Transport and Driving in Zambia

Public transport in Zambia is not extensive, and most expats living there have their own vehicle. Due to the poor condition of many roads, particularly outside the main cities, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is the best option for getting around Zambia. Nevertheless, bus and rail services are available for those who prefer not to drive between Zambia’s main towns and cities.

Driving in Zambia

The majority of expats own or rent a vehicle for getting around Zambia. But driving in Zambia can be a hair-raising activity for the inexperienced. Defensive driving is recommended due to erratic local drivers and poor road conditions. Adequate signage is also often lacking.

Many roads are unpaved, particularly in rural areas, and may become impassable without a four-wheel-drive vehicle, especially during the rainy season. If you're driving outside the main centres, you should note that supplies and petrol stations are few and far between; it's a good idea to carry sufficient supplies and tools, including fuel, water, and spare tyres. 

You should avoid driving as much as possible at night due to animals wandering on the roads, pedestrians, stationary vehicles and unlit moving vehicles. Criminals are also more active at night, and the risk of carjacking increases.

Driver's licences

Cars drive on the left-hand side of the road in Zambia. Foreigners wanting to drive in Zambia need an international driving permit, and they must carry their foreign driver's licences with them at all times. The only foreign driving licences that are recognised in Zambia are those from other Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. New residents from outside these countries must pass a local driving test. 

Some companies may provide a driver for their senior executives, which is worth considering during contract negotiations for a posting in Zambia.

Useful links

• Republic of Zambia Road Transport and Safety Agency 

Public transport in Zambia

Public transport in Lusaka is cheap and generally accessible, but getting around outside major cities may be more challenging. Nevertheless, several transport options are available for getting around Zambia.

Minibus taxis

Minibus taxis operate in Zambian towns and cities and are normally the cheapest and fastest mode of transport. They don’t have set timetables, but typically run along set routes; the price depends on the distance travelled. 

For the inexperienced expat, travelling in a minibus taxi may take some getting used to. Drivers can be erratic and drive at fast speeds to get to their destination quickly, and these taxis are often overcrowded, making for a sometimes uncomfortable journey squashed between fellow passengers.

Trains

Zambia has an established railway system, with daily services operating from Lusaka to the Copperbelt and Livingstone, as well as between Kapiri Mposhi and the northern border with Tanzania. Options include ‘ordinary trains’, which stop at every station along the way, and ‘express trains’ which operate direct trips between Lusaka and Livingstone.

Buses

City buses operating from Lusaka can be confusing and unreliable. Buses generally won’t leave until they are full, and are therefore not the best option for those wanting to stick to a specific timetable. There are several daily bus services running from Lusaka to other major centres like Johannesburg and Harare. 

Useful links

• Zambia Railways
• Shalom Bus Services
• Intercape

Taxis in Zambia

Taxi cabs are available in Lusaka and usually wait at the entrance to most major centres. These can be ordered by phoning ahead, or hailed from the street. Taxis can be expensive; agreeing on a fare before getting in the taxi is best, as they are not often metered.

Uber is not widely used in Zambia, but the country has a local alternative that has gained popularity in Lusaka and Kitwe. GO is a ride-hailing application that is widely available in major cities, and makes it easy for expats to book a taxi and get an accurate fare estimation before confirming the booking. 

Useful links

• GO
• My Cab Zambia

Air travel in Zambia

Although road and rail travel offer a more adventurous way of exploring Zambia, flying is typically the most convenient way to travel the country’s vast distances. The main international airports are in Lusaka and Livingstone, with a number of smaller airports operating in and around popular national parks to cater to charter services. Many of the large airports in the country have undergone renovations and now offer amenities like restaurants, hotels, WiFi, and business lounges to enhance the travel experience for visitors.