Lusaka - Post Report Question and Answers
What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
We are SO busy here, but it's all self-made fun. Every weekend includes multiple birthday parties for the kids, or swim meets, or scout camping trips, or Embassy social events. Within the community, we're frequently meeting up at each other's homes for self-run book clubs, poker nights, or BBQs ("brais"). We meet at the local pizza place for trivia night once a month or quarterly wine tastings at a resort outside of town. If you are willing to brave the multiple-messages-per-second local community WhatsApp groups, you'll hear about cultural nights at the French embassy, or an art morning for kids at the pizza place, or a nature walk at the national park. There are paint-and-sip events or yoga mornings at local hotels. There are small art galleries that host events. As I write this, my kids are at a "math in nature" event at the local arboretum. There are a couple of movie theaters that are okay. There are a few coffee shops outside of town where you can let your kids play. There's a local circus that puts on shows and does circus classes and camps for kids. The school hosts bigger events like Trunk or Treat for Halloween along with fundraisers, triathlons, etc. You could be very busy here if you want to be. That said, there aren't a lot of "indoor" places to go. There are a couple of soft play places, but they're far and not super nice. There aren't a lot of options for museums or that kind of cultural entertainment. Outside of the school playground, there are no parks or playgrounds for spontaneous meetups. There's nowhere I would go to just browse or stroll or hang out. You schedule things, arrange them with friends, and then show up. - Feb 2026
Lots of clubs and WhatsApp groups. - Apr 2025
There are lots of social relationships, you won't have any trouble finding groups who eat, drink, play sports, ride bikes, hike, etc. - Mar 2022
There's an ultimate frisbee group that meets every Wednesday evening at Showgrounds that's very popular. There's also a supper club, some local restaurants/bars/markets that are popular with expats, a running group, a Crossfit gym, etc. Depending on your interests it's likely possible to find a group that's doing it. There are several very active Facebook groups for expats in Zambia that are a wealth of information. - Dec 2021
"Braiis" (barbecues), outdoor get-togethers. - Nov 2017
There are a few expat groups (Expat Zambia among them) that plan and coordinate events on Facebook. Waterfalls holds night markets from time to time, as does Sugarbush Restaurant. It's best to combine these with your own social interactions, though, as they're not super common. A market at the Dutch Reformed Church in Kabulonga attracts lots of expats, but it's dwindled in popularity since our arrival in 2013 (when it was kind of the only game in town). - Jan 2017
There are lots of running clubs and quiz nights. Get to know the local staff. They will take you to kitchen parties, Zambian weddings, Chizelas (be prepared for that one), etc. - Jun 2016
Going out to dinner, "night markets" with local food vendors, cook-outs, travel. - May 2016
Having people over or going to friends' houses for a braii (outdoor grilling), movies, school oriented events. Some families/friends travel together. There is the Hash House Harriers club, a group that bicycles, a walking club, dog-training club, polocrosse and riding, etc. etc. Lots of clubs for lots of interests. - Mar 2015
BBQs and getting together with friends. - Aug 2014
Restaurants, bars, movie theaters, entertaining at home. - Jan 2014
In the home, at restaurants, parties, hotels and clubs---there always seems to be something going on within the next week or two. Entertaining runs towards the casual and laid-back and often includes the whole family. - Apr 2013
Lots! - Jul 2010
Mostly revolves around kids and home. - Mar 2009
Homes, bars, movies... - Oct 2008
There are several good evening spots for dancing, there's a bowling alley and several places to play billards. lots of clubs, and there's a fun quiz night. Someone would be welcome to revive the X-mas Panto! - Aug 2008
With the pleasant climate, there are lots of outdoor receptions, barbeques, etc. - May 2008
