Zambia’s capital city Lusaka is the quintessential modern African city. It is a hub of commerce and industry. It has well-lit roads and lots of greenery. There are high-rises and apartments all over, and there are bustling traditional markets as well.
Lusaka doesn’t boast of historical sites or architectural grandeur. But what it offers travelers is a relaxing time amidst a cosmopolitan atmosphere, along with great food, shopping for African memorabilia, and a chance to see wildlife just outside the city. Start planning for your Lusaka travel experience.
Travel Medical Insurance for Travelers in Lusaka – FAQs
Do I Need Travel Medical Insurance for Lusaka?
Travel medical insurance is not mandatory for visiting Zambia.
However, at any time during your Lusaka trip, circumstances might require you to obtain medical assistance. In certain cases, you might even have to seek medical evacuation. Lusaka does have its share of quality medical facilities, but they are expensive. So, obtain travel medical insurance to stay protected financially if you need medical assistance in Lusaka.
Why Buy Travel Medical Insurance Before Traveling to Lusaka?
If you need medical treatment during your Lusaka trip, it could cost you a significant amount of money, all out of your own pocket. But with travel medical insurance, you can be protected from these unplanned medical expenses, allowing you to receive necessary treatment with a predictable bill.
Lusaka’s Most Popular Places for Travel
As Lusaka is not a high-traffic area when it comes to tourism, this allows you to explore the sights and sounds of a tourist-friendly city in relative comfort. Be it the urban ambiance or insight into wild Zambia, Lusaka will keep you hooked for the time you spend here.
Lusaka National Park
The small, but visually enriching Lusaka National Park is half an hour’s drive away from the city. While being close to human habitation, the park is a preserve of animal life. Get to see the rare white rhinoceros and blue wildebeest here. Also present are eland, zebras, giraffes, and numerous birds. Besides flora and fauna, the park offers you a chance to explore lakes, waterfalls, and rivers. You can indulge in some abseiling or bungee jumping here as well.
Lilayi Elephant Nursery
Lilayi Elephant Nursery is the best place to watch adorable baby elephants. These are, in fact, orphaned baby elephants. The 1,600-acre nursery provides them with a safe environment and nurtures them as they grow.
After reaching adulthood, the nursery releases them back into the wild. You can’t pet or interact with the elephants, but simply observing them is a treat in itself. You might also attend an insightful lecture by one of the staff members about the significance of wildlife conservation.
Chaminuka Game Reserve
This is a private reserve, located atop a hill. The reserve is close to Lusaka and overlooks a beautiful lake. It is rich in fauna, with over 70 species of mammals and 300 avian species inhabiting the reserve. Take a boat ride on the lake, or a safari in the park.
You will be rewarded with sightings of lions, hyenas, elephants, ostriches, and ever-graceful cheetahs. Done with your exploration? Then satisfy your tastebuds with authentic Zambian cuisine at the restaurant at the reserve.
Kalimba Reptile Park
Around 20 kilometers from Lusaka, a wonderful experience awaits you. It is in the form of Kalimba Reptile Park. Get to see a variety of reptiles from up close. These include several variants of crocodiles, alligators, a large number of native African snakes, tortoises, and other animals.
A guided tour can help you to better understand the lifestyle of these beautiful animals and the importance of sensitivity towards them. This park is a perfect place for some time out with friends or family.
National Museum
If you are interested in getting a glimpse of Zambia’s enchanting history, then you must pay a visit to the National Museum. It has numerous articles on display that speak volumes about Zambia’s history, folk culture, and ancient ceremonies.
Numerous artifacts and paintings by both famous and anonymous Zambian artists are on display here. More recent exhibits include sculptures related to Zambia’s struggle for freedom.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Lusaka
Zambia is among the safest countries in Africa for tourists. So is its capital, Lusaka. Despite this fact, tourists do face some risks in Lusaka. These can cause discomfort and possibly more serious issues, so it helps to be on your guard.
Protect Yourself from Muggers and Pickpockets
In crowded areas of Lusaka, watch your wallet. Pickpockets might strike at any moment. It would be best if you keep your cash and valuables in a money belt, and don’t venture into desolate parts of Lusaka after dark, as muggers operate in these areas. While traveling by car, keep your doors locked and windows up to avoid possible snatchings.
Don’t Take Photographs at Random
You could face severe punitive actions if you are caught photographing government buildings, military installations, dams, transport hubs, etc. So, keep a eye on where you are and what you are photographing.
Mosquito Menace
These insects can make your life uncomfortable in Zambia. Don’t forget to carry mosquito repellent with you wherever you go while in Lusaka. While traveling in game reserves and forests, wear clothes that don’t expose much of your body.
Stick to Mineral Water
Avoid tap water in Lusaka, even if you are staying in a fancy hotel. Be careful while bathing and shaving, so that you don’t consume the water. For your entire Lusaka trip, drink only mineral water from sealed bottles. Also, avoid drinking water from springs or waterfalls while traveling outside the city.
Money Scammers
Looking to exchange your currency? Are random changers or groups of people on the road offering exciting deals? Don’t let them lure you. This is very likely to be a trap. Only use a bank or an authorized money changing firm for such transactions. They might charge you higher fees, but you can be sure about the authenticity of the transaction and avoid being scammed.
Before You Travel to Lusaka – Do This
- Many establishments in Lusaka only accept cash. So, be prepared to carry enough with you. Use a money belt for this purpose.
- Zambia is a warm country, so pack light clothes in your luggage. Don’t carry too brightly colored clothes if you have jungle safaris on your mind. Such clothes are to be avoided in safaris, as they might trigger the animals.
- Maintain multiple copies of your travel documents, both physical and digital. Keep them securely in your luggage and on your phone.
- Protect your finances from the risk of international travel, and purchase travel medical insurance.