How to getting around in Zambia

Zambia, a landlocked country, is very popular among wildlife fans because of the fact that it carries a lot of national parks. Because of the very same reason, Zambia is also a great holiday destination. But, how to get to Zambia? How to get around the country?- these may be some of the critical questions that you must be having when you are wondering whether you should or shouldn't plan your next holiday getaway to Zambia. This article shall respond to all your questions. 

Traveling to Zambia - by air 

If you prefer to travel to Zambia by air (which is the fastest), you may land at the Lusaka International Airport located in the capital city (Lusaka) of Zambia. It receives the most number of national and international flights, so the accessibility is higher. If you plan to stay at a Livingstone hotel the likes of Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara, keep in your mind that it's just 470 km from the capital city. 

Other ways to travel to Zambia 

Since Zambia is a landlocked destination, coming to this country by road is also a possibility. Country borders of countries such as Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, Namibia, and Botswana are open 24*7, so coming to Zambia is hassle-free in that aspect as well. If you are coming from Tanzania, a lake ferry is also available for you, but its schedules tend to get delayed very often. 

Road conditions in Zambia 

Honestly put, road conditions in Zambia are not so great. For a first-time traveler, these roads may even seem to be terrible. You only find a few tar roads in Zambia and that makes driving a little challenging. 4*4 vehicles suit the roads in Zambia, and it's always better if you can avoid traveling in the dark because the conditions can become much harder at night. Also, you can't expect to find roadside services here in Zambia. 

Public transport?

Well, you can't rely on the public transport networks when in Zambia. There are no regular buses or trains, and even in the main cities, you find 12-seater minibusses and run-down cars only. Dial-up cabs are available and chauffeur-driven vehicles as well. This is why planning your whole vacation is of utmost importance when it comes to your Zambian getaway because then you know the routes to follow well in advance, and then you can pre-arrange your transport modes. 

Hire a car - the recommended 

In Lusaka (the capital city), you find a lot of car hire companies. So, when you come to Zambia and visit Lusaka first, make sure you go to one of these companies, explain your plan, and get a car hired. If you are not so confident in off-road driving, get a driver too because that will be a safer option for you. As mentioned before, only 10%-20% of the Zambian roads are tarred, and driving here is of course not an easy job even for an experienced driver. Animals and pedestrians sometimes tend to appear on roads out of now where, so drivers will have to be vigilant on this as well. 

General road rules 

If you are going to drive, you require an International Driver's License. When driving in Lusaka and other urban areas, the speed limit remains at 50km/h, and on national highways, the limit is at 100km/h. Although nobody really cares, British road rules are in operation in Zambia which will only come into remembrance in a situation of a motor accident. Please be mindful of the crazy taxi drivers when driving and walking in Zambia, because none of these rules (or even common sense) does not make sense to them.