Rent a Car in Zambia

Renting a car in Zambia gives you total freedom to travel on your own schedule. You won’t have to wait for buses or negotiate taxi fares each time you move around. This is especially helpful for long stays — if you’re planning to explore more than just city centers, a rental often works out cheaper than paying for multiple rides.

Yes — especially if you’re visiting for several days or more. While daily rates vary, renting can cost less than using taxis every day. It’s also cheaper for groups and families since everyone shares the cost instead of paying per seat or ride.

Most reputable rental companies in Zambia can provide child or booster seats for young travellers. It’s generally recommended for kids under 12 to ride in a suitable child seat. To avoid surprises, always request one ahead of time and confirm it’s included in your booking.

If you’re sticking to main cities like Lusaka or Livingstone, a compact car is fine. But if you plan to drive on rural roads or venture off the beaten path — like to national parks or remote villages — an SUV or 4×4 is highly recommended. Many roads outside cities are gravel or dirt and can get rough, especially in the rainy season.

Main roads in cities are paved and generally okay, but many rural roads are gravel or unpaved and may have potholes. The farther you go from urban areas, the rougher the roads can get. That’s why a 4×4 is a wise choice if you plan to leave city limits.

It’s possible, but you must clear it with your rental company first. If allowed, you’ll usually pay a cross-border fee to make sure you’re insured in countries like Malawi or Mozambique. Always tell the rental desk your full route before you pick up the car.

Yes — different countries may require extra paperwork at the border, such as proof of insurance or a special permit for the vehicle. It’s wise to check entry requirements and traffic laws for each country you plan to visit. Your rental company can often help with the paperwork.

Fuel in Zambia is sold by the litre. On average, expect to pay about 25 ZMW per litre(roughly $1.50 USD). That’s around 95 ZMW per gallon ($5.60 USD). Zambia uses the Kwacha (ZMW), and the exchange rate is around 17 Kwacha to 1 US dollar.

In Zambia, people drive on the left-hand side, following British road rules. Be extra careful when making turns if you’re used to driving on the right side.

Speed limits in Zambia use kilometres, not miles. The limit is usually 50 km/h (31 mph) in cities and towns. On highways and rural roads, it goes up to 100 km/h (62 mph). Both fixed and mobile speed cameras are used, so stick to the posted limits to avoid fines.

If you get caught speeding, your rental company will receive the fine and pass it on to you. They’ll also charge an administrative fee for handling the ticket. Speed cameras are standard, so always check your speed, especially when driving through towns.

Fuel stations are easy to find in cities like Lusaka, Ndola, and Livingstone. In rural areas, they’re less frequent, so it’s smart to fill up whenever you pass a station on long drives. Some stations may not accept card payments, so keep some Kwacha cash handy.

Yes — basic insurance is usually included, covering third-party damages. For more protection, add a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or similar option. This limits what you pay if the car gets damaged, which is very useful if you’re driving on rough roads.