Lusaka, Lusaka Province Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics

Source: AirROIReviewed by Jun Zhou, Founder @ AirROI
Updated:

How much can you earn on Airbnb in Lusaka, Lusaka Province? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $3,899 per year — at a $67 nightly rate, 29.1% occupancy, and a $20 RevPAR that reflects a wider gap between nightly rates and realized revenue that rewards occupancy-focused strategies.

Lusaka's 311 active listings and selective demand that rewards strong listing quality and pricing strategy position it as a midsize vacation rental market. Supply grew 82.9% year over year, and the market is recalibrating around a new competitive baseline. This is the stage where hosts who invest in amenities, guest experience, and dynamic pricing build durable advantages that compound as the market matures.

Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a tightening market, selectivity matters — focus on proven neighborhoods, competitive pricing, and guest experience to protect returns.

What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Lusaka?

In Lusaka, the headline Airbnb metrics are $3,899 in average annual revenue,29.1% occupancy, $67 ADR, and $20 in RevPAR, and guests book about 21 days in advance.

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$67
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Lusaka.
Occupancy Rate(?)
29.1%
Lower demand, potentially seasonal or market factors at play.
Avg. Annual Revenue(?)
$3,899
Average annual income for an Airbnb listing in Lusaka. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
RevPAR(?)
$20
Revenue per available rental night, combining occupancy and ADR into one efficiency metric.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
-1.7%
Slight decrease (-1.7%) vs. last year.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
311
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.
Avg. Booking Lead Time(?)
21 days
How far in advance guests typically book in Lusaka. Longer lead times indicate planned travel; shorter ones suggest last-minute demand.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
December
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Lusaka.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
January
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Lusaka.
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How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Lusaka?

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Lusaka is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Lusaka is typically December, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Lusaka across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $1,449+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $880 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $443 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $204, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Lusaka

What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Lusaka?

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Lusaka STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Decembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Lusaka:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 73%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 48% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 26%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 12% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Lusaka

What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Lusaka?

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Lusaka involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Lusaka typically peaks in June and dips lowest during January. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $118+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $86 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $60 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $42 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Lusaka

What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Lusaka?

RevPAR in Lusaka is currently $20. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.

  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $9 RevPAR.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate $16 RevPAR.
  • Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $25 RevPAR.
  • Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $36 RevPAR.

Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Lusaka

RevPAR Insights for Lusaka

  • The average RevPAR in Lusaka is $20. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
  • The gap between the top 10% ($36) and bottom 25% ($9) is $28, suggesting a relatively compressed market where operational differences yield moderate returns.
  • RevPAR peaks in Dec and bottoms out in Jan, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Lusaka benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $16, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
  • Top-quartile listings achieve $25+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
  • Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.

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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Lusaka?

Lusaka's peak Airbnb season falls in December, July, April, while the softest stretch is January, February, March. Overall, the market shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.

Peak Season (December, July, April)
  • Revenue averages $805 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 38.0%
  • Daily rates average $74
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $622 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 32.6%
  • Daily rates hold near $74
Low Season (January, February, March)
  • Revenue drops to average $520 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 28.4%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $73

Seasonality Insights for Lusaka

  • The Airbnb seasonality pattern in Lusaka shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it is also insightful to look at the extremes:
  • During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Lusaka's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $853, occupancy reaching 38.5%, and ADRs peaking at $75.
  • Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $499, occupancy could drop to 26.2%, and ADRs may adjust to $73.
  • Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Lusaka need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.

Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit

  • Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
  • Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
  • Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
  • Regularly analyze your own performance against these Lusaka seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Lusaka?

Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Lusaka, Lusaka Province, Zambia point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Lusaka to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)

What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Lusaka?

Location within Lusaka matters. Even in a midsize market, the difference between neighborhoods can mean a material gap in occupancy, nightly rate, and overall Airbnb revenue. Below are 8 areas where short-term rental activity and guest interest are concentrated — along with the reasons each neighborhood appeals to travelers.

