Zambia Travel Tips and Guide

By plane

Domestic flights on Zambezi Airlines and tourist-geared Airwaves connect Zambia’s major cities and tourist destinations. Undoubtedly the fastest and most comfortable way of getting around, they are quite expensive with an hour long flight from Lusaka to Mfuwe typically costing around

Zambezi Airlines operates domestic and international flights.

US$150 one-way. Planes tend to be small and schedules sparse, but if you can rustle up enough people you can also charter planes for not much more.

By minibus

Minibuses (Toyota Hiace buses that are painted blue and white) are popular, but t often irregular, dangerous, and uncomfortable. To maximize profits, a “conductor” will squeeze as many paying customers — and their luggage, or katundu (ka-TOON-doo) — into the bus as possible; whether or not the customers are comfortable is irrelevant. In terms of meeting locals, however, this method is among the best, and it can provide a traveler with a truly “authentic” experience. Payment is made during the journey — banknotes are passed down the bus to the conductor at the front, and change comes back via the same route.

By bus

Larger, more sophisticated “luxury coaches” exist, too. These tend to be more reliable and safer; they depart on-time; they have dedicated space for guests and luggage; and tickets may be purchased in advance. Luxury coaches are much more comfortable and are virtually guaranteed to arrive, but they might seem “generic” to a seasoned traveler.

By car

Vehicles drive on the left side of the road in Zambia. By international standards Zambia car rental firms tend to be a little overpriced. Not only are rental rates high ($100/day), but some of the main roads in Zambia are in very poor condition. Potholes often take up the entire road, and during the rainy season, large sections of the roads maybe washed away. As you move away from city centers, you will probably encounter dirt roads. Although they might look solid, the dirt is often loose, and the chances of an accident are huge if you do not keep to a reasonable speed.
Although you are not likely to get lost driving in Zambia (there are only a few roads), you are likely to underestimate the destructive power of these roads and damage a rental vehicle, or worse, yourself! 4WD vehicles are recommended at any time and necessary on dirt roads in the rainy season, although some roads will become completely impassable after a heavy storm.
Currently there are no Roadside Assistance Packages, and very few ambulances, tow-trucks, or emergency vehicles of any kind in Zambia. Given the circumstances, bush mechanics can do an amazingly good job of patching up your vehicle.

By train

Passengers trains in Zambia are run by ZAMBIA RAILWAYS and TANZANIA-ZAMBIA RAILWAY. You can catch TAZARA line trains between New Kapiri Mposhi and Nakonde in the north-east (Tanzania border). The separate Zambia Railways line Livingstone and Kitwe via Lusaka and Kapiri Mposhi (2 km from the TAZARA station). They are relatively reliable and safe, but slow.

By thumb

Hitchhiking in Zambia is popular, although it can be extremely hit-or-miss as traffic density is low. Also note that, if picked up by a local, you will be expected to pay for the ride. Nevertheless, hitchhiking does not carry with it the same stigma in Zambia as it does in the States; you are unlikely to be harmed, and you might make a great connection.
In Zambia, travelers do not “thumb” a ride. The proper method for flagging transportation is:

1. Pile your luggage near the road.
2. Sit in the shade.
3. When you see/hear a vehicle, jump up.
4. Rush to your luggage.
5. From your shoulder, wave your entire arm up and down, palm open and facing the ground, as though you are fanning someone in front of you.
6. Hope the vehicle stops.