Howdy! 😀 Welcome to our Zambia Travel Series! I hope you’re ready to fall in love with Zambia as much as I did… And what better place to start, than with the must-visit, oh so beautiful Radisson Blu Lusaka?!
But first… a little backstory, shall we? 🙂
About 3 months ago, my friend Neema and I got it in our heads and hearts to plan a trip to Zambia! At the time, it sounded like a crazy idea! But being both huge travel lovers, we got started on the ground work…
One of my first instincts was to check out whether there was a Radisson Blu in Zambia! Much to my pleasant surprise, I discovered one in the heart of Lusaka. 🙂
And when I reached out, the amazing folks at Radisson Blu Lusaka were very gracious, in that kind Zambian way, I have come to love and admire… And the rest, as they say, is History!
P.S. I promise to share more about our journey to Zambia, later on in this ongoing series…
Life at Radisson Blu Lusaka…
My Radisson Blu Lusaka experience started when Maron and George came to pick me up, in a nice, comfie shuttle…
I rather enjoyed this ride to the hotel as both men were lively and conversational, giving me a foretaste of the warm Zambian culture!
Closer to the hotel, I noticed ongoing road construction… The mild chaos, however, melt into sweet oblivion the moment you drive past the Radisson Blu Lusaka gates.
Sitting on a sizeable property, the hotel feels spacious with its green lawns and trees, giving off a hushed and serene aura. 🙂
On our arrival, the wide glass doors opened automatically into a vibrant lobby with a warm, inviting ambiance!
Emanuel, the Concierge Attendant, ushered me in with a kind smile, and after a prompt, stress-free check in process, he showed me to my room. 🙂
Classic Elegance Meets Modern Accommodations!
And oh, the room! 😀
I was instantly drawn to its bright, chic décor… My room was well-appointed with a massive bed, a closet with a safe, a working desk, cozy chairs and a small fridge…
Then came the bathroom with its luxurious bathtub and separate walk-in shower!
It really didn’t hurt that I had a nice view of the turquoise blue swimming pool from my window! 🙂
Radisson Blu Lusaka has a total of 142 rooms with great variety to cater to all your needs… They also have family suites with an 8-seater sleeper couch, and accessible bathrooms for people with disabilities.
I’d have loved to throw myself on the bed… but soon enough, my tummy beckoned me to seek out their in-house restaurant for a late lunch!
Chuma Grill: The Home of Sweet Delicacies…
I thought I’d seen the best of Radisson Blu Lusaka, but Chuma Grill Restaurant had another thing coming!
Whoa! The cozy, yet luxurious ambiance at Chuma Grill, enhanced by the radiant lighting, is simply uplifting…. My eyes soaked it all in, ever so gleefully.
Bernard came over with a broad smile, handing me the menu.
Chuma Grill’s menu is a fair mix of Western cuisine meets African fusion!
I was quite thrilled when Bernard recommended the Mayo chicken sandwich… And it turned out to be the perfect blend of crunchy and saucy, thanks to the fillings and toasted bread!
Later on, in the calm of night, I ventured to the swimming pool area. The view of the pool, glimmering under the soft touch of the starry Lusaka night sky and lights was refreshing. 🙂
I love how Radisson Blu Lusaka maintains a tranquil, relaxing state all through the day.
That night, I slept like a baby, after a hot refreshing shower. Considering I struggle with sleeping in new places, Radisson Blu Lusaka further won my heart over!
Fresh Start To A New Day!
I had an early start the next morning, wanting to get ahead of the sun, because in Zambia, their 5a.m is as bright as 7a.m in Nairobi! 😀
I went to the gym, where I met Aston their gym instructor busy at work!
Their gym is well equipped, and would be the perfect way to dodge vacation calories if you like! 😉
But not willing to commit to a full workout, I did a few stretches and tested my arms on the weights.
After that tiny session, breakfast sounded like a dream in my head!
Their breakfast and lunch buffets offer a wide variety that will have you feeling spoiled for choice!
Everyone is in such a good mood when they’ve eaten well. ~
My friend Jane Maleya had mentioned how good the Mushrooms in Zambia are, so I was very eager to try!
For breakfast, I served mushrooms, noodles and roast potatoes… And I can happily report that the fried mushrooms lived up to their good Zambian reputation!
Chuma Grill also features a terrace with an outside dining area and lovely views of the hotel!
Later on, I ventured out with my friend Neema to visit a nearby Mall and to see about changing our flight details.
