Air traffic
There is currently no direct flight between Zambia and China, and there are connecting flights between the two countries via Dubai, Doha, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Johannesburg, and other destinations.
Lusaka, Ndola, Livingston, and Mfuwe have international airports. In August 2021, the renovation and expansion projects of Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka and Simon Mwansa Kapwepuwe International Airport in Ndola, which were undertaken by the Chinese side, were delivered as scheduled, providing assistance to Zambia in improving its aviation infrastructure and building a regional aviation hub. The distance from Lusaka International Airport to the city center is about 25 kilometers, with only one road and no public transportation. You can rent a car or take a taxi from the airport (ride hailing apps include YANGO, etc.). The journey from the airport to the city center takes about 40-50 minutes during non peak hours.
Land transportation
Zambia's land transportation includes railways and highways.
Highways are one of the main modes of transportation in Zambia, accounting for over 80% of the country's total freight volume. Domestic highways can lead to major cities in all 10 provinces. International highways provide access to eight neighboring countries including Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Namibia, as well as major ports in southern Africa such as Dar es Salaam, Durban, Beira, and Whale Bay Port. The total length of Zan Highway is about 67700 kilometers, of which government managed roads account for more than 50%, and the rest are privately managed. There is no true expressway, and non main roads are mostly dirt roads with relatively poor road conditions.
The Zambian railway network accounts for approximately 15% of the total freight volume and can connect to seven major ports in Africa, namely Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, Beira and Nacala ports in Mozambique, and East London, Port Elizabeth, Durban, and Cape Town in South Africa. There are three main railways in Zambia. The first is the Tanzania Zambia Railway, which has an operating mileage of about 886 kilometers; The second is Zambia Railway, with an operating mileage of about 1280 kilometers; The third is the Chipata Muchingi Railway jointly built by Zambia and Malawi, which connects the border cities of Chipata in Zambia and Muchingi in Malawi, and ultimately connects to the port of Nacala in Mozambique. In September 2023, Zambian President Hicklema paid a state visit to China, and the heads of state of China and Zambia reached an important consensus on supporting the upgrading and renovation of the Tanzania Zambia railway in accordance with the principles of marketization and commercialization.
Special travel reminder: Zambia is a member of the Commonwealth, and vehicles should drive on the left lane according to British driving and traffic management rules. However, on certain sections of the road, vehicles inside the roundabout must yield to vehicles outside the roundabout, and special attention should be paid. In recent years, the traffic situation in Zambia has gradually improved, but the overall road conditions still need improvement, with most road intersections lacking traffic signals. Pedestrians and animals often appear on the roadside, so be extra careful when driving, pay attention to traffic signs, and avoid driving too fast.
Water communication
Zambia is a landlocked country, and sea transportation generally passes through Dar es Salaam Port in Tanzania, Durban Port in South Africa, or Beira Port in Mozambique, with land connections. Mpulungu Port, located on the south bank of Lake Tanganyika, is the only port in China with a daily throughput of 1000 tons. It mainly exports corn, cement, sugar, and steel products.
Urban transportation
There is no subway within Zambia. All buses in the city stop by hand and do not have fixed boarding and alighting stations or route signs. The cost depends on the distance; There are more private cars in major cities.
Major city
Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, is located on the central plateau with an average elevation of 1279 meters. It is the political, economic, cultural, and transportation center of Zambia. The area is 360 square kilometers and the climate is mild.
Livingston, a major tourist city belonging to the Southern Province, is located approximately 480 kilometers southwest of Lusaka and about 10 kilometers from Victoria Falls. Located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. During the colonial period, it was the capital of Zambia. Named after British missionary David Livingston. The main attractions include Victoria Falls, Zanjin Boundary Bridge, etc.
The two main cities in Copperbelt Province are Ndola and Kitwe, which are important economic centers in Zambia.
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