The bus explorer had a epic journey from Lilongwe to Lusaka. It’s one straightforward bus ride with nothing to even worry about. Passing through amazing scenery in the comfort of luxury coaches.
The journey passes through Namitete, Mchinji, Chipata, Nyimba, katete, luagwa, etc. Much of it spend in Zambia the Malawi side it’s just two hours from Lilongwe to the border. In Chipata you should expect a longer recess stop and use the opportunity to buy some warm food and snacks.
| Distance | 713 Kilometres |
| Departure Station | Grand Business Park |
| Departure Time | 06:00 |
| Arrival Station | Lusaka Inter-City Bus Terminus |
| Arrival Time | 14:40 |
There are only two bus operators serving the route i.e Kobs bus service and United Bus Zambia (UBZ). Both run on select days, for tickets it’s highly recommended to purchase in advance as they get full occasionally and especially during holiday seasons.
Bus operators
Kobs bus service: it’s the pioneer of the Lilongwe – Lusaka route serving it for the past two decades. They offer a daily service between the two cities. Their buses are easy to identify, written in bold red colour “Zambia-Malawi”, they are of semi luxury type with 2×2 & 2×3 seating arrangements. There are no bathrooms on board, but there are at least one or two lengthy rest stops for food and bathroom breaks.
United Bus Zambia (UBZ): it’s a super luxury coach service offering a thrice weekly service between the two capital cities. Available from Lilongwe on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. From Lusaka available on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Facilities available on board are Usb charging points, reclining seats, toilet, Air conditioning, seat beats, entertainment, etc
Mchinji/Mwami Border post
The bus will drop you off right outside the entrance to the border facility. It is a single immigration hall for leaving Malawi and entering Zambia. You do not need to take any possessions off the bus, all you need is your passport. The bus takes a list of everyone on it and waits for everyone crossing the border to finish their formalities.
At the border, roughly a third to half of all passengers get off and don’t get back on, meaning you might have a bit more space to spread out.
What you need
- Vaild passport.
- Visa depending on your passport.
- Book your tickets in advance.
- Yellow fever and malaria vaccine. (not mandatory)
- Be on time both buses are know for time punctuality.
Bus explorer travel agency 