Best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Lusaka
Neighborhood / AreaWhy Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)Key Attractions & Landmarks
Lusaka Central
The bustling heart of Lusaka, perfect for both business and leisure travelers. Close to government offices, shopping districts, and cultural attractions.
National Museum of Zambia, Kabwe Road Shopping Mall, Cairo Road, Independence Avenue, Lusaka Playhouse
Woodlands
A suburban area popular with families and expatriates, offering a mix of residential comfort and access to amenities.
Woodlands mall, Shamwari Lodge, Manda Hill Mall, Woodlands Theatre
New Makambako
A rapidly developing area with modern housing and amenities, attracting both locals and expatriates looking for comfortable living.
New Makambako Park, Local markets, Development projects, Community centers
Kamwala
A vibrant area known for its local markets and lively atmosphere; attracts budget travelers and those looking for an authentic Zambian experience.
Kamwala Market, Local eateries, Zambia National Football Stadium
Chilenje
A well-established residential area with a rich cultural vibe and close-knit community; offers affordable stays for long-term guests.
Chilenje market, Local community centers, Art galleries, Cafes and restaurants
Ibex Hill
A tranquil suburb with more spacious accommodations and proximity to nature, favored by families and longer-stay visitors.
Ibex Hill Nature Reserve, Local parks, Family-friendly restaurants
Kabulonga
An affluent suburb known for its luxurious properties and expatriate community, a prime area for high-end Airbnb rentals.
Kabulonga Shopping Mall, Fine dining restaurants, International schools
Matero
A traditional Zambian neighborhood that offers a glimpse into local life, popular among travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience.
Matero Market, Local music venues, Community events

With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Lusaka offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.

What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Lusaka?

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Lusaka

  • The Lusaka Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 85.5% of the 311 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Lusaka, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (55.3%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 31.2% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • The presence of 10.9% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
  • Smaller segments like others, outdoor/unique, unique stays (combined 2.5%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

Lusaka Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Lusaka

  • The dominant room capacity in Lusaka is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 40.5% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
  • Together, 2 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 65.3% of the active Airbnb listings in Lusaka, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • A significant 26.8% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Lusaka.

Lusaka Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Lusaka

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Lusaka vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (33.8%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
  • Properties designed for 4 guests and 2 guests dominate the Lusaka STR market, accounting for 59.5% of listings.
  • 22.5% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Lusaka.
  • On average, properties in Lusaka are equipped to host 3.7 guests.

How Do Listings in Lusaka Compare on Quality?

Listing quality in Lusaka can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.

Average Photos per Listing(?)
24.5
More photos correlate with higher conversion rates.
Average Beds per Listing(?)
2.4
Reflects the capacity profile of the local supply.
Exact Location Enabled(?)
26.7%
Builds guest trust and improves booking confidence.

Listing Quality Insights for Lusaka

  • At 24.5 photos per listing on average, Lusaka hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
  • 26.7% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
  • Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Lusaka averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.

What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Lusaka?

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Lusaka

  • Essential amenities in Lusaka that guests expect include: Free parking on premises, Wifi. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like Kitchen, TV, Refrigerator are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Lusaka: Free parking on premises, Wifi.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: Free parking on premises, Wifi.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Kitchen or TV to increase appeal.
  • Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
  • Regularly check competitor amenities in Lusaka to stay competitive.

Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Lusaka?

Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Lusaka, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.

AmenityPrevalenceRevenue WithRevenue WithoutRevenue Uplift
Wifi
96.8%$3,991$1,116257.5%
Sun loungersHigh opportunity
6.4%$8,979$3,550153.0%
DishwasherHigh opportunity
4.5%$8,963$3,660144.9%
Shower gel
28.3%$6,622$2,824134.5%
Rice makerHigh opportunity
6.1%$8,252$3,616128.2%
Sound systemHigh opportunity
8.7%$7,601$3,547114.3%
Oven
63.7%$4,831$2,266113.2%
Exterior security cameras on property
25.1%$6,466$3,040112.7%
Outdoor showerHigh opportunity
4.2%$7,786$3,729108.8%
Kitchen
94.9%$4,005$1,942106.2%

Revenue Impact Insights for Lusaka

  • Wifi tops the revenue impact list with a 257.5% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $3,991 vs. $1,116 without it.
  • High-opportunity amenities — Sun loungers, Dishwasher, Rice maker — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
  • Wifi, Kitchen — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Prioritize adding Sun loungers — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Lusaka.
  • Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
  • Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Lusaka STR Market Data (2026)

Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Lusaka. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.

Explore Advanced Metrics

Lusaka Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)

Guest Origin: Domestic vs. International
Top 5 Cities of Origin
Top 5 Countries of Origin
Top 5 Languages Spoken
Guest Age Distribution (Birth Decade)

Guest Profile Summary for Lusaka

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Lusaka consists of predominantly international visitors (86%), with top international origins including United Kingdom, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or French.
  • Domestic travelers account for 14.1% of guests.
  • Key international markets include United States (15.9%) and United Kingdom (14.7%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (54.7%) followed by French (11.2%).
  • A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Focus marketing internationally, particularly towards travelers from United Kingdom.
  • Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
  • Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
  • Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.

