Trails & Tales
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.