Is Zambia Expensive?

Is Zambia expensive to visit?

Zambia is a very expensive travel destination. Compared to the rest of Africa, it is a very expensive country to visit. It's ranked in the top 10% of countries in Africa for its travel prices, and is comparable to places like the Seychelles.



Victoria Falls, on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border

How expensive is Zambia?

On average, visitors spend about $945 per day during their visit to Zambia (U.S. Dollars). Prices vary dramatically by travel style and length of trip, but if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and use public transportation when possible, you can expect to stay close to this budget. See more travel costs for Zambia here.

How expensive is a one week trip to Zambia?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a one week trip to Zambia costs around $6,616 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a one week trip costs $13,231.

How expensive is a two week trip to Zambia?

Based on our calculations from previous travelers, a two week trip to Zambia will cost around $13,231 per person. This amount includes sightseeing activities, hotels, restaurants, local transportation, and other travel expenses. For two people, a two week trip would cost $26,463.

How expensive is a month long trip to Zambia?

On average, a one month trip to Zambia costs about $28,353 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a one month trip costs $56,706.

Is it expensive to backpack in Zambia?

There are a limited number of hostels in Zambia, so backpackers may struggle to find affordable and social accommodation. On average, hostel prices in Zambia are $12 per night for a dorm. The most hostels are found in Lusaka and the the cheapest are in for per night. If you're planning to visit , be prepared, because this is where you'll find the most expensive hostels, averaging [HOSTELS_EXPENSIVE_1_PRICE] per night.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Zambia.

  • $12 for a dorm bed at Natwange Backpackers in Lusaka
  • $14 for a dorm bed at Jollyboys Backpackers in Livingstone

Where to find affordable hostels in Zambia
City Number of Hostels Average Price for a Dorm
Livingstone 3 $15

Are hotels expensive in Zambia?

When analyzing the price of hotels in Zambia, they're slightly more affordable compared to the rest of the world. The average price is $89 per night for a decent hotel room. Keep in mind that places like Livingstone are more expensive, averaging around $117 per night. But fear not, there are budget-friendly destinations like Lusaka where you can book a room for an average of $81 per night.


Where to find affordable hotels in Zambia
City Average Hotel Price
Livingstone $117
Lusaka $81

Haile Selassie Avenue, Lusaka
Overall Rating 8.6

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Zambia?

Activities and things to do in Zambia can vary in price depending on the type of activity, length, and location. Below are a number of popular activities to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting. Generally, previous travelers have spent $69 per day on sightseeing activities and things to do when visiting.

    • Victoria Falls Tour: $46
    • Guided Tour Of Victoria Falls - Zambia Side: $69
    • Guided Tour of the Falls Zambia : $70
    • 3 Hour Private Tour in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park : $120
    • Victoria Falls Tour in Zambia: $50
    • Guided Tour of Victoria Falls -Zambia: $57
    • Lion King of Victoria Falls Sunset Cruise on The Zambezi River: $125
    • Victoria Falls Tours in Zambia from Zimbabwe: $50

    Is food expensive in Zambia?

    Food in Zambia can vary in price depending on the restaurant and food options available. Generally, other travelers have spent $14 on food per person per day. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible.

    • Zambian Food Cooking Class in Lusaka: $65
    • Royal Livingstone Dinner Express Train: $280
    • Boma Dinner and Drum Show in Victoria Falls with Pickup: $120
    • Mukuni Village Night Tour with Traditional Dinner: $105

    Is transportation expensive in Zambia?

    Local transportation in Zambia can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $0 on local transportation per person per day. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

    Intercity transportation in Zambia can vary widely in price depending on the type of transit used and the distance traveled. Generally, other travelers have spent $0 on intercity transportation per person per day. To save money, take long distance buses or trains instead of flying, as it will almost always be cheaper, even if it's slower.

    More for Zambia

    If you're planning a trip to Zambia, check out these other informative travel guides.



    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.



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