Car Rental in Lusaka - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Lusaka can be worthwhile for tourists planning to explore Zambia's countryside, national parks, or undertake road trips beyond the capital. The flexibility of having your own vehicle is particularly valuable for reaching remote attractions like Victoria Falls, South Luangwa, or Lower Zambezi, where public transport options are limited. However, driving in Lusaka's city center is generally not recommended due to congested traffic, challenging navigation, and aggressive driving conditions that can be stressful for visitors unfamiliar with local road culture. Zambia follows left-hand side driving (British system), which may require adjustment for tourists from right-hand drive countries. Road quality varies significantly—main highways are typically in reasonable condition, but secondary roads and rural routes can be poorly maintained with potholes, especially during the rainy season. Consider a 4x4 vehicle if venturing off main routes. Tourists should be confident drivers and prepared for minimal road signage, occasional police checkpoints, and sharing roads with pedestrians and livestock. For city-based stays with good taxi and ride-hailing services available, car rental may be unnecessary expense and hassle.

International Driving Permit

Information not available for Lusaka specifically. Generally recommended for tourists driving in Zambia - obtain from your home country before travel.

Valid Driver's License

A valid driver's license from your home country is typically required. Verify current acceptance rules with your rental agency.

Minimum Age

Most rental agencies require drivers to be at least 21-25 years old. Some may charge young driver surcharges - check specific agency requirements.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is typically included with rentals, but comprehensive coverage is recommended. Verify what's covered and consider additional protection for Zambian road conditions.

Credit Card

A valid credit card in the driver's name is generally required for security deposits. Debit cards may not be accepted - confirm payment requirements when booking.

Local Driving Regulations

Familiarize yourself with Zambian traffic laws and road conditions. Drive on the left side of the road in Zambia.

Kenneth Kaunda International Airport has international car rental agencies that are generally more reliable for insurance and vehicle quality, though local agencies in the city center may offer competitive rates - compare options and verify insurance coverage before booking.

Before driving off, thoroughly inspect the vehicle for existing damage (photograph everything), confirm the fuel policy (typically full-to-full), verify you have a spare tire and jack, and ensure all documentation including insurance papers is in the car.

Lusaka's road signage can be limited in some areas - download offline maps for Zambia on Google Maps or Maps.me before your trip, as GPS signal and mobile data may be unreliable outside the city center.

Fuel stations are readily available in Lusaka but less common on rural routes - fill up before leaving the city, and note that most stations accept cash (Kwacha) with some accepting cards; parking in the city center typically requires payment to attendants.

Return the car with the agreed fuel level and allow extra time for the return inspection - take photos of the vehicle's condition and the fuel gauge, and keep all fuel receipts as proof of refueling if required.

Road conditions in Lusaka vary significantly, with potholes and unmarked speed bumps common even on main roads - drive cautiously and watch for sudden road deterioration, especially during and after the rainy season (November-April).

Traffic congestion is heavy during morning (7-9 AM) and evening (4-7 PM) rush hours on major routes like Cairo Road and the Great East Road - allow extra travel time and expect slower-moving traffic with frequent stops.

Minibus taxis and pedestrians often move unpredictably in traffic, with sudden stops and lane changes being common - maintain defensive driving practices and keep safe following distances at all times.

Police checkpoints are regularly set up throughout the city, particularly on main routes - ensure you have your driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance documents readily available, as officers will request these documents.