Lusaka, Zambia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Lusaka, Zambia? If you're planning to go to Lusaka, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Lusaka, Zambia

Based on the climate and weather in Lusaka, Zambia, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Lusaka, Zambia

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Lusaka, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Lusaka, Zambia by month

January

If you go to Lusaka in January, you will notice that it is warm and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zambia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Lusaka may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Ensure that you choose the correct type. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you go to the National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

If you go to Lusaka in February, you will notice that it is warm and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zambia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Lusaka may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Take care to find the correct type. Many adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

If you are traveling to Lusaka in March, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zambia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Lusaka may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Take care to pick the correct kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

If you go to the National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

April in Lusaka is warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zambia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Lusaka may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Make sure to find the right type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to the National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May here is warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zambia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Lusaka may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Take care to choose the necessary type. Most adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

If you go to the National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

If you visit Lusaka during June, you may find that it is balmy, somewhat hazy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zambia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Lusaka may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Take care to get the right type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to the National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

July is balmy, extremely hazy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zambia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Lusaka may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Ensure that you pick the right type. Most adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to the National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you vacation in Lusaka during August, you are likely to see that it is warm, extremely hazy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 30 and 40% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zambia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Lusaka may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Check that you choose the right kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

If you go to the National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

If you visit Lusaka during September, you are likely to find that it is hot, extremely hazy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 20 and 30% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zambia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Lusaka may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. It's important that you get the correct type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to the National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October in this region is hot and extremely hazy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zambia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Lusaka may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Check that you choose the right type. Many adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you go to the National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

If you visit Lusaka during November, you might see that it is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zambia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Lusaka may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Be sure to find the necessary type. Many adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you go to the National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

Traveling to Lusaka in December, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zambia has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Lusaka may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and G. Be careful to get the correct kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

If you go to the National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Lusaka, Zambia

Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, is a bustling city that offers a unique blend of modern and traditional cultures. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, there are plenty of attractions to keep visitors entertained.

1. National Museum of Zambia

The National Museum of Zambia is a must-visit for those interested in learning about the cultural and historical aspects of Zambia. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits, including a display of traditional musical instruments, oversized traditional pottery, and a gallery of prehistoric tools.

2. Lusaka City Market

Lusaka City Market is a vibrant hub of activity in the city. Visitors can browse through a wide selection of traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, and fresh produce. The market offers an authentic Zambian shopping experience and is an excellent place to interact with the local community.

3. Kabwata Cultural Village

Kabwata Cultural Village is a unique cultural attraction where visitors can immerse themselves in the traditional Zambian way of life. The village features traditional thatched-roofed huts, craft markets, and a traditional dance theater. Visitors can buy authentic Zambian souvenirs, learn about local customs, and enjoy live performances of traditional music and dance.

4. Zambia National Park

The Zambia National Park is a vast wilderness of pristine landscapes, home to a diverse range of wildlife species such as hippos, elephants, lions, and giraffes. The park offers a range of activities, including guided nature walks, game drives, and boat safaris. Visitors can experience the excitement of viewing wildlife up close and personal while enjoying the natural beauty of the Zambian wilderness.

5. The Lusaka National Park

Lusaka National Park is located within the city limits and offers a great outdoor experience for visitors who want to enjoy nature without leaving the city. The park offers a range of outdoor activities such as walking trails, game drives, and birdwatching. Visitors can also enjoy the park's picnic areas and scenic viewpoints.

6. Freedom Statue

The Freedom Statue is a prominent landmark in Lusaka, which symbolizes Zambia's independence from colonial rule. The statue features an imposing bronze sculpture of a victorious Zambian warrior holding aloft a large eagle. The statue has become an iconic symbol of Zambia's struggle for freedom and is considered a must-visit attraction for those interested in the country's history.

Conclusion

With its rich cultural heritage, abundant wildlife, and natural beauty, Lusaka offers visitors an array of exciting experiences. Whether it's exploring the museums, shopping in local markets, or enjoying outdoor activities, there is something for everyone in this charming African city. These top attractions are just a few of the many reasons why Lusaka is a popular destination for tourists from around the world.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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