Zambia to South Africa by Road (Mpika to Capetown): Everything You Need to Know

Driving from Zambia to South Africa (Mpika to Capetown) is the most fascinating and fulfilling journey anyone could take through Africa.  

I’d like to welcome you to Zambia formally. We hope the immigration process didn’t wear you out – the fun is about to begin.

This is part three of your journey from Kenya to South Africa by road.

Isoka to Mpika, Zambia

The next stage in our trip from Zambia to South Africa starts at Isoka Town. Isoka is a small border town in Muchinga province. It is located along the T2 Road, close to the Tanzania—Malawi border point.

If you cross the Nkonde – Tunduma Border, we recommend finding a hotel in Isoka Town. Several lodges are available, and it’ll averagely cost about Kwach 450 ($17.14) for a room with a bed, tiny sofa, desk, and TV.

From Isoka, your next destination is Mpika. When I uploaded this post, the roads were in a terrible state. This is the first spot in the entire journey from Kenya where you’ll encounter roads with hundreds of potholes. Drive carefully!

Mpika Town, Zambia (What to Expect)

If you’ve ever heard of the Great North Road, also known as the Tanzam Highway, Mpika Town is one of the stops you’ll meet when driving from Daresaalam to Kapiri Moshi. It’s also an important stop when driving from Zambia to South Africa (Mpika to Cape Town).

Mpika Town is located in the Muchinga Province of Zambia, at the junction of the M1 Road to Kasama and Mbala and the Tanzam highway. The TAZARA Railway Station is about 6 kilometers from Mpika Town.

Chilonga Toll Gate, Zambia

Chilonga Toll Gate, in Mpika district, is the beginning of Toll County. Since you are driving from Zambia to South Africa (Mpika to Capetown), you must pay a toll fee of 20 Kwacha (0.76 cents) at the toll gate to use the highway.

The Chilonga toll gate is one out of seven toll gates to Botswana. Be prepared!

Zambia to South Africa By Road; Kapiri Moshi to Lusaka

After Mpika, the next destination on the road is Kapiri Moshi Town. Kapiri Moshi is the main town in the Kapiri Moshi district in the Central province of Zambia. It is located on the northern side of Lusaka along the Great North Road.

From Kapiri Moshi, the following location is Lusaka, Zambia. It is approximately 4 hours away and about 200 kilometers away by using the T2 (Great North Road).

Entry Into Lusaka Zambia: Everything You Need to Know

pat yourself on the back if you’ve gotten here! The first thing you’ll notice when you enter Lusaka, Zambia, is the mammoth-sized 60,000-capacity Hero’s National Stadium. It’s one of the most iconic landmarks and national monuments in Lusaka and Zambia.

Throughout the journey from Nairobi, Kenya, to Zambia, Lusaka will be the first modernized city you’ll encounter (on this route), and it might be your first chance to enjoy some of the pleasantries that come with the urban environment.

Places to Visit In Lusaka, Zambia

There are hundreds of places to visit in Lusaka, Zambia, on your way to South Africa, but since you have a greater objective, we’ll highlight fun things to do in this southside city in Africa.

Visit East Park Mall in Lusaka, Zambia

After driving through some of Africa’s remotest regions from Nairobi, you might want to stock up on essential supplies. East Park Mall is easily accessible and located in Lusaka’s new Central Business District.

East Park Mall is Lusaka’s main shopping district. Here, you can grab some authentic coffee, have lunch, shop for clothes, buy accessories, or just chill and enjoy Lusaka’s thriving urban culture.

Anglican Cathedral of Holy Cross, Lusaka

If you love historic architecture, you’ll enjoy visiting the Anglican Cathedral of Holy Cross in Lusaka, Zambia. Developed in 1962, it is the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of Zambia.

This beautiful piece of architecture is located at 3 Chikwa Road, Lusaka 10101, in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood of Lusaka, Zambia. If you visit this location towards the end of the year, you’ll love the magical atmosphere when the Jacaranda trees drop their flowers.

Enjoy Lusaka’s Fast-Developing Urban Infrastructure

You might not know this, but Lusaka, Zambia, is one of Africa’s fastest-developing urban cities. Take a short trip into downtown Lusaka and marvel at the gorgeous urban roads and infrastructure. 

Take notes and explore the thriving businesses in this part of Africa – you might just have a light-bulb moment on a new venture to start when you get back home.

Goverment Complex Lusaka Zambia

The Goverment Complex in Lusaka, Zambia, is a new development, and as such, it is known by the locals as the New Goverment Complex. This gigantic complex houses almost all government offices in Lusaka, Zambia (including minister offices).

