For travelers with a layover in Southdowns, the proximity of KIW to the city center is a real gift. Getting into town takes around 60 minutes via Taxi/Private Transfer, and we’ve mapped out the logistics so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring.
Before You Step Outside KIW
Three things to verify before you walk out of KIW:
- Can you legally enter Zambia? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 60-minute journey each way by Taxi/Private Transfer, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the ZMW. ATMs near the arrivals area typically offer better rates than the exchange counters.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
You have two main options for getting from Southdowns Airport into town:
- Taxi/Private Transfer: About 60 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 80 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Money & Budget Tips
Quick budget math for your Southdowns layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$5 |
| Meal | ~$10 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$25 |
Cards are increasingly accepted in Southdowns, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Things to Do During Your Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Southdowns:
Start with Southdowns National Park Entrance. A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight. Then, if time allows, make your way to Bwato Cultural Village. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Southdowns.
If you’d rather stay inside KIW — 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:
- Southdowns Executive Lounge
- Zambian Craft Market
Food Worth Trying
For food in Southdowns, local travelers recommend The Nshima Pot. If you have time for a second stop, Baobab Bistro is another popular pick.
Back at KIW, The Safari Cafe is the go-to. Zambezi Grill rounds out your in-terminal options.
Bag Storage Near KIW
Dedicated luggage storage at KIW may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Southdowns’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at KIW, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Southdowns 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.
Rest Areas & Lounges
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 KIW.
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.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Southdowns with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Southdowns may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.