Lusaka - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It's really hard to say. Although there is a thriving social scene amongst expats, there aren't a lot of things to *do* in town, so it's great for families in the sense that there really isn't a lot of FOMO if you can't get out much because of young children, but of course it really depends on personalities. - Mar 2022
Not a huge amount going on socially/culturally so probably better for families who aren't looking for nightlife and mostly will be focused on their kids or hanging out with other families at home (barbecues, brunches, etc.). - Dec 2021
Great for families- everywhere you go is designed for kids. Almost every restaurant has a playground. Safari opportunities abound and are usually kid-friendly. The weather is good year round.
Also fine for couples. I'm not as sure about single people but I don't think it's an easy place to meet other singles. That said I do meet a lot of Zambian-foreigner couples so I guess it is possible! - Feb 2018
Some people really like it, because the weather is nice most of the time, the people are very nice and it is quiet. The people who seem to like it most are those that have full time jobs and do trips on their time off. For spouses and older kids, it can be a little too quiet and boring. There is not much to do here, not city to explore, no place to really "walk." - Nov 2017
Lusaka is tough on singles looking for relationships, I understand, but not bad outside that rubric. Couples and singles mix often in social gatherings. Families very much stick to other families, especially on American compounds and surrounding AISL events. - Jan 2017
It is probably better for families. It might be boring for singles. - Jun 2016
Good for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and doesn't mind making their own fun. Families and couples seem to have a better time than singles, but there are communities for everyone. The options for nightlife are quite limited but seem to be increasing. - May 2016
Lusaka is a very quiet town and there is not a lot to do. There are many restaurants, but only a handful that are really good, and there are malls and other shopping but generally speaking it can be kind of boring if you don't like barbeques and hanging with friends. Having said that, I think the city is equally good for all. If you have a particular interest you will probably find a club or individual who shares it. Lusaka is a quiet but pleasant place to live. - Mar 2015
Good for everyone although kind of boring. - Aug 2014
Very good for all. Families really enjoy to get out of town and seem to be hosting parties all the time. Couples seem to hang with the families. Single males seem to have a great time here. Zambian women are extremely aggressive and even the ugly duckling will leave here married. That being said, Zambia has an extremely high HIV positive rate and all need to be careful. I have heard that it is not as easy for single women to enjoy themselves. - Jan 2014
Lusaka is a good city for all, it seems. Personal preferences have a bigger impact on how one views Lusaka more than being single, married, a family member or here without kids does. - Apr 2013
As always, it seems that singles often have a hard time socially, but here that really shouldn't happen. There's lots of expats, and the locals community is also very welcoming. As for raising kids here, can't really say. - Jul 2010
If you like to be outside; if you like culture and the arts, you are in the wrong country! - Mar 2009
Yes, for couples. For families, if your children are very young, it is a sleepy post, but can be okay. For families with older children, school options are really poor. - Mar 2009
Seems okay. - Oct 2008
The more outgoing you are, the more friends you'll make - its that simple. there is a large population of expats here and there isn't a big gap between locals and those of us on post. - Aug 2008
Lusaka has a comfortable climate that allows families to take advantage of their yards most of the year. Between the cost of living and the slow pace of life, I'm not so sure this is a great assignment for singles or couples. - May 2008
