Best Places for Digital Nomads to Live in Zambia
Welcome digital nomads to our exploration of Zambia's vibrant cities and towns, where the balance of work and play is in perfect harmony. These destinations offer a rich cultural experience, captivating attractions, and a cost-effective lifestyle. Let's discover seven enchanting places to call your temporary home.
Lusaka
As Zambia's capital city, Lusaka boasts a diverse population, abundant dining options, and an energetic nightlife scene. Visit the Lusaka National Museum to immerse yourself in Zambian history, or stroll through the peaceful Kundabwa Gardens for a serene escape. Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around $350 per month. The cost of groceries for one person for a week is approximately $50, and a moderate dinner with a drink in a local restaurant ranges from $10 to $15.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying in the Longacres or Ridgeways neighborhoods, both of which offer numerous furnished rental opportunities. For dining, check out the trendy Greenfields area, where you'll find a variety of cafes and restaurants catering to young, digital nomad crowds.
Livingstone
Adventure seekers will delight in Livingstone, a city near the border with Zambia and Zimbabwe. This bustling hub is home to the magnificent Victoria Falls, making it a must-visit destination. Spend your days exploring the nearby Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park or engaging in thrilling activities like bungee jumping and white-water rafting. Cost of Living: The cost of living in Livingstone is relatively low. A furnished apartment in a central neighborhood ranges from $250 to $350 per month. Groceries for one person for a week cost around $40, and a moderate dinner with a drink in a local restaurant is about $10.
Where to Stay & Eat: The Maramba and Chalimbuya neighborhoods offer excellent furnished rental opportunities. For dining, head to the Main Road area, where you'll find an array of eateries catering to various tastes and budgets.
Kasama
Located in the Northern Province, Kasama is a charming town known for its colorful markets and rich cultural heritage. Explore the bustling Kasama Market, where you can find local crafts, textiles, and delicious street food. Visit the nearby Chishimba Falls National Park for a tranquil escape. Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in a safe neighborhood costs around $200 to $250 per month. Groceries for one person for a week are approximately $30, and a moderate dinner with a drink in a local restaurant ranges from $5 to $10.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying in the central part of town, where you'll find several furnished rental options. For dining, check out the local restaurants along the Great North Road, which offer authentic Zambian dishes at affordable prices.
Solwezi
Located in the northwestern part of Zambia, Solwezi is a bustling city known for its vibrant markets and diverse population. Visit the bustling Solwezi Market to sample local cuisine and shop for unique crafts. Spend your weekends exploring the nearby Kansanshi National Park or relaxing at the beautiful Chimwemwe Falls. Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in a safe neighborhood costs around $200 to $250 per month. Groceries for one person for a week are approximately $35, and a moderate dinner with a drink in a local restaurant ranges from $5 to $10.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying in the central part of town, where you'll find several furnished rental options. For dining, head to the Chimwemwe area, where you'll find an array of local restaurants serving delicious Zambian dishes at affordable prices.
Mongu
Located in the Western Province, Mongu is a historic town steeped in culture and tradition. Visit the beautiful Lukangwa Falls and take a boat ride to the nearby Ngonye Falls. Explore the local markets to shop for handmade crafts and taste authentic Zambian cuisine. Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in a safe neighborhood costs around $150 to $200 per month. Groceries for one person for a week are approximately $25, and a moderate dinner with a drink in a local restaurant ranges from $3 to $7.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying in the central part of town, where you'll find several furnished rental options. For dining, head to the local markets, where you'll find a variety of street food vendors offering delicious Zambian dishes at affordable prices.
Ndola
Located in the Copperbelt Province, Ndola is a modern city with a diverse population and a rich cultural heritage. Visit the Ndola Museum and Art Gallery to learn about the city's history and cultural traditions. Explore the nearby Nsumbu National Park for a tranquil escape. Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in a safe neighborhood costs around $250 to $350 per month. Groceries for one person for a week are approximately $45, and a moderate dinner with a drink in a local restaurant ranges from $10 to $15.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying in the central part of town, where you'll find several furnished rental options. For dining, head to the Chalala area, where you'll find an array of eateries catering to various tastes and budgets.
Mpika
Located in the Muchinga Province, Mpika is a charming town known for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. Visit the nearby Mwela National Park for a chance to witness various wildlife species. Explore the local markets to shop for handmade crafts and taste authentic Zambian cuisine. Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in a safe neighborhood costs around $150 to $200 per month. Groceries for one person for a week are approximately $30, and a moderate dinner with a drink in a local restaurant ranges from $3 to $7.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying in the central part of town, where you'll find several furnished rental options. For dining, head to the local markets, where you'll find a variety of street food vendors offering delicious Zambian dishes at affordable prices.
Mufula
Located in the Southern Province, Mufula is a picturesque town surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. Spend your days exploring the nearby Kuti Wildlife Management Area or relaxing at the beautiful Mufula Falls. Cost of Living: A furnished apartment in a safe neighborhood costs around $100 to $150 per month. Groceries for one person for a week are approximately $20, and a moderate dinner with a drink in a local restaurant ranges from $2 to $5.
Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying in the central part of town, where you'll find several furnished rental options. For dining, head to the local markets, where you'll find a variety of street food vendors offering delicious Zambian dishes at affordable prices.
Digital nomads, we've explored seven magnificent cities and towns in Zambia that offer a perfect blend of work and play. We hope this guide has provided you with valuable information to help you choose your next destination. Happy travels!
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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