Lusaka National Museum

The Lusaka National Museum is located in the heart of Lusaka City in Zambia and showcases the country’s history and culture. A short trip to this national monument will help you better understand the country and Africa.

The Lusaka National Museum is located next to the New Government Complex. To explore the richness of Zambian heritage, you’ll only need to walk.

NB: Lusaka is the Capital City of Zambia. If you have a big budget, you can choose from the variety of accommodations available in the city. But if you are traveling on a budget, we’d recommend spending the night at Lusaka Backpackers. Their rates are affordable. Camping is Kwacha 173 ($6.59).

Option two: 

You can drive four hours away into Choma town and spend a night at Prestige Lodge, Choma, Southern Zambia. You’ll have reduced the time to get to South Africa, and for that, you can enjoy a lavish time at a resort. The bed and breakfast cost is Kwacha 300 ($11).

Livingstone City, Zambia, Home of Mosi Oa Tunya – Victoria Falls

If you spend the night at Choma, it’ll only take about 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive to Livingstone, Zambia, the home of the world-famous Victoria Falls. As you’ll soon discover, Livingstone is a very organized and clean city. It is a tourist city, after all, and everything from the roads to the infrastructure is magical.

Things to do in Livingstone, Zambia (Mpika to Capetown)

Initially, Livingstone was the capital of North Rhodesia until 1953, when it joined Greater Zambia as a city. This majestic tourist city has several things to do, but most revolve around the Zambezi River and breathtaking Victoria Falls.

Amaizing Kazungula Bridge

The Kazungula Bridge is a road and rail bridge passing over the great Zambezi River between two South African countries – Zambia and Botswana. It is a breathtaking moment to behold, and if you have a co-driver, ask them to grab a camera and document this fascinating infrastructure in Africa.

Visit the Great River Zambezi

This is a must-do on your drive from Zambia to South Africa (Mpika to Capetown). The Zambezi River isn’t just any other river in the south of Africa. It is the fourth-longest river in Africa and the longest east-flowing river on the continent, draining its water into the Indian Ocean.

You can take some time to visit the banks of the river and enjoy some of the most spectacular views of an African river. You may also participate in water rafting, canoeing, and sunset cruises on this vast river in Zambia.

Check Out the Local Culture

This could also be the perfect chance to see and experience the local culture in Livingstone and specifically visit the Mukuni village. You’ll get to see and buy crafts, participate in local Zambian traditional ceremonies, and get a first-hand experience of the Leya people’s culture.

Experience the Magic at the Victoria Falls Bridge

This is one of those experiences you can only witness once driving from Zambia to South Africa (Mpika to Capetown). Watching the water thunder from Victoria Falls is magical, and Livingstone City gives the perfect vantage point to watch the magical happenings of planet Earth—this is a must-do!

Entry Into Zimbabwe and Back: View the great Victoria Falls (and Back to Zambia)

To witness the beauty and magnificence of this part of Africa, your drive from Zambia to South Africa (Mpika to Capetown) must have detours. This specific one can’t be missed. To perfectly view and experience the beauty of Victoria Falls, you’ll need to get entry into Zimbabwe. This will be the fourth country you’ll be visiting so far. And fortunately, the border point isn’t so far.

Things to do in Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls Border Point

There are a ton of activities you can enjoy at River Zambezi on the Zimbabwean side. If anything, Zimbabwe hosts the most activity-ridden section of the Zambezi River and also the main waterfall section of Victoria Falls.

Bunjee Jumping into Zambezi River

For thrill addicts and adrenaline junkies, Bunjee jumping into the Zambezi River will push your thrill levels to 500%. Your life will flash into your eyes as you take the plunge into the deep canyon created by the river over thousands of years.

It costs $168 to Bunjee Jump into the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe – and in case this is your sort of thrill to do, grab the opportunity.

Marvel and the Magical Beauty of Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is shared between two countries: Zambia and Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe offers the best vantage point on the River Zambezi. Therefore, if you are in Zambia, you’ll need to cross over the Victoria Falls Border point into Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls National Park) to view the majestically flowing water of this iconic river.

Victoria is documented as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. It is a sight to behold, and no amount of technology or cameras can document its breathtaking nature. You just have to see it for yourself.

Livingstone City Through Kazungula to Botswana

You’ve hit another milestone driving from Zambia to South Africa (Mpika to Capetown). Livingstone offers many activities, but you have a greater objective: getting to Cape Town, South Africa. Therefore, after enjoying the magnificence of the River Zambezi and briefly exploring Zimbabwe, it is time to drive through Kazungula bridge and visit another interesting African Country: Botswana!