What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Lusaka?

Listings in Lusaka average 4.68 out of 5 overall, with about 21.5 reviews per active listing and 16.7% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.

Rating Breakdown by Category

Guest Rating Insights for Lusaka

  • An average rating of 4.68 places Lusaka in solid territory. Most guests leave satisfied, though there is room for hosts to push toward the top tier.
  • The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.83), while Location (4.66) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
  • 16.7% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Focus improvement efforts on Location — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
  • Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
  • With only 16.7% of listings earning Guest Favorite status, hosts who consistently exceed expectations have a clear competitive advantage.

Lusaka Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Lusaka

  • The most common availability pattern in Lusaka falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 73.3% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 93.9% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
  • For booked days, the 1-30 days range is most frequent in Lusaka (42.1%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 6.5% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Lusaka?

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Lusaka

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Lusaka is 21 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during August (average 30 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 14 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Summer (23 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (16 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (21 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Lusaka.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 23 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Lusaka averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Lusaka?

Guests in Lusaka stay about 6.7 nights on average, generating roughly 2,709 reservations and 8.8 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.

Monthly Length of Stay in Lusaka

Check-in Time Distribution

Check-out Time Distribution

Stay Pattern Insights for Lusaka

  • A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
  • Stay lengths peak in Jul (7.3 nights) and shorten in Oct (5.5 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Leverage the longer-stay pattern by offering weekly discounts — even 5-10% off can convert browsing into bookings for guests considering an extended stay.
  • Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 3:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
  • Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.

Lusaka Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (56.3%)

1 Night

175 listings

56.3% of total

2 Nights (23.8%)

2 Nights

74 listings

23.8% of total

3 Nights (2.9%)

3 Nights

9 listings

2.9% of total

4-6 Nights (3.2%)

4-6 Nights

10 listings

3.2% of total

7-29 Nights (1.3%)

7-29 Nights

4 listings

1.3% of total

30+ Nights (12.5%)

30+ Nights

39 listings

12.5% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Lusaka is 1 Night, adopted by 56.3% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A strong majority (80.1%) of the Lusaka Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
  • A significant segment (12.5%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Lusaka, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 56.3% of Lusaka hosts use this setting.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 12.5% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Lusaka.

Lusaka Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)

Limited

9 listings

2.9% of total

Flexible (64.2%)

Flexible

199 listings

64.2% of total

Moderate (21.9%)

Moderate

68 listings

21.9% of total

Firm (8.7%)

Firm

27 listings

8.7% of total

Strict

7 listings

2.3% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Lusaka

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Lusaka is Flexible, used by 64.2% of listings.
  • The market strongly favors guest-friendly terms, with 86.1% of listings offering Flexible or Moderate policies. This suggests guests in Lusaka may expect booking flexibility.
  • Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (2.3%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 64.2% market standard in Lusaka.
  • Given the high prevalence of Flexible policies (64.2%), offering this can enhance booking appeal, especially during shoulder seasons.
  • Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 2.3% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Lusaka.

How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Lusaka?

Cleaning fees in Lusaka are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.

Average Cleaning Fee
$43
Median Cleaning Fee
$8
Listings Charging a Fee
40.2%
Fee as Revenue Share
2.6%

Cleaning Fee Insights for Lusaka

  • About 40.2% of Lusaka listings charge a cleaning fee — a mixed market where some hosts absorb the cost into nightly rates while others break it out.
  • The gap between the average ($43) and median ($8) cleaning fee indicates some high-end properties are pulling the average up considerably.
  • Cleaning fees represent 2.6% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Lusaka median of $8. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
  • Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.

What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Lusaka Look Like?

Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Lusakabased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.

iYula Townhouse| 24/7Power| Pool| Wi-Fi| Bespoke!

iYula Townhouse| 24/7Power| Pool| Wi-Fi| Bespoke!

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$32,488
Revenue
62.9%
Occupancy
$146.88
Daily Rate
Peace & Comfort Near US Embassy

Peace & Comfort Near US Embassy

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$23,394
Revenue
70.1%
Occupancy
$94.91
Daily Rate
EMC Luxury Villa with| Pool|Dstv|WiFi |in lusaka

EMC Luxury Villa with| Pool|Dstv|WiFi |in lusaka

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$21,090
Revenue
55.3%
Occupancy
$127.22
Daily Rate
Tranquil Guesthouse (with backup power supply)

Tranquil Guesthouse (with backup power supply)

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$19,745
Revenue
60.0%
Occupancy
$90.31
Daily Rate
Serene 3 bedroom house in Olympia, Lusaka

Serene 3 bedroom house in Olympia, Lusaka

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$19,396
Revenue
54.8%
Occupancy
$96.26
Daily Rate
Zano serviced  Apartments A

Zano serviced Apartments A

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$19,250
Revenue
32.9%
Occupancy
$142.65
Daily Rate

Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.

Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Lusaka?

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Lusaka based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.

Top Airbnb hosts in Lusaka by revenue
Host NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
Namwayi2$32,838584.47/5.0
Caroline3$31,9471174.83/5.0
Peter3$31,470564.60/5.0
Marjolein9$29,5614794.78/5.0
Musonda3$27,257664.73/5.0
Diana4$25,710824.79/5.0
Nami1$23,394434.95/5.0
Mary2$23,081684.75/5.0
Julie4$22,688474.86/5.0
Kevin10$22,6535574.56/5.0

Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Lusaka.

Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Lusaka?

Lusaka has a relatively balanced host base.

Superhosts
27.0%
Professional Management
0.3%
Cohosted Listings
37.0%
Instant Book Enabled
5.1%
Simplified Pricing
61.4%

Host Profile Insights for Lusaka

  • Only 27.0% of hosts hold Superhost status, suggesting a relatively young or casual market where quality improvements can pay outsized dividends.
  • 0.3% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
  • 5.1% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
  • 61.4% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Earning Superhost status can significantly improve search ranking and guest trust. Focus on maintaining high response rates, low cancellations, and strong reviews.
  • Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
  • With 37.0% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
  • Benchmark your host metrics against these Lusaka averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.

Top Professional Management Companies in Lusaka

These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Lusaka, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.

Top Airbnb management companies in Lusaka
CompanyListingsRevenueADROcc.Rating
Dimakatjo5$11,712$1379.6%4.42/5

Management Company Insights for Lusaka

  • The leading management company, Dimakatjo, operates 5 listings with $11,712 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Lusaka.
  • Top managers average 5 properties each, suggesting professional management in Lusaka still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
  • Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.42/5 in guest ratings — suggesting room for quality improvement even among larger operators.

Recommendations

  • With only 0.3% of listings professionally managed, there may be an opportunity to differentiate through more structured operations and consistent guest experiences.
  • Study how top management companies price, position, and maintain their portfolios — their ADR and occupancy rates reflect strategies refined across dozens of listings.
  • If you're considering hiring a property manager, compare their portfolio performance against these benchmarks before committing.

How Does Lusaka's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?

How does the Lusaka Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.

Compared with Kariba, Lusaka has 11 percentage points higher occupancy and about $180 lower ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.

Airbnb markets near Lusaka — performance comparison
MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Kariba30$709$247.6818%

Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Lusaka

These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Lusaka.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lusaka?

Lusaka hosts earn about $3,899 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $67 and RevPAR of $20. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Lusaka, Lusaka Province, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Lusaka market, April 2025 to March 2026.

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lusaka?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lusaka is 29.1%. December is the strongest month and January is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.

What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Lusaka?

Listings in Lusaka average $67 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.

How many Airbnb listings are active in Lusaka?

Lusaka currently has about 311 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.

How strict are short-term rental regulations in Lusaka?

AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Lusaka as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.

What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Lusaka?

RevPAR in Lusaka is about $20. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.

Is Airbnb profitable in Lusaka?

Occupancy of 29.1% means Lusaka is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $3,899, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Lusaka?

The average booking lead time in Lusaka is about 21 days — a relatively short booking window, meaning most guests decide within a few weeks of their trip — dynamic pricing can capture late demand. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.

What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Lusaka?

Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Lusaka include Lusaka Central, Woodlands, New Makambako. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.

What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Lusaka?

entire_home listings make up 85.5% of the active supply in Lusaka. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.

How does Lusaka compare to nearby Airbnb markets?

Among neighboring markets, Kariba posts $8,509 in average annual revenue with 18.1% occupancy, compared to Lusaka's $3,899 and 29.1%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.

What is the average length of stay in Lusaka?

The average Airbnb stay length in Lusaka is about 6.7 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.

What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Lusaka?

Airbnb listings in Lusaka average 4.68 out of 5 overall. About 16.7% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.

Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Lusaka?

Wifi and Sun loungers are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Lusaka. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.

Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Lusaka?

Yes. About 40.2% of active Airbnb listings in Lusaka charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $43. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.

What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Lusaka?

At 27.0%, there is a healthy mix of experienced and newer hosts — earning Superhost status can still provide a meaningful visibility boost.

About AirROI Market Data

AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.

Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.

AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.

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