How to Meet Locals & Make Friends in Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia

1. Lusaka Backpackers Hostel

A popular hostel in Lusaka where you can meet fellow travelers and locals alike.

Community Spirit: Regular group activities and events foster a welcoming community.
Central Location: Conveniently located in the heart of Lusaka, near markets and eateries.
Affordable Accommodation: Offers a range of affordable accommodation options for travelers.

Join a tour to explore Kafue National Park and connect with local guides.

Local Expertise: Learn about the park's wildlife and culture from knowledgeable locals.
Unique Wildlife Experience: Opportunity to see diverse wildlife, including lions, elephants, and hippos.
Group Tours: Meet fellow travelers and locals on guided tours throughout the park.

Experience traditional Zambian culture in a replica village setting.

Authentic Interaction: Engage with locals in their daily activities and rituals.
Cultural Workshops: Participate in traditional crafting, music, and dance workshops.
Local Cuisine Tasting: Sample traditional Zambian dishes, prepared by local chefs.

Visit bustling local markets to shop and interact with friendly vendors.

Cultural Immersion: Experience the vibrant, colorful atmosphere of Zambian marketplaces.
Shopping Opportunities: Pick up unique crafts, textiles, and food items at affordable prices.
Meeting Locals: Engage in conversations with friendly market vendors to learn more about their lives.

Join a sports club to connect with locals through shared activities.

Sports Variety: Offers a wide range of sports, including soccer, cricket, and tennis.
Friendly Atmosphere: A welcoming environment for both locals and visitors to interact.
Regular Events: Hosts events, such as tournaments and social gatherings, that foster camaraderie.

Join a local chicken club to interact with Zambian youths over shared interests.

Cultural Exchange: Learn about the local hip-hop culture and music scene.
Community Building: Promotes unity, collaboration, and self-expression among young people.
Regular Meetups: Hosts regular events, including concerts, workshops, and discussions.

Explore Lusaka on a bike tour and connect with local guides.

Active Exploration: See Lusaka's landmarks and hidden gems while getting some exercise.
Local Expertise: Learn about the city's history, culture, and current events from guides.
Group Tours: Meet fellow travelers and locals during guided bike tours.

Discover local cuisine on a guided food tour and connect with chefs.

Culinary Adventure: Taste unique Zambian dishes, many of which are not found in tourist areas.
Local Expertise: Learn about the culinary traditions and ingredients used in local cuisine.
Group Tours: Meet fellow travelers and locals during guided food tours.

Visit local art galleries to engage with local artists.

Artistic Immersion: Experience the vibrant Zambian art scene and learn about local artists.
Unique Artwork: Find a variety of contemporary and traditional artwork to purchase.
Meeting Artists: Meet local artists and learn about their creative processes and inspiration.

Attend live music performances to connect with locals and immerse in Zambian culture.

Cultural Experience: Experience traditional and modern Zambian music at local venues.
Live Performances: Enjoy live concerts, open mic nights, and other musical events.
Meeting Locals: Engage with fellow music enthusiasts and local musicians at venues.

Participate in cooking classes to learn about Zambian cuisine while meeting locals.

Cultural Immersion: Learn the secrets behind traditional Zambian dishes.
Interactive Experience: Get hands-on experience in preparing local dishes under guidance.
Meeting Locals: Engage with locals and learn about their culinary traditions.

Join a language exchange group to practice English and make local friends.

Language Practice: Improve your language skills while making connections with locals.
Cultural Exchange: Gain insights into Zambian culture and traditions.
Regular Meetups: Hosts regular meetups, providing opportunities for ongoing connections.

Participate in volunteer projects to make a positive impact while meeting locals.

Community Impact: Contribute to local projects, such as education, healthcare, and conservation.
Cultural Exchange: Learn about Zambian culture and traditions while making a difference.
Meeting Locals: Work closely with locals, fostering meaningful connections.

Join the Couchsurfing community to find local hosts and travel buddies.

Hospitality Exchange: Stay with locals, gaining a firsthand look into their lives.
Cultural Exchange: Learn about Zambian culture and traditions from local hosts.
Travel Buddy Finding: Find travel buddies to explore Lusaka and beyond with locals.

Join a city walk tour to discover Lusaka's hidden gems while meeting locals.

Active Exploration: Explore Lusaka on foot, taking in its architecture and culture.
Local Expertise: Learn about the city's history, culture, and current events from guides.
Meeting Locals: Engage with fellow travelers and locals during guided tours.