Lusaka is a spread-out city and not easy to navigate on foot. Minibuses run along fixed routes between the main terminals and are the cheapest way to get around, though they are crowded and the route system is not obvious to newcomers. Taxis are widely available — agree the fare before you set off, as meters are rarely used. Ride-hailing apps including Ulendo and inDriver have made getting around considerably easier and more transparent in recent years.
Cairo Road and the main shopping centres (Arcades to the east, Manda Hill to the southeast) are the reference points most visitors use to orient themselves. The government quarter along Independence Avenue is a separate cluster about 6 kilometres from Cairo Road.
Driving is on the left. Roads in the city centre are paved but often potholed; traffic can be heavy during rush hours. Car hire is available at the airport and through agencies in the city. If you're planning day trips — to the national park, Munda Wanga, or Kalimba — having your own transport or hiring a private driver for the day makes the most sense.