Zambia is a diverse destination famed for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, and this travel cost guide will help you plan the perfect trip without overspending. This Zambia trip budget calculator shows you average costs from thousands of past travelers, including info on where to stay, what to eat, and what to see, so that your trip is both affordable and unforgettable.
How much does it cost to travel to Zambia?
A typical traveler spends $955 (ZMK8,599,287) per day on a trip to Zambia. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Zambia based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $24 (ZMK215,288) on meals
- $1,819 (ZMK16,389,661) on hotels
A one-week trip to Zambia for two people costs, on average, $13,363 (ZMK120,390,018). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Zambia expensive to visit?
Zambia is a very expensive destination to visit. It is in the top 10% of countries in the world for its overall travel expenses. You should be prepared to spend a lot of money on food, hotels, and other activities.
Within Africa, Zambia is very expensive compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in Africa for its travel costs. There are only a few countries as expensive or more expensive than Zambia in the region.
In Zambia, budget travelers spend $356 (ZMK3,206,386) per person per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $955 (ZMK8,599,287) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $2,732 (ZMK24,615,069) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Zambia.
Whether you're looking for luxury or traveling on a budget, Zambia has an array of accommodation and activities to suit your needs. Budget-friendly hotel options are available, but there are also luxury hotels that cater to the more affluent customer, along with mid-range hotels for families or couples.
If you're worried about costs in Zambia, there are ways to cut back, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
For more details, see Is Zambia Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Zambia?
The average Zambia trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Zambia travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Zambia cost?
Zambia on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$337
(ZMK3,039,036)
|
$910
(ZMK8,194,831)
|
$2,621
(ZMK23,616,926)
|
|
Food2
|
$10
(ZMK91,460)
|
$24
(ZMK215,288)
|
$50
(ZMK451,110)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$25
(ZMK223,502)
|
$69
(ZMK625,569)
|
$214
(ZMK1,926,542)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$4-13
(ZMK39,913-119,740)
|
$11-33
(ZMK98,916-296,747)
|
$26-79
(ZMK237,992-713,976)
|
Accommodation Budget in Zambia
The range of hotel prices in Zambia can be quite surprising, especially when you compare budget-friendly and luxury hotels. Peak season brings much higher prices, so consider traveling in the off-season for a more affordable experience. Booking in advance can also help with savings.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Zambia for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $1,819 (ZMK16,389,661). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $910 (ZMK8,194,831) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Zambia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Food Budget in Zambia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Zambia can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Zambia is $24 (ZMK215,288) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$24
ZMK215,288
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Zambia is around $24 (ZMK215288) per person, with previous travelers spending from $10 to $50. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Zambia are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $7
- Lunch: $4 to $12
- Dinner: $8 to $19
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
Traditional Zambian food revolves around one staple grain called maize, which is served in one form called nshima. Nshima is a kind of thick porridge rolled into balls to be dipped in a variety of stews, commonly called relishes. The more specialty relishes include those of beef, chicken, or fish, while the more basic ones are made with beans, tiny dried fish (kapenta), peanuts, pumpkin leaves (chibwabwa), or other vegetables such as okra (ndelele), cabbage, and rape. Local restaurants generally serve nshima and relish for less than 5000K ($1 USD). The nshima is more watered down into porridge for breakfast, usually with sugar. While this is a popular native dish, pretty much any kind of food, including Western cuisine, can be found in the city areas, especially in Lusaka and Livingstone. Bakeries are common in just about every town, and fast food-burgers, pizza, and fried chicken-is popular throughout Zambia. Be aware that tap water in Zambia is generally not drinkable unless boiled first. Bottled water is mostly available in the city areas, so be sure to stock up before a safari in the wilderness.
Transportation
Zambia's main international gateway is the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in the city of Lusaka. Lusaka remains well-served by flights from Johannesburg, Cairo, Dubai, Nairobi, Lilongwe, Addis Ababa, and London. British Airways remains the main intercontinental carrier that flies to Lusaka from Europe, with direct flights from London three times a week. South African Airways flies to Lusaka and Livingstone from Johannesburg with multiple flights per day. Other flights include Egypt Air from Cairo, Kenya Airways from Nairobi, Ethiopian Airlines from Addis, and Air Namibia from Windhoek.
By train, TAZARA trains run between Kapiri Mposhi, Zambia, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Be aware that the trains can take 38 hours or more to reach Zambia and sometimes break down. The train ride between Dar es Salaam and Zambia is, however, very beautiful-a good way to see the countryside along the scenic route.
By car, vehicles drive on the left side of the road. There are a few international bus routes.
Be sure to research the visa policy before your trip as it can sometimes be confusing. Visa-free entry is possible for some nationalities, including Ireland, Malaysia, Singapore, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Generally, a 24-hour visa is available to all nationalities at $20 USD.
If you're on a trip with children, keep an eye out for restaurants that have a childrens' menu. This can be a great money saver since those dishes are usually priced lower. Some restaurants may not include kids' options on their menus, so it's best to ask the waiter beforehand.
