Lusaka National Park is situated approximately 30 kilometres from the capital city of Zambia and was opened to the public in June 2015, establishing itself as Zambia’s newest and most accessible park. This newly established national park is the 20th in Zambia and notably the second to be located within a city environment, following the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park in Livingstone.
The park is home to over 1,000 species, featuring white rhinos, giraffes, elands, hartebeests, zebras, sables, kudus, blue wildebeests, waterbucks, black lechwes, impalas, pukus, bushbucks, reedbucks, warthogs, pangolins, and axis deer.
What to do in Lusaka National Park
Photography tours in Lusaka National Park
Every safari and game lodge in Zambia offers outstanding opportunities for photography, whether you’re in an open vehicle or exploring on foot. During early morning and late evening game drives or hikes, the low lighting conditions and vibrant colors create a stunning atmosphere. Lusaka National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife species, including white rhinos, giraffes, elands, hartebeests, zebras, sables, kudus, blue wildebeests, waterbucks, black lechwes, impalas, pukus, bushbucks, reedbucks, warthogs, pangolins, and axis deer, all complemented by excellent photographic opportunities.
Camping at Lusaka National Park
If you enjoy camping, Lusaka National Park offers an excellent experience with guides and rangers available to assist travelers in setting up their camping tents. Whether you bring your own tent or rent one from lodging service providers like Nomads Court Lodge and Serenity Lodge, you can spend the night immersed in the wild beauty of Lusaka National Park.
Game viewing In Lusaka National Park
Lusaka National Park charges 30K for adults, irrespective of nationality. The rangers at the park are both helpful and informative, providing insights on the various types of animals that can be spotted and guiding visitors on where to go to track different species after spending a few hours driving through the park.
Lusaka National Park offers the opportunity to encounter various wildlife species, including antelopes, giraffes, rhinos, warthogs, kudus, hartebeeste, and zebras, among others.
Bird watching In Lusaka National Park
Zambia boasts stunning and wildlife birding locations, making it an exciting place to secure your tickets and discover the art of birdwatching in Lusaka National Park. Drift down to the park with binoculars to experience numerous excellent game sightings. Birding can be enjoyed through game drives, nature walks, self-drives, and game viewing, among other activities in Lusaka National Park. The days just prior to the onset of summer rains can be exceptional for birdwatching, as numerous migrant species make their arrival, enhancing the local population.
The key to successful birding lies in locating bird parties, which consist of 70 or more species, each with their typical differing habitat features, such as the White-backed Duck, Cape Teal, Yellow-billed Duck, Garganey, Egyptian Goose, and White-faced Whistling Duck, among others.
Walking safaris in Lusaka National Park
This activity is among the various experiences offered in Lusaka National Park, typically taking place in the morning or late evening. Visitors can observe a range of wildlife, including rhinos, impalas, giraffes, elands, and zebras. Participants are advised to wear hiking shoes, long comfortable trousers, and carry a water bottle. Walking safaris began in Zambia, and throughout the years, they have consistently provided exceptional quality thanks to stringent guiding standards and comprehensive training from the finest guides. One can experience the bush in a natural, careful, and thrilling manner by walking, harmonizing with the rhythm of nature.
Before the walk begins, the head guide of each walking safari will discuss the logistics and timings, share techniques and safety advice, and address any questions you may have, whether it’s a brief morning walk or a full-day trek between camps. The guides in Zambia are assuredly well-trained professionals, ensuring they are highly knowledgeable, reliable, and skilled.
The Best Times to Explore Lusaka National Park
Lusaka National Park is accessible throughout the year, although activities may be affected by rainfall from March to May and September to November. The period from June to September is generally regarded as the best time to visit Lusaka. The climate is enjoyable, featuring warm summers, mild winters, and abundant sunshine throughout the year. In Zambia, Lusaka National Park may not be seen as a premier safari destination due to its smaller size, yet it provides a diverse array of wildlife species and an excellent wildlife experience comparable to that found in larger parks.
Accessing Lusaka National Park
Lusaka National Park is situated approximately 30 kilometers southeast of Lusaka’s Central Business District. It takes less than 45 minutes to drive to the park offices; simply take the first road on the right into Chifwema Road. Make the first right again after the second speed bump into a large gate; this turnoff is clearly marked. Next, make a left turn and proceed until you see another sign on your left. Then it’s directly ahead until you reach the gate.
