Childcare & Daycare Costs in Zambia

Daycare & Creche Directory — Lusaka

The following centres' fees have been verified through their published fee schedules or direct enquiry. Fees are for the 2025-26 academic year unless noted otherwise.

Montessori & Premium (ZMK 3,000 – 7,300/month)

Pestalozzi Education Centre (Kabulonga) — creche fees K21,900/year (K8,760/term for Terms 1-2, K4,380 for Term 3), roughly equivalent to K2,190/month averaged across the academic year. Structured Montessori early learning, qualified staff, meals included. Casa dei Bambini (Ibex Hill) — Montessori method, ages 18 months to 6 years. Published fees for 2025-26 available on their website; expect K3,500–K5,000/month range. Little Stars Montessori (Kabulonga) — ZMK 4,000–6,000/month. Small classes (max 12 children), gardens and outdoor play area, two meals and snacks included.

Mid-Range (ZMK 1,500 – 3,000/month)

Bright Beginnings (Rhodes Park) — ZMK 1,800–2,500/month. Structured learning for ages 2-5, pickup service within Rhodes Park area. Jolly Kids (Woodlands) — ZMK 1,500–2,200/month. Art, music, and outdoor play focus. Full lunch program. Sunrise Daycare (Chelston) — ZMK 1,500/month. Basic but well-organized, qualified Early Childhood Education (ECE) staff.

Budget (ZMK 300 – 1,500/month)

Numerous home-based daycares operate in residential compounds across Lusaka, typically charging ZMK 300–800/month. These are run by women in their homes, caring for 3-8 children. Quality varies enormously. Some are excellent (loving, attentive caregivers), while others lack basic hygiene and safety standards. Always visit in person and check: clean water, safe play space, first aid kit, and carer-to-child ratio.

Nanny Costs — What the Market Actually Pays

According to 2026 salary survey data, the average nanny salary in Lusaka is approximately ZMK 2,850/month, with a range of ZMK 1,470 to ZMK 4,280 depending on experience, qualifications, and job scope.

In addition to salary, live-in nannies expect accommodation (a room, often a servant's quarter), meals, and typically a monthly food allowance of ZMK 200–500. Some families also cover phone airtime (ZMK 50–100/month) and annual leave transport. Factor these costs when comparing nanny vs daycare expenses.

Hiring and Managing a Nanny

• References: Always call previous employers. Ask specifically about reliability, child interaction, and honesty.
• Trial period: Offer 2 weeks paid trial before confirming employment. This protects both parties.
• Written contract: Even informal, a simple written agreement covering salary, working hours, duties, leave days, and notice period prevents disputes.
• NAPSA registration: Technically, employers must register domestic workers with NAPSA (National Pension Scheme Authority) and contribute 5% of salary. In practice, most families don't — but this is the legal requirement.

Nanny vs Daycare — Making the Right Choice

Both options have trade-offs. Here's a practical comparison based on families we've spoken with in Lusaka:

Many Lusaka families use a hybrid approach — daycare during working hours (8 AM–4 PM) plus a part-time nanny for mornings, evenings, and weekends. This costs roughly ZMK 2,500–4,000/month combined but provides both structured learning and flexible home coverage.