How To Travel To Mbala
There are many ways to get to Mbala using private or public transport. You can drive, take the coach, local bus, local taxi. The local airport is managed by Zambian Airforce but there are plans to open the facility to commercial flights in 2022.
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By Car
Some of the route would be best navigated with a four wheel drive or a reliable vehicle. Toll gates in operation along the route. Directions from major destinations are below.
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To Drive To Mbala, Northern Province
To drive to Mbala: Follow the national road network and plan your journey well ahead of starting using up to date maps. Brief directions below from key locations.
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From Nakonde
2.5 hours from Nakonde (192km) Right onto T2 Road Right onto D1 Road Right onto M1 Road Turn right at M2 Road Junction
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From Lusaka
16 hours from Lusaka (1,024km) Head East on Great East T4 Road Head to Great North T2 Road Left onto M1 Road Turn right at M2 Road Junction
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By Coach
There are several bus companies in Lusaka that run a daily coach service to Mbala. The buses tend to leave very early in the morning, between 3am and 4am arriving in Mbala between 18:00 and 20:00. Fares vary between K350-K450 for a single ticket (check companies for the most up-to-date correct price).
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By Plane
International Travellers will fly to Zambia and arrive at one of two international airports. Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia, has the largest airport known as Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (IATA code LUN or ICAO code FLKK). The other airport is in Ndola and called Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (IATA code NLA or ICAO code FLND). There are discussions to initiate commercial flights from Mbala airport which would cut down the journey time considerable for tourists and couriers travelling to Mbala.
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Local Transportation
Travellers from nearby towns and borders may also take the local bus and taxi services from Mpulungu, Nakonde and Kasama.