Zambia Capital City, About Lusaka Tourism and Travel

(Zambia, ZM, Southern Africa)



The southern Zambian city of Lusaka is a busy metropolis, with modern high-rise buildings. It also offers a slice of traditional African life. Since it became the capital of Zambia, Lusaka has enjoyed some of the highest population growth rates in central Africa.

Today, Lusaka isn't just the official seat of the Zambia government, it is also the base for many international, diplomatic and business organisations.

However, it is at night that the capital really comes to life, when visitors and locals come out to enjoy the city's relaxed African atmosphere.


Tourism and General Information

Lusaka's history as an urban centre can only really be traced back to the late 19th century. In 1899, present-day Zambia was annexed by the British South African Company.

Before that time, no large towns or cities existed in Zambia. Lusaka's development began with the arrival of the railway line that was built to transport copper from what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo to South Africa - via Lusaka. However, it wasn't until the early 1930s that the settlement in Lusaka really began to develop apace.

Lusaka became the official capital city of Zambia in May 1935, despite the fact that it didn't have many of the characteristics associated with other African capitals. It wasn't the home of the country's royal family - nor did it have any real military significance. What the city did possess, however, was a central position in the country, a reasonably pleasant climate and plentiful supplies of water. By 1946, over 18,000 people lived in the city.

By the early 1970s, following political independence, Lusaka had grown even more dramatically. Today, almost two million people live here. The city itself is spread over several hills. The most historic part of Lusaka is located in what is today the north-east of the city, in the Manda Hill district. Manda Hill is the home of the Zambian National Assembly, as well as nearby Mulungushi Hall and the University of Zambia.

Lusaka's main artery is Cairo Road, which runs through the centre of the city, from north to south. Originally developed as part of a wider vision to build a grand African highway, it still forms an important hub in the city.

The principal tourist attractions of Lusaka include such monuments as the Freedom Statue, as well as the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross. The capital is also home to Zambia's National Museum and the Kabwata Cultural Village.