Travel alerts & warnings
Zambia driving guide.
Driving in Zambia offers access to wildlife parks, Victoria Falls and quieter rural landscapes, but distances are long and road conditions vary considerably. Main highways are generally paved, while park roads often require a 4WD; avoid night driving because of livestock, pedestrians and poorly lit vehicles.
- Advisory
- Normal precautions
- Drives on
- Left
- Best season
- May to October
- Permit honored
- Yes
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Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Read the Travel Guidance for additional information about travel to Zambia.
- Exercise normal precaution in Zambia.
- Exercise normal precautions in Zambia.
Driving there
Your permit in Zambia
- Zambia honors the International Driving Permit. The permit is a translation of your license into ten languages — it is not a license on its own.
- Carry your valid U.S. driver's license with the permit at all times. The permit is valid for one year and only while your U.S. license is valid.
- Rental companies and local police can be stricter than national law. Confirm the requirement with your rental company before you travel.
Advisory information is published by the U.S. Department of State and reproduced here for convenience. It can change at any time — always check the official advisory before you travel. USIDA does not issue travel advisories.
Before you drive
Top travel tips for Zambia
Road rules and wildlife
Wear seat belts, avoid handheld phone use and never drink and drive. Slow down near villages and wildlife areas, and give animals space rather than attempting to pass closely.
Speed limits
Expect limits of 50 km/h in built-up areas and 100 km/h on ordinary open roads unless signs indicate otherwise. Watch for lower limits approaching settlements, roadworks and checkpoints; police conduct speed checks.
Toll roads
Toll plazas operate on many major highways, including routes out of Lusaka. Carry Zambian kwacha in small denominations rather than relying on foreign currency or cards, and retain your receipts.
Fuel and remote routes
Fill up in Lusaka, Livingstone, Chipata or other larger towns before heading into parks. Stations become sparse on remote routes, outages can occur, and card terminals may not work; carry enough kwacha and confirm fuel availability ahead.
Rental vehicles and police checks
Carry your original driving licence alongside your International Driving Permit, plus your passport and rental agreement. Confirm that the rental permits park tracks and any border crossings, and check for a spare tyre, jack, warning triangles and fire extinguisher. Stop at police checkpoints and request an official receipt for any fine.
Worth the drive
Places to see in Zambia
Victoria Falls
Southern Province, Livingstone · About 15–20 minutes from central Livingstone to the entrance.
Walk the Zambian-side viewpoints above the Zambezi gorge; water levels are generally stronger earlier in the dry season and can be very low late in the year.
South Luangwa National Park
Eastern Province, near Mfuwe · About 3–4 hours from Chipata to the Mfuwe entrance; allow extra time for damaged road sections.
Excellent wildlife viewing along the Luangwa River, with opportunities for guided walking safaris and game drives.
Kafue National Park
Central-western Zambia · About 4–5 hours from Lusaka to the central park area near Hook Bridge; lodges may be several hours farther.
A vast, relatively uncrowded park with river scenery, antelope and varied safari areas.
Lower Zambezi National Park
Lusaka Province, Zambezi Valley · Allow roughly 6–8 hours from Lusaka to the western park access, depending on route and conditions; arrange a suitable 4WD and check road access locally.
Combines riverfront wildlife viewing with guided canoe trips and boat safaris beneath the escarpment.
Lake Kariba at Siavonga
Southern Province · About 3–4 hours from Lusaka to Siavonga.
Lakeside accommodation, boat outings and expansive water views make this a practical road-trip escape from Lusaka.
Kasanka National Park
Central Province, near the DRC border · About 6–7 hours from Kabwe to the park entrance, with additional time for internal tracks.
Woodland and wetland wildlife, including sitatunga; the seasonal fruit-bat gathering usually peaks around November.
Heading to Zambia?
Apply online in about ten minutes. We print and mail your permit, and you can track it the whole way.