Lubumbashi International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

Luano International Airport sits about 10-13 km from downtown Lubumbashi, with a taxi taking 25-37 minutes depending on where you're headed and the traffic. The city's only two 5-star properties are in the Golf district, on Lake Kipopo, a little further from the terminal but close to each other; travellers who'd rather stay in the heart of the city and spend less will find an older but more central alternative downtown.

Golf district and Lake Kipopo

Neighbourhood · About 13 km and 20-25 minutes by car from the airport; both properties overlook Lake Kipopo and the adjoining golf course, just minutes from downtown.

Best for: Travellers after the city's top tier, with a pool and well-kept grounds, who don't mind staying a little outside downtown.

Pros

The city's only two 5-star properties, with a pool, several restaurants and event spaces
Quiet residential neighbourhood on Lake Kipopo, minutes from the golf course and downtown

Cons

About 13 km from the airport, further out than the downtown alternatives
High price bracket by Lubumbashi standards

Recommended hotels in this area

Pullman Lubumbashi Grand Karavia: 197 rooms overlooking Lake Kipopo or a tropical garden, an adjoining 18-hole golf course, an outdoor pool and two bars; about 13 km and 25 minutes from the airport.
Novotel Lubumbashi: 120 rooms in the Golf district, with panoramic views over Lubumbashi or Lake Kipopo and a rooftop bar with a pool; opened in 2024 as the country's second Novotel.

See more hotels in this area →

City centre

About 10 km and 30 minutes by taxi from the airport to downtown, where the hotel can also arrange a transfer on request.

Best for: For those who want to stay in the heart of the city, among shops and offices, on a tighter budget than the Golf district.

Pros

Right in the business district, handy for meetings and getting around town
More affordable rates than the Golf district properties

Cons

Lower overall score than the city's other properties, with rooms described as dated
10 km from the airport, so you'll still need a taxi or the hotel's transfer