned group established in 2006. Mika hotel has 46 guest rooms, 4 conference halls, bar, restaurant, body fitness centre and a medium sized swimming pool. Mika Hotel has 3 types of accommodation rooms for its guests.
Standard Double Room x 40 – these are self-contained rooms; each with a standard double bed, study table, air-conditioning, WiFi internet, coffee/tea corner, electronic safe, satellite television channels. Twin Room x 4 – these have similar amenities as standard Double room except that twins have 2 x three-quarter beds. Executive Suites x 2 – these are two roomed suites with living room and kitchenette and bedroom. The bedroom has a King-size bed, flat screen TV, mini-fridge, electronic safe etc. The living room has beautiful sofas, flat screen TV, air-conditioning, internet connectivity while the kitchen has a stove, fridge and other kitchen utensils. Read More
An old favourite… Whilst it is a long time ago now, Pioneer was originally just a campsite with a few basic amenities, and though we may now also have our variety of chalets, we haven’t forgotten our roots and still provide an ideal camping location for those wanting to get a little close to nature. We have ten individual sites with braai stands and fire pits and there is a communal ablutions block. These can be booked in advance or upon arrival. All of the ten sites are well spread out around the camp area with each positioned in as much shade as possible. Firewood or charcoal can be bought from the bar if needed and guests that are camping are welcome to self cater in the campsite or choose to dine in our bar and restaurant. Pioneer Camp provides a great start and end point, where you can chat about routes and experiences with fellow self-drivers and adventurers whilst enjoying the homely atmosphere and Pioneer’s facilities and surroundings. Read More
