Lusaka to Livingstone: road or flight?

Updated October 2026. Livingstone and Victoria Falls are about 480 km south-west of Lusaka. You can drive in a day or fly in about an hour. Which is better depends on your time, budget and group size.

By road: about 6 to 7 hours

The main road runs south through Kafue, Mazabuka, Monze and Choma to Livingstone. With a private driver you can leave when you like and stop as often as you need. Allow 6 to 7 hours including a short break, and more if you stop for lunch or sightseeing.

• Good for: families and groups (one vehicle is often cheaper than several flights), lots of luggage, and seeing the country.
• Plan for: an early start, roadworks and slower traffic around towns. Avoid driving after dark.
• Worth a stop: Choma, about two-thirds of the way, makes a good break.

By air: about 1 hour

Flights connect Lusaka (LUN) with Livingstone (LVI). Flying saves most of a day, which matters on a short trip. Add the time to get to KKIA, check in and transfer from Livingstone airport to your hotel.

Our suggestion

On a short trip, fly one way and drive the other: you see the countryside without losing two days. We can arrange both transfers, and the road trip with a private vehicle and driver.

See our Victoria Falls trip or Livingstone airport transfers.