Lusaka walking tour & city guide

A fast-growing capital of markets, malls and wide avenues.

6 videos · uploaded 2023–2026

Downtown Lusaka: CBD and Markets in 4K

Video by Shami Vlog ug · May 2026 · All rights belong to the creator

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Explore Lusaka

City guide

Lusaka on foot

Lusaka is one of the fastest-growing cities in southern Africa, a sprawling capital on a high plateau. Its long main street, Cairo Road, is lined with shops and banks, while busy markets, modern malls and leafy suburbs spread out around it.

Cairo Road and the markets

Cairo Road, named after the dream of a road from the Cape to Cairo, is the commercial spine of the city, busy with minibuses, traders and shoppers. Just west, the City Market and Soweto Market are huge, crowded and full of fresh produce, second-hand clothes and dried fish.

The Kabwata Cultural Village sells carvings, baskets and fabrics made by artisans from across the country, and the Sunday market at Arcades is popular for crafts.

A classic walk

Start at the Freedom Statue on Independence Avenue, then visit the Lusaka National Museum to learn about Zambia's history and art. Walk to Cairo Road and down to the City Market, then finish with crafts and a drink at the Kabwata Cultural Village or the Arcades area.

Good to know

The dry season from May to October is the best time to visit, with cool mornings in June and July. Minibuses and ride-hailing apps are the easiest ways to get around. Lusaka National Park, just outside the city, has white rhinos and giraffes, and Victoria Falls at Livingstone is a short flight away.

Don't miss

Top sights in Lusaka

1
Lusaka National Museum
Zambian history, culture and contemporary art.
2
Freedom Statue
A monument to Zambia's independence struggle.
3
Cairo Road
The city's long main commercial street.
4
Kabwata Cultural Village
Crafts and carvings from across Zambia.
5
Lusaka National Park
A small park with white rhinos near the city.
6
Munda Wanga Environmental Park
Botanical gardens and a wildlife sanctuary.

Eat

Food markets & where to eat in Lusaka

Soweto Market
Local food stalls in a huge market.
Kabulonga
Restaurants and cafés in a leafy suburb.
Arcades
A shopping centre with restaurants and a weekend market.

Taste

Food to try in Lusaka

Nshima
Thick maize porridge, the staple of every meal.
Ifisashi
Greens cooked in peanut sauce.
Kapenta
Small dried fish from Lake Kariba, fried with tomato.
Chikanda
A savoury 'African polony' made from orchid tubers.

Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.

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