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Home / Destinations / Choma

Choma

Zambia · City · ZMW · -16.771100, 26.992200
Family friendly 4.2/10 · Rank 2434 of 2 709
Best season: October-November

Best for

Suitable for African culture lovers, nature enthusiasts, families with children and anyone wanting to see authentic Zambia.

Best season

October-November

Daily budget
$95.00 (≈ 7 972 ₽)
For 7 days
$665.00 (≈ 55 807 ₽)
Choma is the administrative center of Zambia's Southern Province, located on the important transport route between Lusaka and Livingstone. The city serves as a convenient stopover for travelers heading to Victoria Falls and offers a glimpse into the authentic life of the Zambian province. Choma attracts with its unhurried atmosphere, colorful markets, and the opportunity to visit the local museum, which tells the history and culture of the region.
Summer
35.0°C
Winter
8.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Choma residents are friendly and proud of their town. Many farmers and artisans.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Choma Museum
  • Kafue National Park
  • Authentic atmosphere
  • Affordable prices
  • Diverse wildlife

Cons

  • No beach
  • Hot summers
  • Limited nightlife
  • Few restaurants
  • Transport needed to get around
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
23.9°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
28.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
35.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
14.9°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
22.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
8.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
December-March
Attractions

Choma Museum

Museum with exhibits on the region's history and culture, including traditional crafts

Makalanguzu Market

Colourful market with local produce, crafts and street food

Kafue National Park

Zambia's largest national park with rich wildlife, 2 hours by car

Kafue Dam

Scenic dam with fishing and birdwatching opportunities

Wildlife Reserve

Reserve with diverse wildlife and safari opportunities

Best areas

City Centre

Close to the museum, market and main attractions

Market Area

Lively area with street food and shops

Dam Area

Scenic area by the water, popular for nature recreation

Must-try food

Nshima

Thick cornmeal porridge, Zambia's staple

Chikanda

Dense groundnut cake, a popular snack

Ifisashi

Stewed pumpkin leaves with peanuts, a popular side dish

Roast Chicken

Grilled chicken with local spices

Ginger Cake

Sweet cake with ginger, a popular dessert

Where to go next

Kalomo

Town with a market and nature, 1 hour by car

Monze

Town with a market and nature, 2 hours by car

Livingstone

Town near Victoria Falls, 3 hours by car

Lusaka

Zambia's capital with museums and markets, 3 hours by car

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN).
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Visa
Visa requirements
required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
October-November
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$78.00
≈ 6 546 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
—
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Choma: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is October-November. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Choma: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +35.0°C, during the day — up to +28.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Choma: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +8.0°C, during the day — up to +22.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Choma: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on December-March. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Choma: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $95.00 (≈ 7 972 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Choma: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $12.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $78.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $100.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $150.00 per night, an apartment — $40.00 per night, a villa — $120.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Choma: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $5.00, dinner at a restaurant — $10.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.00, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Choma: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $30.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.50, a short taxi ride — $3.00, car rental — $40.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Choma: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Choma Museum — Museum with exhibits on the region's history and culture, including traditional crafts; Makalanguzu Market — Colourful market with local produce, crafts and street food; Kafue National Park — Zambia's largest national park with rich wildlife, 2 hours by car; Kafue Dam — Scenic dam with fishing and birdwatching opportunities; Wildlife Reserve — Reserve with diverse wildlife and safari opportunities. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Choma: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Nshima — Thick cornmeal porridge, Zambia's staple; Chikanda — Dense groundnut cake, a popular snack; Ifisashi — Stewed pumpkin leaves with peanuts, a popular side dish; Roast Chicken — Grilled chicken with local spices; Ginger Cake — Sweet cake with ginger, a popular dessert. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Choma: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: City Centre — Close to the museum, market and main attractions; Market Area — Lively area with street food and shops; Dam Area — Scenic area by the water, popular for nature recreation. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Choma: is a visa required?
Visa: required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Choma: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (code LUN). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $30.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Choma: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — ZMW. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $95.00 (≈ 7 972 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Choma: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Choma: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Choma: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Kalomo — Town with a market and nature, 1 hour by car; Monze — Town with a market and nature, 2 hours by car; Livingstone — Town near Victoria Falls, 3 hours by car; Lusaka — Zambia's capital with museums and markets, 3 hours by car. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

4.2/10
Overall rank: 2434 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 1064