Kenneth Kaunda International Airport

The largest airport and main gateway into the country was named in honor of Zambia’s first president, Kenneth Kaunda. With an annual passenger throughput of over one million, more than 75 percent of them arrive from international destinations. There are no direct flights from the US, but it is possible to connect via Amsterdam, Johannesburg or London-Heathrow.

The single-terminal facility has limited services, but provides the basics. A bank, a money exchange and a post office are available. There is also a restaurant and bar on site. A duty-free shop allows departing passengers the opportunity to grab alcohol, cigarettes, and cosmetics for a steal, while a newsstand provides adequate reading material. Those arriving may find the tourist help desk useful and there are also travel agents on hand.

Taxis are the most popular way to get from the Zambian airport to the city, which can be found just outside the terminal building. Car rental is available on site though advanced reservations are highly recommended. There are also a number of rental agents in the city that are able to meet you at the airport and take you to their office downtown. A mini-bus passes the airport on its route along the Great East Road, which heads downtown. The bus is cheap, but it may be inconvenient for visitors to carry their luggage to catch it. The drive from Kenneth Kaunda to Lusaka’s city takes just 15-20 minutes.

Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport

This small international airport is the gateway to Victoria Falls in the very northwest tip of Zambia. It is only about four miles northeast of Livingstone, at the edge of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. There are no direct flights from the US, but it is possible to fly to Johannesburg or Tambo International Airport, which receives flights from Atlanta, New York-JFK and Washington Dulles.

The facility is fairly small, consisting of only one passenger terminal with adequate amenities. The public concourse houses two banks, a post office, a restaurant/bar, and four gift shops that sell a variety of souvenirs and African artifacts. The Departures lounge has two duty-free stores where international travelers can purchase items for great prices.

Car rental offices can be found in the main concourse, with suppliers including Avis and Voyager. Airport accredited taxis are also available to take passengers into the Zambian city. There are also private companies that offer airport transfers. For travelers that book a safari or whitewater rafting excursion, an airport pick up will most likely be included in your package. The journey from the airport to downtown takes just 10-15 minutes.

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