If you’ve got a layover in Kasaba Bay, don’t let it go to waste sitting at ZKB. The city, in Zambia, is within easy reach — roughly 40 minutes by local transport. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at ZKB:
First, verify that you can enter Zambia — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the local transport takes about 40 minutes into Kasaba Bay, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — local currency is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Kasaba Bay from the Airport
From ZKB, the local transport gets you to Kasaba Bay in around 40 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 60 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Quick budget math for your Kasaba Bay layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$20 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$40 |
Cards are increasingly accepted in Kasaba Bay, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
What to Do With Your Bags
Luggage storage options at ZKB can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Kasaba Bay for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
If you head into Kasaba Bay, here are two things worth checking out:
Kasaba Bay Lakefront Exploration is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and take in the scenery.
Nsumbu National Park Gateway is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Great for a short stroll — bring a coffee and take it easy.
If you’d rather stay inside ZKB — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Terminal Waiting Area & Wildlife Observation
- Lake Tanganyika Airstrip Views
Where to Grab a Meal
For food in Kasaba Bay, local travelers recommend Kasaba Bay Lodge Restaurant. If you have time for a second stop, Nkamba Bay Lodge Restaurant is another popular pick.
Back at ZKB, Airport Refreshment Kiosk is the go-to. Lodge Meal Collection Point rounds out your in-terminal options.
Need a Nap? Options at ZKB
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at ZKB.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at ZKB, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Kasaba Bay itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Zambia that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Kasaba Bay exploring the streets or relaxing at ZKB, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.