Book cheap flights to Lusaka

The best time to visit Lusaka depends on what you plan to do. The dry season (May to October) is the prime time for wildlife viewing — game reserves are at their most accessible, animal sightings are at their most frequent, and the bush is at its most dramatic. This is the peak tourist season, so book flights and accommodation in advance. July and August also bring the Lusaka Agricultural and Commercial Show — Zambia’s biggest annual event, a colourful celebration of the country’s farming, culture, and commerce. The wet season (November to April) sees most game reserves close, but the landscape transforms into lush, vivid green — ideal for birdwatching, hiking, and river activities. The Zambezi River swells impressively during these months, making for spectacular scenery. Accommodation prices drop and the city feels more authentically local during this period.

South African passport holders do not require a visa to visit Lusaka or anywhere else in Zambia. Travellers should carry a valid passport, a return or onward ticket if arriving by air, and sufficient funds for their stay. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry and has sufficient blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

For travellers from other countries, visa requirements vary — many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival, apply for an eVisa, or apply for a KAZA UniVisa. The KAZA UniVisa allows eligible tourists to visit both Zambia and Zimbabwe, and is useful for travellers planning to visit Victoria Falls. Check eligibility and port-of-entry requirements in advance.

For more information on visa requirements, contact the High Commission of Zambia in South Africa:

Address: Zambia House, 570 Ziervogel Street, Arcadia, Pretoria

Postal address: P.O. Box 12234, Hatfield, 0028

Tel: 27 (0) 12 326 1847 / 97

Fax: 27 (0) 12 326 2140

Email: hc@zambiapretoria.net

Before travelling to Lusaka, consult a travel health clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure. The following vaccinations are strongly recommended: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Meningitis, Rabies, and Yellow Fever (proof of vaccination is required if travelling from a yellow fever endemic area). Routine vaccinations including MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and influenza should be up to date.

Malaria is a significant risk throughout Zambia, including Lusaka. Anti-malarial medication must be taken before, during, and after your trip — consult your doctor or a travel health clinic for the correct prescription. Pack a high-quality DEET-based insect repellent and use mosquito nets where available, particularly during the wet season when mosquito activity peaks.

Tap water in Lusaka is not reliably safe to drink — bottled water is widely available and recommended. Lusaka is a generally safe city, but as with any large African capital, standard precautions apply. Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded markets and public spaces, avoid walking alone at night, and use pre-arranged or trusted transport rather than hailing unknown vehicles. Travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended.

Lusaka offers a wide and rapidly growing range of accommodation options, from internationally branded hotels to charming guesthouses and self-catering apartments. The city is expanding quickly, with new properties opening regularly across all budget categories.

The city centre and Cairo Road area are ideal for travellers who want to be close to markets, restaurants, bars, and shopping centres, with easy access to day-trip excursions. The Longacres and Kabulonga suburbs offer a quieter, more residential feel with a strong selection of boutique guesthouses and mid-range lodges. For luxury stays, the Radisson Blu Hotel Lusaka and Latitude 15 are among the city’s most reputable establishments.

Ready to book? Search and book accommodation in Lusaka at Travelstart and find the best deals across all budgets.

Getting around Lusaka is most conveniently done by taxi or ride-hailing app. Bolt operates widely across Lusaka and is the most reliable and transparent option for tourists — book from your phone, track your driver, and pay a fair metered fare. Alternatively, hotel-arranged taxis are a safe and straightforward option.

Lusaka’s public minibus network is extensive and very affordable, and offers a genuinely local experience — though routes can be confusing and vehicles crowded during peak hours. It is best suited to travellers who are comfortable navigating independently.

For exploring beyond Lusaka — the Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa National Park, or the road to Livingstone and Victoria Falls — a reliable vehicle is essential. Search, compare, and book a car hire in Lusaka at Travelstart. A 4×4 is strongly recommended for travel to game reserves and rural areas, particularly during or after the wet season.