Most hotels include breakfast in their rates, though some add it as an additional cost. The price and quality can differ widely depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you determine if the hotel buffet is worth it or if a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or café is more suitable.
Take a water bottle with you rather than buying drinks everywhere you go. It's also great for the planet.
If you're planning to join a tour, check in advance about which meals are included. You may have to cover some food expenses on your own, which can stretch your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Zambia. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Zambian Food Cooking Class in Lusaka for $78 details
- Royal Livingstone Dinner Express Train for $300 details
- Boma Dinner and Drum Show in Victoria Falls with Pickup for $120 details
- Mukuni Village Night Tour with Traditional Dinner for $105 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Zambia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Zambia typically cost an average of $69 (ZMK625,569) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$69
ZMK625,569
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Zambia. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Rhino Walking Safari Experience- MINIMUM 2 PEOPLE for $90 details
- Mulube Cultural Adventure – Real Zambia Experience Near Lusaka for $100 details
- Livingstone Mukuni Village Tour for $30 details
- Victoria Falls Devil's Pool and Angel's Pool Adventure for $230 details
Nightlife Budget in Zambia
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $22 (ZMK197,831) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Zambia per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$22
ZMK197,831
While partying at night is exciting, cutting down on alcohol can really reduce your travel expenses.
Travel Costs Last Updated: Apr 22, 2026
Traveling in Zambia
Victoria Falls, on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border
Zambia is a landlocked country in Southern Africa featuring a rugged terrain, diverse wildlife, many parks, and popular safari areas. The country is also known for Victoria Falls which is situated on its southern border-one of the World's Seven Natural Wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lusaka is the capital city of Zambia and the main way of entrance for visitors flying in internationally. It is not, however, a city of sights and is more popular in the evening for its nightlife. Livingstone, also known as Maramba, was the capital before Lusaka, and currently acts as the gateway to Victoria Falls. There are many outdoor adventure activities available here including rafting, bungi jumping, cruises, and helicopter rides-as well as opportunities for shopping in one of many local curio markets. The regions of Zambia are divided into the Northern Plateau, Eastern Zambia, Central Zambia where the capital is located, the Copperbelt industrial region, and the Zambezi Basin where most safaris are held.
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Top Tourist Attractions
Victoria Falls, by far, is probably the best known attraction of the area. One of the largest waterfalls in the world, it is twice as high as and several times longer than Niagara Falls. From the Zambian side, there is a footbridge below the falls that truly makes for a unique experience. To cross the border from Zambia to see the falls on the Zimbabwe side, you will need to pay at least $30 USD for a Zimbabwe single entry visa (depending on nationality), and if you want to return the Zambian side, you will need to pay an extra $20 USD for a multiple entry Zambian visa. It may be best to stay on the Zambian side or plan out visas ahead of time.
Some of the best and most sought after sights of Zambia, lie in its countryside, in the vast stretch of national parks. South Luangwa National Park, one of Africa's top safari destinations, is sometimes called the greatest wildlife sanctuary in the world. The park is centered around the Luangwa River and is home to one of Africa's largest concentrations of wildlife-lion, giraffe, zebra, elephant, leopard, waterbuck, buffalo, antelope, the lot. Kafue National Park, the largest in the country, is also popular, as is Blue Lagoon National Park.
Marketing itself as the "real" Africa, Zambia is becoming a must-do safari destination for experiencing the rugged countryside and all the wildlife you would hope to see on your visit to Africa-lions, giraffe, zebra, you name it. Self-driving is an option, but organized safaris are the way to go for a fulfilling experience. There are many operators with tours that last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. The River Safari Company is a popular operator, with overnight safaris and those by canoe as well. Most safaris are held in Zambia's national parks which are also some of the best parks in Africa. South Luangwa and Kafue are the main ones, though North Luangwa and the virtually inaccessible Luiwa Plains are worth mentioning too.
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your budget. Many people assume that they're a "budget" traveler, and some believe that they will spend just $356 per day in Zambia, the reality is, most people are not comfortable traveling in that style. Consider what you really enjoy and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Is dining out important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may have heard that it's possible to visit Zambia for around $356 a day, but if you want to maintain any level of comfort, you should be ready to spend considerably more.
While budget travelers might manage to travel on that amount, it often means staying in hostel dormitories, eating at budget restaurants or fast food joints, using public transport or walking, and sticking to free attractions.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Most visitors to Zambia will want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $955 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If your dream trip includes all the bells and whistles, be ready for a cost of about $2,732 per day. Opting for upscale hotels, fine dining at renowned eateries, splurging on unique experiences, and having private drivers will place you in the luxury travel range. You can rub shoulders with other luxury travelers in places like the major cities and resort areas. Also, make the most of your time by booking a high-end multi-day tour such as Cape, Safari & Falls: South Africa to Victoria Falls – 9 Days - offered by T.S TOURS.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
