Is Lusaka safe?
Take real precautions. Opportunistic theft, car break-ins and muggings are common after dark; stay in good suburbs, drive or use taxis, and avoid isolated areas.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2023-07-30.
- Homicide rate in Zambia: 5.2 per 100,000 people (2015, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Zambia: 20.5 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 991 · Ambulance 992 · Fire 993 · All emergencies 112.
Safety in Lusaka at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Phone and bag snatching, car smash-and-grab at traffic lights, ATM scams, and house burglaries; occasional armed robberies. |
| At night | Drive or take a trusted taxi. Walking after dark is not recommended, even in better suburbs. |
| Solo women | Manageable by day with normal care. Expect catcalling at times; use taxis at night and avoid isolated areas. |
| Other risks | Heavy traffic and reckless driving; Flooding in rainy season; Malaria risk year-round |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Police asking for small payments at roadblocks
- ATM helpers watching PINs
- Fake taxi or rideshare drivers
- Street changers offering poor rates
Take care
- Downtown and Soweto Market area: bag snatching
- Walking at night anywhere
- Parked cars with visible items
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing government buildings, airports or the military is prohibited
- Drug offences, including cannabis, carry long sentences
- Wildlife products are illegal to buy or export
How Lusaka compares in Zambia
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Livingstone | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Lusaka | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Lusaka safe for solo female travelers?
Manageable by day with normal care. Expect catcalling at times; use taxis at night and avoid isolated areas.
Is Lusaka safe at night?
Drive or take a trusted taxi. Walking after dark is not recommended, even in better suburbs.
What is the crime rate in Lusaka?
Phone and bag snatching, car smash-and-grab at traffic lights, ATM scams, and house burglaries; occasional armed robberies. Nationally, Zambia records 5.2 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2015).
What number do I call in an emergency in Lusaka?
Police 991 · Ambulance 992 · Fire 993 · All emergencies 112.
More about Lusaka
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Zambia Tourism Agency
- Zambia Immigration Department
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.