Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bus & Minibus
Distances are long, buses are often slow and many roads are badly potholed, so travelling
around Zambia by bus and minibus can exhaust even the hardiest of travellers.
All main routes are served by ordinary public buses, which either run on a fill-up-and-
go basis or have fixed departures (these are called 'time buses'). 'Express buses' are faster
- often terrifyingly so - and stop less, but cost about 15% more. In addition, several
private companies run comfortable European-style express buses along the major routes,
eg between Lusaka and Livingstone, Lusaka and Chipata, and Lusaka and the Copperbelt
region. These fares cost about 25% more than the ordinary bus fares and are well worth
the extra kwacha. Tickets for these buses can often be bought the day before. There are
also express buses zipping around the country.
A few general tips to keep in mind. Even on buses with air-conditioning - and it very
often doesn't work - try to sit on the side of the bus opposite to the sun. Also, avoid seats
near the speakers, which can be turned up to unbearably high volume.
Many routes are also served by minibuses, which only leave when full - so full that you
might lose all feeling in one butt cheek. Fares can be more or less the same as ordinary
buses. In remote areas the only public transport is often a truck or pick-up.
Car & Motorcycle
BRINGING YOUR OWN VEHICLE
If you're driving into Zambia in a rented or privately owned car or motorcycle, you will
need a carnet; if you don't have one, a free Customs Importation Permit will be issued to
you at major borders instead. You'll also be charged a carbon tax if it's a non- Zambian
registered vehicle, which just means a bit more paperwork and ZMW150 to ZMW200 at
the border, depending on the size of your car.
Compulsory third-party insurance for Zambia is available at major borders (or the
nearest large towns). It is strongly advised to carry insurance from your own country on
top of your Zambian policy.
While it is certainly possible to get around Zambia by car or motorbike, many sealed
roads are in bad condition and the dirt roads can range from shocking to impassable, par-
ticularly after the rains. If you haven't driven in Africa before, this is not the best place to
start. We strongly recommend that you hire a 4WD if driving anywhere outside Lusaka,
and certainly if you're heading to any of the national parks or other wilderness areas.
Wearing a seat belt in the front seat is compulsory.
