Zambia is a land of breathtaking contrasts, where thundering waterfalls meet sweeping savannahs, and peaceful lakes sit alongside ancient cultural sites. Every destination offers its kind of magic, whether it’s watching wildlife in a national park or standing at the edge of a misty gorge. Travelling by car gives you the freedom to explore beyond the usual tourist routes and truly immerse yourself in the country’s raw beauty and heritage. If you're ready for adventure, here are ten incredible Zambian landmarks you can experience by road.
Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and seeing its mist rising from miles away is unforgettable. The park has numerous viewpoints—including the Knife-Edge Bridge, where the river cascades mere metres beneath your feet. In the rainy season (February to May), the falls thunder with the highest flow, while in dry months the rocky cliffs emerge, letting you spot the precise paths of water. Beyond the falls, Livingstone offers a vibrant mix of cultural tours, craft markets, and adrenaline activities like bungee jumping and zip-lining across the gorge. The Zambezi River itself becomes a scene for evening cruises, where hippos and elephants drink at dusk. With paved roads all the way, the drive from Lusaka is smooth and scenic.
South Luangwa, the birthplace of walking safaris, offers an intimate way to see Zambia’s wildlife. Hippos and crocodiles fill the riverbanks, leopards lurk in shaded forests, and elephants roam the open plains. Access involves both paved and sandy roads, so a strong vehicle is needed. Camps offer guided night drives to spot nocturnal animals, and morning walks reveal quieter scenes with antelope and buffalo. Visitors often spend several days combining off-road game viewing with cultural visits to nearby villages along the Luangwa River.
The Lusaka National Museum offers a journey through Zambian history, with galleries dedicated to archaeology, ethnography, and natural history. You’ll see intricately carved totem poles, ancient stone tools from the BaKalanga, and art reflecting Zambia’s 10 ethnic groups. The museum’s education wing often hosts workshops about traditional dances, oral storytelling, and traditional medicines. Just nearby, Kabwata Cultural Village invites guests to meet artisans creating everything from wooden masks to intricate chitenge cloth. You can buy directly from workshops, support families, and enjoy live music or dance presentations held in a central courtyard. It’s a great blend of urban drive culture and intimate cultural exchange.
Straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Lake Kariba is not only vast but full of life. It was formed by damming the Zambezi and has since developed into a magnet for wildlife, over 400 bird species, and water-based activities. Houseboat cruises vary from half-day to multi-nights, with guides pointing out herds of elephants, breeding fish eagles, or even freshwater dolphins. Fishing charters head out early to reel in monstrous tigerfish, a Zambian favourite. Recreational areas at Siavonga offer watersports, sunset-side restaurants, and beach bars—ideal for families or couples looking for leisure within a few hours' drive of Lusaka.
Bordering Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, Lower Zambezi is special for its river-soaked environment. Open 4×4 vehicles can follow elephant tracks through bushland to the river. Canoe safaris glide between wildlife—your guide pointing out claw marks on trees, hippo trails, or pods of hippo families. Daytime game drives offer close-up views of majestic wildlife, while night drives (built within the lodges) reveal elusive nocturnal hunters. The birdlife here is rich and varied, with pelicans, storks, kingfishers, and fish eagles frequently seen along the riverbanks. With elevated platforms and river-view hides, sundowners become unforgettable—this is the perfect place to combine relaxed safari days with star-filled nights.
This 1920s manor, built by Sir Stewart Gore-Browne, stands as “Africa House” amidst rolling hills and verdant farmland. Meals are served in the grand dining rooms or on the terrace overlooking formal gardens and dip pools. The estate grounds have walking trails past red deer enclosures, orchards, and Georgian stone follies. The staff offers storytelling tours—sharing colonial-era romances, political insights, and ghost tales. Nearby, you can explore hiking trails along the Luangwa escarpment or visit neighbouring villages to learn about Tumbuka culture and crop farming. Accommodation in the estate’s former farmworkers’ quarters has been updated but retains its rustic charm.
