Flights to Zambia
International flight routes to Zambia
Starting from London
British Airways ceased their direct flights to Lusaka in 2013, and as a result there are no longer any direct flights to Zambia from the UK.
The most convenient and reliable airlines to get to Zambia are Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and, in combination with Airlink from Johannesburg, British Airways.
Emirates is a good choice for this journey – though they only have flights to Lusaka. Although they do not have flights to Livingstone, it is still possible to connect to this destination via Zambia’s domestic airline, Proflight. Emirates leaves Heathrow or Gatwick later in the evening, landing in Dubai in the early morning. The connecting flight then arrives in Lusaka in the early afternoon.
It is possible to connect straight onto the Proflight connection to the South Luangwa, though we would generally recommend a night in Lusaka, in case of any delays with the international flights.
On the return journey you will depart from Lusaka late in the evening, landing in Dubai early the following morning and arrive back to Heathrow in the early afternoon. Emirates also offers connections from regional British airports, including Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow so, depending on the connection times, it is often possible to fly from your preferred local airport.
Flights with Qatar Airways to Lusaka fly via Doha. Usually departing London Gatwick or Heathrow in the late afternoon, you land at Doha just after midnight for a connecting flight. You will arrive in Lusaka in the early morning, giving you time to connect with Zambia’s domestic airline Proflight to locations within Zambia. The return flight departs Lusaka in the late evening, arriving into London early afternoon, following an early morning layover and connection in Doha.
For flights to Lusaka, Ethiopian Airlines leaves London Heathrow in the evening, lands in Addis Ababa early in the morning and then their connection to Lusaka lands around lunchtime. This usually allows time to connect on to your safari that same day.
Ethiopian Airlines also fly to Livingstone, with similar timings as the Lusaka leg, connecting from the same London flight. Flying back to Heathrow, you would generally leave Lusaka or Livingstone around lunchtime, connecting onto an evening flight from Addis Ababa and arrive back to London early in the morning.
It is also possible to use British Airways for the flight from London to Johannesburg – this is an overnight flight departing in the evening and arriving the following morning. However, you then have to connect onto an additional flight to get to Lusaka. Combining airlines can sometimes be complicated, so please talk to your Expert Africa specialist if you would like to do this.
Airlink have a connecting flight from Johannesburg to Lusaka or Livingstone – making it possible for those who wish to use British Airways to fly all the way to Zambia. You can then use Zambia’s domestic airline Proflight to connect within the country to its various safari destinations.
Flights from the rest of the world
Flying to Zambia from elsewhere in the world is generally straightforward.
United Airlines have some direct flights from the USA to Johannesburg which can be booked with the Airlink connection up to Lusaka. Alternatively, Emirates have flights from the States through to Lusaka via Dubai.
Most flights to Zambia from Europe will route via the Middle East or Johannesburg, likely with British Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways or
Do note that if you are connecting to an additional flight to get to Lusaka or Livingstone you should ensure you allow enough time to account for potential delays with connecting flights.
Flights to the rest of Africa
For more information on flights, please see our webpage on International flights to Africa.Click on the links below to read specific information about flights to each of our other African destinations:
► Flights to Botswana
► Flights to Malawi
► Flights to Mozambique
► Flights to Namibia
► Flights to Rwanda
► Flights to Seychelles
► Flights to South Africa
► Flights to Tanzania
► Flights to Zanzibar
► Flights to Zimbabwe
Our top picks for holidays to Zambia
We'll always tailor-make your Safari for you. Here are some of our favourites to inspire you.
Puku Safari
11 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LIVINGSTONE AIRPORT
Discover South Luangwa’s prolific wildlife before exploring the wildly remote pans of Liuwa Plain National Park and relaxing in one of the Livingstone area’s most romantic and exclusive hideaways. A safari of luxury, style and impressive diversity.
US$13,200 - US$19,920 per person
Perekani Walking Trail
10 days • 5 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Five smart but rustic bushcamps are the comfortable staging posts for this walking safari in South Luangwa. The route offers outstanding seclusion and rich wildlife with top-quality guiding throughout.
US$9,250 - US$11,500 per person
Crawshay's Zebra Safari
10 days • 4 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
This superb safari combines two of Zambia’s best national parks, the South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi. The camps are small and high quality with excellent safari guides.
US$10,460 - US$13,820 per person
Duiker Safari
10 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Three luxurious bushcamps in stunning riverside locations, split between the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks, offer a wide variety of expert-guided safari activities in stunning game-rich environments.
US$8,060 - US$11,220 per person
Hippo Safari
10 days • 4 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LIVINGSTONE AIRPORT
Combining excellent game with aspects of remoter safari in South Luangwa, as well as the cultural delights of Livingstone, this trip also makes use of long-stay discounts, making it an excellent-value and well-rounded adventure.
US$7,480 - US$9,520 per person
Giraffe Safari
9 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
A safari to the remotest parts of Zambia’s Luangwa Valley. Perfect for experienced safari goers and first-time Africa adventurers. Explore with expert guides whilst staying at small bushcamps.
US$8,390 - US$9,740 per person
Defassa Waterbuck Safari
9 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Stay in three intimate, owner-run camps during this exploration of Kafue National Park. Remote locations, true wilderness and a range of activities make for a real adventure off the beaten track.
US$8,240 - US$9,360 per person
Civet Safari
9 days • 4 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Combining three intimate bushcamps in the quieter south of the South Luangwa, this safari will appeal to those looking for an interesting mix of walking and vehicle safari.
US$7,480 - US$9,970 per person
Purple Roller Safari
8 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Explore the varied habitats and terrain of Kafue National Park with stays in two wonderfully remote bushcamps: sister camps that offer access to both the centre of the park and the wildlife-rich Busanga Plains.
US$8,790 - US$9,320 per person
Greater Bushbaby Safari
8 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
The perfect safari for a family or group of friends during which to create everlasting memories. Visit Zambia’s two most productive wildlife parks staying in four-bedroom houses, designed in a unique and fun way.
US$9,400 - US$13,240 per person