ZA - ZM Logistics
One of the things we quickly learned living in Zambia is that getting items up from South Africa is not only possible, but it’s actually quite common. Over time, you find a rhythm that works, especially for those harder-to-find (or eye-wateringly expensive) everyday items.
I’ve even come across people who go as far as doing their monthly non-perishable grocery shops from South Africa often ordering from Woolworths and shipping it up. Surprisingly, this can work out far more cost-effective than sourcing the same items locally, particularly for premium brands. Of course, this does tend to depend on having the right setup in South Africa but for those who do, it’s become a surprisingly practical way to manage everyday costs.
There are a few well-established logistics options that make this process surprisingly straightforward:
Caribou Cargo
A reliable road freight option between South Africa and Zambia. They offer everything from small personal packages to bulk shipments, and even assisted purchasing if you need help buying items in SA. In our experience, they’ve been consistently hassle-free and dependable ideal for regular, small-batch orders.
ICY Speed
Another widely used service, particularly for online shopping. They provide you with a South African forwarding address, and shipments typically move on a weekly schedule, reaching Lusaka within a few days after dispatch. They’re especially useful if you’re ordering from platforms like Takealot or other SA retailers.
How it typically works
Most of these services operate on a similar model:
You shop online in South Africa (or arrange purchases)
Use the courier’s SA address as your delivery point
The courier consolidates and transports goods via road freight
You collect locally in Lusaka
Transit times are generally quick (often under a week), depending on timing and volumes.
For us, using these services has become part of everyday life... whether it’s topping up on nappies, restocking Nespresso pods, or just bringing in a few favourite comforts from South Africa.
