How much does a trip to Zambia cost?
Typical prices for one traveller, from a hostel bed to a 4-star room. Every line has its source and the date we last checked it.
- BedZMW 16,800 53%
- FoodZMW 7,000 22%
- TransportZMW 3,500 11%
- SightsZMW 4,200 13%
What a day costs in Zambia
Per person, in ZMW
A mid-range day in Zambia costs about ZMW 2,250 per person: ZMW 1,200 for a bed, ZMW 500 for food, ZMW 250 for local transport and ZMW 300 for sights. On a budget the same day is about ZMW 500; in comfort, about ZMW 5,800. At today’s rate the mid-range day is about $111.
| What you pay for | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed a nightLusaka guesthouse / 3-star / 4-star · Source | ZMW 300 | ZMW 1,200 | ZMW 3,000 |
| Food a dayThree meals in Lusaka · Source | ZMW 150 | ZMW 500 | ZMW 1,200 |
| Transport a dayLocal transport in Lusaka · Source | ZMW 50 | ZMW 250 | ZMW 600 |
| Sights a dayPaid sights and activities in Lusaka · Source | Free | ZMW 300 | ZMW 1,000 |
| A day in total | ZMW 500 | ZMW 2,250 | ZMW 5,800 |
Per person. Prices checked Oct 3, 2026 by Amara Nwosu against the source on each line. Rates By Exchange Rate API
Zambia trip cost by length of stay
Per person, before flights
The day rate times the days you stay. Two people sharing a room for a week at mid-range comes to ZMW 31,500.
| Length of stay | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | ZMW 1,500$74 | ZMW 6,750$334 | ZMW 17,400$861 |
| 7 days | ZMW 3,500$173 | ZMW 15,750$779 | ZMW 40,600$2,008 |
| 14 days | ZMW 7,000$346 | ZMW 31,500$1,558 | ZMW 81,200$4,016 |
| 30 days | ZMW 15,000$742 | ZMW 67,500$3,338 | ZMW 174,000$8,605 |
What the estimate leaves out
The calculator prices an ordinary day on the ground. Add these yourself.
Trip costs elsewhere in Africa
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How much does Zambia cost per day?
For one person, about ZMW 500 on a budget, ZMW 2,250 mid-range or ZMW 5,800 in comfort. That covers a bed, food, local transport and sights.
How much is a week in Zambia?
For one person, about ZMW 3,500 on a budget, ZMW 15,750 mid-range or ZMW 40,600 in comfort, before flights.
How much do two people need for two weeks in Zambia?
About ZMW 14,000 on a budget, ZMW 63,000 mid-range or ZMW 162,400 in comfort, sharing a double room and before flights.
Is Zambia expensive to visit?
A mid-range day in Zambia costs about $111. Of the 112 destinations we price, 38 are cheaper and 73 cost more.
What is the biggest cost of a trip to Zambia?
At mid-range the largest line is Bed: ZMW 1,200 of the ZMW 2,250 a day, about 53%.
What do budget, mid-range and comfort mean?
Budget: hostel beds, cheap eats, buses and free sights. Mid-range: a 3-star room, casual restaurants, public transport and one paid sight a day. Comfort: a 4-star room, good restaurants, taxis and a guided tour.
What does the calculator leave out?
Flights, shopping, travel insurance, visas and one-off costs such as a rail pass. Prices are for one person in the main city.
Which currency are the prices in?
The local currency of the destination, as we checked it. The calculator can show the total in your own currency at today’s exchange rate.