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.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Chitenge cloth
Bright wax-print cloth.
Price: K80-200 ($4-10)
Where: Soweto Market
Wood carvings and baskets
Hand-carved animals and woven baskets.
Price: K50-400 ($3-21)
Where: Kabwata Cultural Village
Paintings
Local paintings.
Price: K300-3,000 ($16-158)
Where: Henry Tayali Visual Arts Centre
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Soweto Market
Largest market.
Where: Soweto
Hours: Daily 6:00 AM-5:00 PM
Lusaka City Market
Central market.
Where: Lumumba Road
Hours: Daily 6:00 AM-5:00 PM
Kabwata Cultural Village
Craft village.
Where: Kabwata
Hours: Daily 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Arcades Shopping Centre
Open-air centre.
Where: Great East Road
Hours: Daily 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Manda Hill Shopping Mall
Large mall.
Where: Great East Road
Hours: Daily 9:00 AM-7:00 PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Manda Hill
Largest mall.
Arcades
Open-air centre.
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargain at markets and craft villages; start at half.
Prices are fixed in malls.
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Do not export ivory or wildlife products.