Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Zambia
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Zambia
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Zambia
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Zambia
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Zambia, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, is renowned for its rugged terrain, diverse wildlife, and the iconic Victoria Falls. While organised tours offer a glimpse into Zambia's beauty, renting a car provides the ultimate freedom to explore this vast and captivating country at your own pace. Here’s why booking a car is the best way to experience Zambia.
Unmatched Freedom and Flexibility. Public transport in Zambia can be unreliable and infrequent, especially in remote areas. A rental car allows you to travel on your own schedule, stopping whenever and wherever you desire, without being bound by fixed routes or timetables.
Access to Remote Gems. Zambia's true treasures lie beyond the reach of typical tourist trails. With a rental car, you can venture into the heart of national parks, explore hidden waterfalls, and discover authentic Zambian villages, all at your own rhythm.
Comfort and Convenience. Travelling long distances in Zambia can be tiring. A rental car offers a comfortable and private space, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey, especially when travelling with family or carrying luggage.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or groups of friends, renting a car can be more economical than relying on taxis or private transfers. Sharing the rental costs and fuel expenses makes exploring Zambia together an affordable adventure.
Drive on
Left hand side
Speed limit within city centre
50 km/h or 31 mph
Languages
English, Bemba, Nyanja, Lozi, Tonga, Luvale, Lunda, Kaonde
Average petrol price
£0.90 per litre or £3.41 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
100 km/h or 62 mph
Currency
Zambian Kwacha
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Score
6.5/10
Dialling Code
+260
Driving in Zambia offers an adventurous way to experience the country's vast landscapes and wildlife. However, it's essential to be aware of local rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here’s what you need to know before getting behind the wheel.
1. General Traffic Laws Always carry your driver's license, car registration, and insurance documents. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers where fitted. Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless using a hands-free device.
2. Road Conditions Be prepared for varying road conditions, from well-maintained highways to unpaved roads, especially in rural areas and national parks. A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended for off-road adventures.
3. Speed Limits Adhere to speed limits, which are typically 50 km/h in urban areas and 100 km/h on highways. Speed limits may be lower in certain areas, so pay attention to signage.
4. Alcohol Consumption The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.08%. It's advisable to avoid drinking alcohol before driving.
5. Wildlife Awareness Be cautious of wildlife, especially when driving near national parks. Avoid driving at night in these areas due to increased animal activity.
Many tourists and travellers say that cars in Zambia is a necessity, not a luxury. And they are absolutely right. All Zambians, without exception, use cars.
Many tourists prefer travelling by car, and car hire is the perfect solution when your vacation is short and you want to see as much as possible but the public transport will not take you to all destinations of your choice. That is why car rental is well developed in Zambia, and you can hire any vehicle on the island, from a compact car to a luxury convertible. Since the Republic’s land area is big, one, two or three weeks of vacation with a car can be enough to explore it all.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £35 / $44 / €40
Classic:
from £20 / $25 / €23
Executive:
from £50 / $63 / €58
7 Seater:
from £60 / $75 / €70
Automatic:
from £45 / $57 / €52
SUV:
from £55 / $69 / €64
Average price for hiring a car per day in the Zambia
Peak season (July to October): Prices start at approximately £60 / $75 / €70 per day*. This is the dry season and the best time for wildlife viewing, leading to higher demand and prices.
Low season (November to April): Discounts available from around £35 / $44 / €40 per day. The rainy season brings fewer tourists and lower prices, but some roads may be inaccessible.
Shoulder season (May, June, and November): Prices range from £40 to £55 / $50 to $69 / €45 to €64 per day, offering a balance between good weather and reasonable prices.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location
Renting a car in Zambia provides the freedom to explore its vast landscapes, but costs can quickly add up. Here are smart ways to save money on your car rental while maximising your experience.
1. Book Early for the Best Deals.: Rental prices tend to increase closer to your travel dates. Booking in advance ensures better rates and a wider selection of vehicles.
2. Compare Prices and Look for Discounts.: Use comparison websites to find the best car rental deals. Many companies offer discounts for early bookings, longer rentals, or affiliations with travel programmes.
3. Choose the Right Car for Your Needs.: Larger vehicles and 4x4s are more expensive to rent and fuel. Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs and group size. A smaller, fuel-efficient car is often sufficient for paved roads.
4. Check Insurance Options Carefully.: Rental companies offer various insurance packages. Review your existing travel insurance or credit card coverage to avoid unnecessary duplication.
5. Avoid Airport Rentals.: Renting from airport locations often incurs higher fees. Consider renting from downtown or off-airport locations for potential savings.
6. Refuel Before Returning.: Rental companies charge exorbitant rates for refuelling. Fill up the tank at a local petrol station before returning the vehicle.
Renting a car in Zambia is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few essential requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need:
Valid Driver’s Licence. A valid driver's license from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not always mandatory, especially if your license is not in English.
Minimum Age Requirement. Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 23 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
Credit Card. A valid credit card in the primary driver's name is required for the security deposit. Some companies may accept debit cards, but this is less common.
Passport or Identification. A passport or other form of government-issued identification is necessary, especially for foreign visitors.
Proof of Insurance. Check if your existing insurance covers rental cars in Zambia. If not, you may need to purchase additional coverage from the rental company.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Zambia as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Zambia exceeded expectations! My short business trip was surprisingly relaxing thanks to easy exploration with my rental. Stunning landscapes everywhere.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 10.05.2025
Pretty chill, really.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 24.02.2025
Wonderful trip! Driving around Zambia was effortless; coastal relaxation was perfect.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 04.01.2025
Driving through Zambia was a fantastic adventure! So much to see.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 13.04.2025
Absolutely loved my Zambian adventure! Exploring the national parks was a breeze with my rental car, and the coastal downtime was pure bliss.
Olivia Bennett
Reviewed: 31.05.2025
Such a freeing weekend! Zambia's beauty unfolded effortlessly with our car.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 27.08.2024
Pretty relaxed, really.
Kevin Lee
Reviewed: 26.08.2024
Zambia was incredible! Catching up with friends and exploring the country was effortless with my car.
David Wilson
Reviewed: 30.07.2025
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Zambia in the summer holidays was amazing! Having a car made exploring so much easier. The Victoria Falls were breathtaking, but the crowds were a bit overwhelming at times. Definitely recommend renting a vehicle, though!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 14.02.2025