Radisson Blu Lusaka is strategically located close to 2 malls, with access to Forex Bureaus, Airtel, Banks, RwandAir and a variety of restaurants.
Of beautiful endings…
On my last night, I chose to dine in and sample their in-room dining! But first, I had a promise to keep to myself… So I ran the bath, and soaked in it awhile, feeling quite lavish.
For dinner, I ordered the pork ribs and fries. And the Chef must have made that meal with love because it was simply delectable!
Radisson Blu is perfect for business people visiting Lusaka, but also looking for that vacation feel.
It’s also ideal for solo travelers, couples and families wanting a lavish place to stay in Lusaka while exploring the rest of the city.
You will feel right at home whether by yourself or with your loved ones.
Travel Tips>>
- Radisson Blu Lusaka provides airport transfers on request.
- They have a number of conference facilities, and their Big Dome can hold up to 300 people.
- They give a complimentary night’s stay for couples who choose Radisson Blu Lusaka, as their wedding venue.
- Meals at Chuma Grill cost between 10 USD and 20 USD, and 5 USD to 10 USD on the kiddies menu.
- They have a Sunday Roast each week, with entertaining live music.
***
Many thanks to Radisson Blu Lusaka for a most wonderful experience! And a special recognition to Bernard Kaputo and Jennifer from Chuma Grill, for their excellent service and going out of their ways to make me feel at home. 🙂
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed this post!
I would love to hear from you! Do leave a comment down below with your questions/feedback. I’ll be sure to respond! 😀
<< Stay. Inspired. Always. >>
19 Comments
Sasha
August 14, 2020 at 8:30 amCould you do a costs blog post like how much you need to save up for to have such an amazing experience in Zambia? From the transport, to hotel to moving around.
Scrapbook Journeys
August 18, 2020 at 7:23 amSasha, thanks for the idea/request! It is well noted. 🙂
Christine M Munene
January 27, 2020 at 2:07 pmVery Nice!
Ule Msee Wa B4
January 10, 2020 at 6:39 pmWho will dare tell me that i have not been to Zambia, throgh the blog, i felt myself experiencing it first hand while reading the blog. lloking forward to the Zambia series and Radison Blu is a must visit while in Zambia for sure. great time blog sis
Scrapbook Journeys
January 11, 2020 at 11:12 amHahaha that’s the spirit! 😀 I’m always happy when the blogs inspire you guys to visit a place! Go for it! 😀
Susan Mwenda
December 6, 2019 at 8:32 pmBeautiful piece. Thanks Marion.
Scrapbook Journeys
December 11, 2019 at 8:36 amThank you for reading Sue! I appreciate it 🙂
Eric
December 5, 2019 at 6:19 amThe enticing Zambia. Super excited for the series that is to continue. This place for some reason feels extra spacious than most Kenyan hotels I have been to.
Scrapbook Journeys
December 11, 2019 at 8:35 amMe too! Haha. 😀 Can’t wait to share! And yes, for a hotel within the city, it is spacious for sure! Thank you for reading Eric!
Paulo N..
December 4, 2019 at 9:38 pmNice Read!..
Saw some flags in a pic, are they possibly flagging out the countries RB is in.
Love the gym outlook, – workout should be easy 🙂 !!
Will try out the the Sunday roast
Excellent!
Scrapbook Journeys
December 11, 2019 at 8:34 amThat’s a great question…I was happy to see our Kenyan flag right there in that number! Glad you liked it, and yes do enjoy the Sunday roast! 🙂
Henry
December 4, 2019 at 6:59 pmGlad you enjoyed your stay in Zambia.
Scrapbook Journeys
December 11, 2019 at 8:33 amIt was amazing, every single part of it! Thank you for reading Henry! 🙂
Ole-tunda
December 4, 2019 at 6:27 pmThe Radisson blu ambiance alone looks so therapeutic
and also inviting
Scrapbook Journeys
December 11, 2019 at 8:32 amIt is right? They definitely did their thing! Thanks for reading Zazo 🙂
Florence
December 4, 2019 at 3:31 pmReading through this feels like being there with you , thank you so much
Scrapbook Journeys
December 11, 2019 at 8:31 amThank you Flo! I am glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Enock
December 4, 2019 at 3:02 pmSo exquisite …I want those pork ribs..Thanks Marion
Scrapbook Journeys
December 11, 2019 at 8:31 amHaha if only I could go back in time… Because they’d totally be worth it! Thank you for reading Enock! 🙂