Lusaka is the capital and largest city of Zambia, a green plateau city of about three million people at 1,280 m. It is a practical base for markets, wildlife nurseries and onward travel to national parks.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Greet with a handshake and a polite inquiry about health.
Dress modestly outside resort areas.
Ask before photographing people.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Greet before asking a question
- Accept food with the right hand or both hands
- Dress neatly in town
Don't
- Do not photograph government buildings, police or military
- Do not use the left hand to pass food
- Do not discuss politics loudly
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Handshake with a long, warm greeting; a clasped-hand shake is common.
- Dining
- Nshima is eaten by hand, rolled into a ball and dipped in relish.
- Dress
- Casual but modest; shorts are fine in malls.
- Gifts
- Small gifts are welcomed; use the right hand.
- Business
- Punctuality valued; greetings take time.
- Tipping
- 10% in restaurants.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Muli bwanji (Bemba)
Hello
moo-lee BWAN-jee
Natotela (Bemba)
Thank you
na-toh-TEH-la
Muli shani (Bemba)
How are you?
moo-lee SHAH-nee
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Lusaka.
Main: Christianity (the constitution declares a Christian nation)
Sites: Cathedrals, mosques and Hindu temples
Holy Days: Easter, Christmas
Conversations: Religion is a normal topic but avoid criticism.