Remember when we told you how to spend 72 hours in Lusaka? Well, the city's moved on, and so have we. New spots have opened, old favourites have got even better, and there's a cemetery you absolutely need to visit (yes, really). This is everything that's changed since our last guide, because Lusaka in 2025 is not the same city it was before.
Day 1 in Lusaka:
Start your morning at E Phora. This place gets it right with proper coffee (not that instant nonsense), fresh pastries, and a vibe that makes you want to linger for a second cup. The space is modern, the Wi-Fi actually works, and if you're one of those people who needs to Instagram your avocado toast, the lighting won't disappoint.
After breakfast, head straight to Cargo 88 for some self-care. Book a massage or facial because, honestly, you deserve it. The spa treatments here are professional, the atmosphere is calming, and you'll leave feeling like a completely new person. Trust me on this one.
Visit Everyday Lusaka Gallery. It's a space that actually feels like it's part of the city, showing work by local artists who are making art about Lusaka.
The gallery focuses on contemporary Zambian art. You can walk in, look at the work, and actually understand what you're looking at without needing an art degree. They rotate exhibitions regularly, so there's always something new.
You'll find it at Shop 5, Kalundwe Road, near Lusaka Main Post Office. It's open most days except Mondays. Entry is free, though they appreciate donations. If you're into photography, painting, or sculpture, you'll find something here that speaks to you.
Day 2 in Lusaka:
Some morning calls for something fancy, so book a table at Latitude 15. This iconic spot does breakfast properly—think eggs Benedict that don't disappoint, freshly squeezed juice, and the kind of service that makes you feel looked after.
Spend your afternoon at Monkey Pools. It's on Leopards Hill Road in the MukaMunya housing estate, which means it's actually in Lusaka, not some far-flung destination you need to plan a whole expedition for.
Pack a picnic, bring a book, and just relax. The water is refreshing, the surroundings are beautiful, and it's the kind of place where you can properly unwind. The pools are natural rock formations filled with crystal-clear water, and yes, there are monkeys there (hence the name), though you're more likely to see them early morning than midday. The water is cold, which is exactly what you want on a hot Lusaka afternoon.
It's the kind of place that feels like a secret even though it's right here in the city. Bring your own food and drinks, and go with a group because it's more fun that way.
Weekends get busy with families, so if you want it quieter, try a weekday. Getting there can be a bit tricky if you don't know the area, so use Google Maps or ask someone who's been before. And please, for the love of everything, don't litter. It's one of the few natural spots in Lusaka that's still relatively untouched, so let's keep it that way.
End your day at Flame restaurant. This restaurant knows what it's doing when it comes to steak. Whether you want it rare, medium, or (please don't) well-done, they cook it perfectly. The wine list is solid, the service is attentive without being annoying, and the whole experience feels special without trying too hard.
Day 3 in Lusaka:
Final morning in Lusaka, grab a quick breakfast at Vida Cafe. It's fast, it's tasty, and it won't slow you down. Perfect for when you've got places to be but still need decent coffee and a proper bite.
In the afternoon, pay a visit to Aylmer May Cemetery. I know, I know, a cemetery doesn't sound like a fun activity. But hear me out, Alymer May Cemetery is one of the oldest colonial cemeteries in Lusaka, and it's absolutely fascinating if you're interested in history.
The cemetery dates back to the early 1900s, and walking through it is like reading the city's history in headstones. You've got graves of early settlers, missionaries, soldiers, and colonial administrators, and the inscriptions tell you stories about what life was like back then. Some of the graves are well-maintained, others are completely overgrown, but that's part of what makes it interesting.
It's located on Lagos Road in the Rhodes Park area, and you can just walk in. There's no fee, no tour guide, just you and the graves. It's quiet, which in Lusaka is a rare thing, and it gives you a different perspective on the city's past.
If you're into photography, bring your camera because the old headstones and the way nature's taken over parts of the cemetery make for brilliant photos. And if you're taking kids, it's actually a good educational trip, though obviously, be respectful. It's still a cemetery, after all.
For your final dinner, if you're looking for proper Italian food in Lusaka, Bellini is where you need to be. I'm talking about the kind of place where the pasta actually tastes like it's meant to, where the pizza base isn't trying to be something it's not, and where you can sit without feeling like you're settling for second best.
I'd recommend going in the evening when it's cooler. The outdoor seating area is lovely, and if you're there on a Friday or Saturday, it gets quite lively. The prices are reasonable for what you're getting. But if you want Italian food that doesn't disappoint, this is it.
Planning Your 72 Hours in Lusaka
This itinerary is built so that you actually have time to enjoy each place. No mad dashes across town, no over-scheduling, no FOMO. Just three days of genuinely good experiences.
Lusaka has changed since that first guide came out. New restaurants have opened, the arts scene has exploded, and there's this energy in the city that you need to experience yourself. Whether you're here for business or pleasure, these 72 hours will show you the Lusaka that locals love.
- Getting Around: You'll need a car or a reliable taxi service. Download taxi apps before you arrive because Lusaka is spread out.
- Best Time to Visit: Dry season (May to October) offers perfect weather, but honestly, Lusaka works year-round.
