Trails & Tales
A Coke and a Smile
Between unclear intersections, instinct-driven traffic circles, and more than a few police checkpoints, every day driving in Zambia comes with a mix of confidence and uncertainty. Knowing what’s what when you’re pulled over can make a world of difference. Here are a few key points worth keeping in mind.
More Than Fresh Spinach
Moving somewhere new doesn’t begin with adventure, it begins with groceries. In the search for milk, bread, and something familiar, you slowly piece together a sense of home. And before you realise it, that simple routine becomes something more: connection, community, and a new kind of belonging.
Don’t Divorce me Tomato Soup
Streets lined with ripe tomatoes? Check. A roasted base of tomatoes, garlic, red pepper, and onions? Check. Versatile, comforting, and borderline addictive. Check. Only warning: serving it three nights in a row may have… questionable outcomes for your marriage.
ZA - ZM Logistics
Luxury items like high-quality olive oil, good wine, and Nespresso pods can be surprisingly pricey in Zambia. The good news? There are plenty of smart ways to bring in a few favorites and the logistics are actually super efficient and hassle-free.
What’s good to know about Healthcare in Zambia
Healthcare was one of my biggest unknowns before moving especially with two young kids, one of whom spent quite a few nights in the hospital during his first year. But, for everyday needs and picking up medications, it’s actually very straightforward and manageable.
Plan or bake
I love to cook. I love to eat. And over time, I’ve come to rely on a handful of simple, go-to recipes that just work. Nothing overly complicated, nothing fussy. These are the meals I come back to on busy days and are all made with ingredients you can actually find, and usually in places you’re already shopping.
Getting to the River
Our first trip to the Lower Zambezi was everything we hoped for and more. Getting to the river was an adventure in itself, navigating the back road and relying on local advice, but the moment we arrived, it all felt worth it. The quiet magic of the water made it an unforgettable introduction to one of Zambia’s most spectacular landscapes.
Produce with Personality
There are great supermarkets here and even more impressive farm fresh produce which I’m grateful for. But supply chains have personalities. Deliveries have moods. The seasons actually matter.
Getting Guidance
It seemed simple: bring the cars we already knew and trusted. What we didn’t factor in? The admin. After navigating temporary imports, full imports, and a whole lot of “madam, let me give you some guidance,” we learned the hard way what it really takes.
Somewhere Between Leaving and Belonging
They say moving is one of life’s most stressful events - up there with death. Dramatic, yes, but there’s truth in the emotional toll. Leaving behind an old life takes a bit of grief before the new can feel like home.
Welcome to Zambia: Where Google Runs Out of Answers
What rarely makes the edit is everything before the sunset. In Zambia, travel isn’t about glossy guides or perfect itineraries —it’s about community, improvisation, and figuring it out as you go. Roads disappear, distances lie, and Google Maps is optimistic. But the journeys? Infinitely more memorable, messy, and rewarding than any highlight reel.
Hunting for a home
The whole point of moving to Zambia was to step away from city life and Leopards Hill delivers on that. Imagine acres of garden, no close neighbours, towering trees, and regular visits from trumpeter hornbills.
474km of character building (also known as Livingstone to Lusaka)
What should have been a straightforward drive quickly turned into a long, lesson-filled day. Toll gates demanded cash we didn’t have, CoffeePea Farm in Mazabuka saved the day with fresh food and a jungle gym, and Kafue on a public holiday tested every ounce of patience. My parents even phoned in horror-humour updates — “they’re skinning a goat next to the car”
Lesson one: always carry cash. Lesson two: tackle Kafue early in the morning. Slow roads, chaotic towns, it was a proper introduction to the reality of moving to Lusaka.
A few days in Livingstone
Victoria Falls never disappoints. We spent a few days in Livingstone, staying at Bird Song House which was absolutely lovely and a great alternative to a hotel.
Off to Zambia we go
Decisions are funny things. We loved our life in South Africa our home, our routines, our comfort. And yet, when my husband was offered an incredible opportunity in Zambia, the dream of life in the bush nudged us forward.