Getting Around Zambia
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use minibuses and buses for Lusaka and Livingstone. Rural: Rent a car for national parks exploration. Wildlife Areas: Organized safaris and boats on Zambezi. For convenience, book airport transfers from Lusaka to your destination.
Train Travel
TAZARA Railway
Limited passenger services connecting Lusaka to Kapiri Mposhi and beyond to Tanzania, with scenic routes through rural areas.
Cost: Lusaka to Kapiri Mposhi ZMW 50-100, journeys 4-6 hours for key segments.
Tickets: Buy at stations or TAZARA offices, advance booking recommended for peak seasons.
Peak Times: Avoid weekends and holidays for better availability and fewer crowds.
Rail Passes
Multi-journey tickets available for frequent travelers, starting at ZMW 200 for 5 trips within Zambia network.
Best For: Exploring Copperbelt region over several days, savings for 3+ short trips.
Where to Buy: Major stations like Lusaka or Kitwe, or TAZARA website with e-tickets.
International Connections
TAZARA links Zambia to Tanzania, with extensions to Zimbabwe via other lines for regional travel.
Booking: Reserve 1-2 weeks ahead for international routes, discounts for groups up to 20%.
Main Stations: Lusaka Central is key, with connections to Livingstone for Victoria Falls.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for self-drive safaris in parks like South Luangwa. Compare rental prices from $40-70/day at Lusaka Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (international recommended), credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: 4x4 vehicles advised for rough roads, full coverage essential for wildlife areas.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 100 km/h rural, 120 km/h highways where paved.
Tolls: Minimal on main roads, pay in ZMW at checkpoints, no vignettes required.
Priority: Yield to animals on rural roads, right-of-way at roundabouts, caution for potholes.
Parking: Free in most rural areas, secure paid lots $2-5/day in cities like Lusaka.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations available in towns at $1.20-1.50/liter for petrol, $1.10-1.40 for diesel, scarcer in remote areas.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation, essential for dirt roads.
Traffic: Heavy in Lusaka rush hours, wildlife crossings common in parks.
Urban Transport
Lusaka Minibuses & Buses
Informal minibus network (kombis) covers the city, single ride ZMW 5-10, day pass ZMW 20-30.
Validation: Pay conductor on board, haggle for longer trips, watch for overcrowding.
Apps: Limited formal apps, use local advice or Google Maps for routes.
Bike Rentals
Bicycle hires in Livingstone and Lusaka tourist areas, $5-15/day with basic stations.
Routes: Flat paths around Victoria Falls and urban parks, guided eco-tours available.
Tours: Mountain bike safaris in Kafue, combining adventure with wildlife viewing.
Buses & Local Services
Nakonde Bus Services and others operate intercity and local routes across Zambia.
Tickets: ZMW 10-20 per ride, buy at terminals or from driver with cash.
Ferry Services: Essential on Zambezi River, ZMW 5-15 for short crossings near Livingstone.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus terminals in cities for easy access, close to parks for wildlife viewing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for dry season (May-Oct) and major events like Kwando Festival.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for weather-affected safari plans.
- Amenities: Check for generators (power outages common), mosquito nets, and proximity to transport.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G in cities like Lusaka, 3G/2G in rural areas, spotty in remote parks.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
MTN Zambia, Airtel, and Zamtel offer prepaid SIMs from $5-15 with fair coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, shops, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 3GB for $10, 10GB for $20, unlimited for $30/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels and lodges, limited in public spaces, cafes in urban areas.
Public Hotspots: Airports and tourist sites offer paid or free WiFi.
Speed: 5-50 Mbps in cities, slower in rural spots, suitable for basics.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT), UTC+2, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Lusaka Airport 20km from city center, taxi $15-25 (30 min), or book private transfer for $20-40.
- Luggage Storage: Available at bus stations ($3-6/day) and hotels in major cities.
- Accessibility: Buses and minibuses limited, lodges often have ramps, parks require guided access.
- Pet Travel: Not recommended due to wildlife risks, check safari operator policies.
- Bike Transport: Bikes on buses for extra fee $5, not common on trains.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Zambia
Lusaka Airport (LUN) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Lusaka International (LUN): Primary gateway, 20km from city with taxi connections.
Livingstone (LVI): For Victoria Falls, 10km from town, bus $5 (20 min).
Mfuwe (MFU): South Luangwa access, small airport with seasonal charters.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for dry season (May-Oct) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Johannesburg and bus to Zambia for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Proflight Zambia, Airlink, and Ethiopian Airlines serve domestic and regional routes.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and ground transport when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online 24 hours before, airport fees higher for walk-ins.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in cities, fees $2-4, use major banks to avoid issues.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard at hotels/lodges, cash preferred elsewhere.
- Contactless Payment: Emerging in urban spots, limited overall.
- Cash: Essential for transport, markets, keep $50-100 USD or ZMW in small notes.
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants, $1-2 for guides/drivers in safaris.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid street changers.