Chishimba Falls is a peaceful and less crowded spot, but its three-tiered waterfalls on the Luombe River are just as breathtaking as the more famous ones. Visitors can follow wooden walkways close to the water's edge, where mist fills the air. Scenic viewpoints reveal butterflies dancing in the spray, and the rhythmic sound of traditional Nyau drumming adds a rich cultural layer to the natural setting.
Local guides will happily share singing pots, folklore of river spirits, and the importance of clean water to the Bemba people. A small interpretive centre explains the hydroelectric history of the falls, and nearby picnic spaces make it ideal for families. During ceremonies, fishermen gather to cast nets—these moments offer photo opportunities and connection with local tradition.
Blue Lagoon is a wetland haven, where seasonal floods stretch across plains and attract rare birds such as wattled cranes, papyrus gonoleks, and marsh owls. Grasslands are dotted with breeding lechwe antelope, while floodwaters create tiny islands of papyrus ideal for photography or canoe floats. Bird-ringing projects are sometimes running at the park’s lodge; visitors can learn about wetland conservation and even assist in capturing and tagging chicks for research. Private camping platforms on stilts sit above shallow water and attract wildlife at dusk. Here, it’s not just the sunset—the whole sky and breeding chorus come alive after dark.
This hidden treasure drops into a gorge surrounded by forest and fig trees. The loop trail descends into a rainforest-like pocket at the base of the falls, offering 360-degree views. You’ll pass vines thick enough for scenic swings and cliff edges perfect for sharing a packed lunch above the pool. Local guides may find mopane worms, medicinal mushrooms, or termite-made honey hidden among the trees—showing how insects and plants play into local ecology and cuisine. A small coffee stall near the visitor's hut makes for a welcome break. The 4×4-accessible dirt road feels pleasantly remote, with only passing bush villages for company.
Kalambo Falls is one of Africa’s most striking waterfalls, plunging dramatically into a lush, green canyon. Surrounded by ancient forest, the area feels untouched by time—giant trees covered in moss and vines hang over the misty gorge, creating a mysterious, almost prehistoric atmosphere. Archaeologists continue to discover tools and cave remains here, showing that humans lived in this area more than 300,000 years ago. Informative signs and a small shelter help visitors understand its historical importance. Nearby, Lake Tanganyika sparkles, adding to the remote, timeless beauty of the scene.
Exploring Zambia’s dramatic landscapes requires a vehicle you can rely on. At Final Rentals, we make it easy to rent a car that suits your journey. Whether you're planning a road trip through cities or venturing into off-grid terrain, our service provides the flexibility, comfort, and peace of mind to travel confidently.
With Final Rentals, your road trip starts with confidence. Book your vehicle now and enjoy the freedom to explore Zambia at your own pace.
Driving in Zambia can be a rewarding experience, offering access to remote landscapes and authentic local culture. However, understanding local road conditions, safety tips, and driving etiquette is key to a smooth journey. Here are essential tips to help tourists drive confidently and responsibly across the country:
These tips will help you stay safe and make the most of your Zambian road trip experience.
Zambia’s landmarks connect naturally into a loop. Starting in Lusaka, head south to Siavonga and Lake Kariba, then drop into the Zambezi corridor for Victoria Falls and Lower Zambezi. From here, a northeasterly turn brings you to South Luangwa and onward into the Northern Province for Shiwa Ng’andu, Chishimba, Blue Lagoon, and Kalambo. Depending on your schedule, you could break the journey at towns like Serenje, Mpika, or Kasama to rest and refuel for wildlife drives or hiking days. Be sure to build in rest days—each area offers enough culture, wildlife, and food to justify lingering longer than the drive time might suggest.
Driving across Zambia transforms travel into an immersive adventure. You’ll pass wildlife grazing beside your car, connect with communities beneath ancient granaries, and witness waterfalls plunging into remote gorges. The real magic lies between destinations—in the warm hospitality, golden light of dusk, and the hum of tyres on wild, open roads. When you rent a car in Zambia with Final Rentals, you unlock the freedom to explore on your terms. The road is open, the landscapes are calling, and your journey is yours to shape!
