✈️ Getting to Zambia
Flights, visas, and getting around once you arrive
✈️ International Airports
Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) — Lusaka
Zambia's main international gateway, located 26 km northeast of Lusaka city centre. Most long-haul and regional flights arrive here. Terminal 2 opened in 2024, significantly expanding capacity with modern immigration and customs facilities. Taxis from the airport to the city centre take 30–45 minutes depending on traffic; agree a price before getting in (official metered taxis at the rank). Transfer to downtown costs approximately $16 to $24 by taxi.
Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) — Livingstone
Livingstone's airport, 6 km from town and 10 km from Victoria Falls, serves visitors to southern Zambia. Regular scheduled flights from Lusaka (40 minutes) on Proflight Zambia and several charter operators. Also receives some direct regional flights from Johannesburg. Most visitors combining Livingstone with a safari elsewhere in Zambia fly via Lusaka first. A taxi from the airport into Livingstone town centre takes around 15 minutes.
Other Airports
Mfuwe Airport (MFU) — Gateway to South Luangwa National Park; receives direct charter and scheduled flights from Lusaka (1 hour) and from Johannesburg and Nairobi during safari season.
Kasama, Ndola, Chipata — Domestic airports served by Proflight Zambia for travellers visiting northern Zambia, the Copperbelt, or East Zambia.
💡 Insider Tip
Flying direct to Livingstone from Johannesburg saves you a Lusaka connection if Victoria Falls is your primary destination. Proflight Zambia and Airlink both operate this route seasonally. Check seasonal availability before booking through Lusaka.
🌍 Airlines Flying to Zambia
Long-Haul / International
- Ethiopian Airlines — Addis Ababa hub; connects Lusaka to Europe, North America, and Asia with good onward connections
- Kenya Airways — Nairobi hub; strong connections across East and Central Africa and onward to Europe
- Qatar Airways — Doha hub; direct to Lusaka from Doha with connections to Europe, Asia, and the Americas
- Emirates — Dubai hub; Lusaka via Dubai with global connections
- Brussels Airlines — Seasonal direct from Brussels (partnered with SN Brussels) for European visitors
- South African Airways / Airlink — Johannesburg to Lusaka and Livingstone; key connection point for Southern Africa itineraries
Regional Connections
From Lusaka you can connect regionally with Kenya Airways to Nairobi, Ethiopian Airlines to Addis Ababa, Airlink to Johannesburg, Harare, and other southern African capitals. Mfuwe Airport (South Luangwa) receives charter flights from Johannesburg and Nairobi during the June–October peak safari season, operated by specialist safari charter companies.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Zambia operates an e-Visa system. Most passport holders (including US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) require a visa and can apply online before travelling at the official Zambia e-Visa portal. The e-Visa is approved within 24–72 hours and must be printed or downloaded before arrival.
Single-entry tourist visa: USD 50 for most nationalities. Double-entry visa: USD 80. Day visa for arrivals and same-day departures also available.
KAZA UniVisa (USD 50): A special combined visa allowing multiple entries between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Ideal for visitors combining Victoria Falls from both sides or combining Zambia safaris with Zimbabwe attractions. Available at major entry points including Lusaka Airport and Livingstone.
Check current visa requirements →Health Requirements
Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a yellow-fever-endemic country (including most of sub-Saharan Africa). Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended for all travellers — Zambia has one of the world's highest malaria rates, especially in the Luangwa Valley and Lower Zambezi regions. Consult a travel medicine clinic before departure.
🚖 From Lusaka Airport to the City
Taxi (Recommended)
Official taxis at the Kenneth Kaunda Airport rank. Agree the price before departure — approximately $16 to $24 to central Lusaka (30–45 minutes). Bolt and InDriver ride-hailing apps work in Lusaka and are often cheaper than street taxis; you can use them from the airport departure zone.
Hotel Transfers
Most upscale hotels and lodges in Lusaka offer pre-booked airport transfer services. These are the most hassle-free option for first-time visitors — price typically $19 to $29 depending on location. Book through your hotel in advance.
Minibus (Combi)
Shared minibuses operate from the airport into town for around $1.6 per person but require navigating routes unfamiliar to most visitors. Not recommended for international arrivals with luggage.
🚗 Getting Around Zambia
Domestic Flights (Proflight Zambia)
Proflight Zambia is the country's main domestic carrier, operating scheduled routes between Lusaka, Livingstone, Mfuwe (South Luangwa), Kasama, Ndola, Chipata, and Lower Zambezi airstrips. Flights typically run 40–90 minutes and are the only practical way to reach remote safari destinations. Book as early as possible during safari season (June–October) as flights sell out. Safari lodges in South and North Luangwa can arrange Mfuwe pickup for guests.
Long-Distance Buses
Intercity coach services connect Lusaka to Livingstone (approximately 7 hours), Chipata, Kasama, and other regional centres. Mazhandu Family Bus Services and Power Tools Bus Services are the most reliable operators with fixed-seat reservations. Lusaka–Livingstone departs from the Lusaka intercity bus terminal; book the morning before departure at minimum. Tickets approximately $19 to $32 one-way depending on operator and class.
Self-Drive / Car Rental
Renting a car is practical for the main Lusaka–Livingstone corridor (470 km on a good tar road) and for the Lusaka–Chipata route to the east. For national parks, a 4WD is essential — game drives into Kafue or South Luangwa on regular roads is not possible. Drive on the left. Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 100 km/h on main roads. Police checkpoints are frequent — always carry your passport and vehicle documents. Car rental from international companies (Europcar, Avis) available at Lusaka Airport.
🛣️ Overland Border Crossings
Zambia–Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls Bridge)
The most-used crossing for tourists: Livingstone (Zambia) to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) via the historic Victoria Falls Bridge. Open 6am–10pm daily. The KAZA UniVisa (USD 50) allows easy movement between both countries — buy it at Livingstone border post. The crossing takes 15–30 minutes in non-peak periods; longer on busy weekends. Walking across the bridge is permitted and gives spectacular gorge views.
Zambia–Botswana (Kazungula Ferry/Bridge)
The Kazungula Road Bridge (opened 2021) connects Livingstone area to Kasane, Botswana — the most convenient access point for Chobe National Park. Open daily; the drive from Livingstone to Kasane takes approximately 70 km. The bridge replaced a slow pontoon ferry and has greatly reduced crossing times to 30–60 minutes in normal conditions.
Zambia–Malawi (Mchinji / Chipata)
The main overland route between eastern Zambia and Malawi goes through Chipata (Zambia) and Mchinji (Malawi). Most travellers combining Zambia and Malawi use this crossing. Buses run directly from Lusaka to Lilongwe via Chipata (approximately 10–12 hours total). Check current border hours before travelling.
Zambia–Tanzania (Nakonde)
The northern crossing at Nakonde/Tunduma connects Zambia to Tanzania — the main route for overland travellers heading to Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, and further north. TAZARA railway (Kapiri Mposhi to Dar es Salaam) also runs through this corridor; check current schedules as service is irregular.