Driving in Lusaka: A Practical Guide for Visitors and New Residents
Driving gives you real freedom in Lusaka. The city is spread out, and many of the best days out are a 30- to 60-minute drive away. But Zambian roads take some getting used to, from potholes and police checkpoints to minibuses that stop wherever they like. Here’s what to know before you get behind the wheel.
The basics
Zambia drives on the left.
Wear your seatbelt and don’t use your phone. Using a mobile while driving and drink-driving are both illegal.
Traffic offences are prosecuted through a fast-track court system run by the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA).
Licences
The rules depend on where your licence is from and how long you’re staying.
UK licence holders can drive on a UK photocard licence for up to 90 days, according to the UK government’s travel advice. Paper licences may need exchanging for a photocard first.
US licence holders need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Zambia, according to the US State Department. Carry it with your US licence. In the US, IDPs are issued by AAA, so get yours before you travel.
Staying longer than 90 days? You’ll need either the correct International Driving Permit (IDP) or a Zambian driving licence.
Get your IDP in your home country before you travel. RTSA only issues IDPs to Zambian licence holders.
To get a Zambian licence, convert your foreign licence at RTSA. You’ll need your passport and your licence, and the licence must be authenticated by the office that issued it or by your embassy.
Other nationalities: check with RTSA or your embassy before you travel.
Hire companies often have stricter rules than the law, such as a higher minimum age, a year or more of driving experience, and an IDP.
Hiring a car
Car hire is available at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport and in the city. Before you sign:
Check what the insurance covers, especially for tyres and windscreens on rough roads.
Ask what safety equipment the car carries, such as warning triangles, and inspect the spare tyre.
Consider a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle if you’re heading out of town in the rainy season.
Photograph the car, including existing dents and scratches, before you drive off.
Road conditions
Potholes are common, even on main roads. Keep your speed down and your distance up.
Rainy season (November to April) brings sudden floods that can wash away roads and bridges.
Minibuses stop without warning to pick up passengers. Give them space.
Traffic is heaviest around Cairo Road, the Great East Road and the Kafue Road at rush hour.
Night driving
Avoid driving outside the main towns after dark. Abandoned vehicles, cars driven without lights, pedestrians and stray animals on the road make it genuinely dangerous. Plan weekend trips so you arrive in daylight.
Police checkpoints
You’ll meet police roadblocks in and around Lusaka and on the main highways. Slow down, be polite, and have your licence and the vehicle’s papers to hand. Officers may check your documents and the car’s safety equipment.
Fuel and tolls
Fuel prices are set by the Energy Regulation Board and change periodically. Petrol stations are attendant-served.
Main highways have toll gates. Most accept cash, the NRFA E-Toll card and mobile money. Mobile money isn’t accepted at the few privately operated toll gates, so carry some cash as a backup. Read more about tolls here.
Parking and security
Use guarded parking at malls and restaurants where you can. Car guards appreciate a few Kwacha.
Keep doors locked and windows up in slow traffic, with bags and phones out of sight.
Don’t stop for hitchhikers or anyone trying to flag you down.
At night, be alert when waiting at gates, and be wary of objects placed to block the road.
Not up for driving?
Ride-hailing apps such as Yango are the easiest alternative, and taxis are everywhere if you agree the fare first. See our Getting Around guide.
