Overview
Zambia is a country in Africa according to philosophynearby. Vast lakes, lush wetlands and breathtaking African sunsets make up Zambia’s scenic splendor. Home to 17 waterfalls, including the spectacular Victoria Falls, the country attracts both nature lovers and adventurous visitors. The wild Zambezi River is perfect for adrenaline-pumping activities such as rafting, canoeing, river surfing and tiger fishing. Zambia is also the land of the legendary African walking safaris, where big game, countless bird species and a pristine, living wilderness ensure unforgettable experiences. The Government of Zambia has for some time recognized the economic importance of its natural landscapes and the importance of environmental protection. Almost a third of the country now consists of national parks and game reserves.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
Emirates (EK) flies from Frankfurt/M., Vienna and Zurich via Dubai to Lusaka. Ethiopian (ET) connects Frankfurt/M. and Vienna via Addis Ababa with Lusaka; Tickets for flights from Frankfurt/M. are also offered by Lufthansa (LH). Feeder flights from Zurich to Frankfurt/M. are possible with Swiss (LX).
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Lusaka: 14 hours 25 minutes; Vienna – Lusaka: 14 hours 45 minutes; Zurich – Lusaka: 18 hrs 20 mins (each with one or more stops; travel time varies depending on length of stay).
Departure fee
None.
Arrival by car
By land, travelers reach Zambia from Zimbabwe via border crossings at Chirundu or the Victoria Falls Bridge; from Botswana by ferry at Kazungula; from Mozambique at Zumbo; from Tanzania via Nakonde and Mbala; from Malawi via Chipata and from DR Congo via the Lumbumbashi to Chingola road. Note: Travel to the border areas with the Democratic Republic of the Congo is not recommended due to repeated attacks. There is a risk of unmarked minefields in the border areas with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola and Mozambique. Long-distance buses run from Dar es Salaam and Mbeya in Tanzania to the Zambian border, where you can transfer to buses to Lusaka. Buses also connect Blantyre (Malawi) via Harare (Zimbabwe) to Lusaka daily (journey time: 16 hrs 30 mins). The bus companies Shalom Bus Services and Juldan Motors operate daily between Johannesburg and Lusaka (journey time: approx. 20 hours). Tolls: Numerous roads in Zambia are subject to tolls. Fees are paid in cash at toll booths. Documents: In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required.
Arrival by train
Zambia Railways operates regular services between Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Lusaka via Livingstone. The trains of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) run twice a week between Kapiri-Mposhi (Zambia) and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) (journey time: approx. 46 hours). A Rovos Rail luxury train travels across Africa from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania via Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Lobito in Angola.
Arrival by ship
There are regular ferry services from Mpulungu across Lake Tanganyika to Kigoma (Tanzania) and Bujumbura (Burundi) and from Kazungula across the Zambezi to Botswana.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
Proflight Zambia (PO) has scheduled flights from Lusaka to the country’s main tourist hubs such as Livingstone and Mfuwe in Luangwa National Park; Shuttle services to the park’s lodges and camps can be arranged. Furthermore, domestic air traffic is operated by various charter airlines and local tour operators. There are a variety of airports and runways in the country.
Traveling by car/bus
The road network has a total length of approx. 40,400 km and connects all parts of the country. Tolls: Numerous roads in Zambia are subject to tolls. You pay in cash at the toll stations. Petrol stations are available in most major cities. For cross-country trips, however, it is advisable to carry a spare canister.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Left
Condition of the roads
Approx. 25% of the road network (approx. 10,100 km) is asphalted, but often in poor condition and during the rainy season often only passable with off-road vehicles or completely impassable.
Road classification
The different road categories in Zambia are each identified with a letter and a number. Interstate roads begin with the letter T (trunk road), major roads with an M (main road), district roads with a D (district road) and small country roads with an RD.
Car rental
Car rentals are available in Lusaka at the airport and in the city, as well as in other major cities; they should be equipped with all-wheel drive. The minimum age for drivers is 21 or 23 years, depending on the vehicle category. Young driver fees may apply to drivers under the age of 25. Chauffeured vehicles are also available for hire.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout the cities. However, travelers should inquire about the usual fares in advance and then negotiate them before starting the journey. The taxi driver’s first offer can be more than double the local fare.
Bicycle
There are numerous bicycle and motorbike rental companies in cities and tourist areas. Organized bike tours are also offered.
Coach
Regular buses run between the cities of the country. Minibuses also connect the villages; however, these are mostly overcrowded. Mazhandu Family Bus Services buses run several times a day from Lusaka to the Namibian border at Sesheke via Monze, Choma, Livingstone and Kazungula and back. Smaller towns are also served along the route.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – alcohol limit: 0.8 ‰; – Children under the age of 3 must be transported in a child seat; – Telephoning at the wheel is only permitted with a hands-free system; Speed limits: – in built-up areas: 50 km/h; – extra-urban: 100 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of damage to the vehicle: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. In the event of breakdowns or accidents with the rental car, the car rental company should be contacted first.
Documentation
In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required.
Traveling in the city
Minibuses, taxis and shared taxis operate in Lusaka. The buses are quite basic in equipment and usually overcrowded. Taxis are not metered; Fares should be agreed in advance.
Locally on the way by train
Trains operated by TAZARA (Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority), the Tanzanian-Zambian railway authority, run between Kapiri Mposhi and Nakonde in the northeast of the country. A separate Zambia Railways line connects Livingstone to Kitwe via Lusaka and Kapiri Mposhi. The Zambezi Express runs overnight from Livingstone to Lusaka and back several times a week (journey time: 18 hours). Trains, while generally slow, are fairly reliable and safe.
Traveling by ship
Ferry connections can be found on all waterways. Information on this is available on site.
