Crossing the Kazungula border by land between Botswana and Zambia using the pontoon ferry can be a nerve racking experience for the first time traveler. I have used this border crossing point into Botswana many times. Nothing prepares me as to what to expect on either side of the Zambian or Botswana borders each time l travel. Despite being a local person, each trip l make is a unique new travel experience on its own. But one thing that I am always certain about is that my heart throbs hard whenever approaching Kazungula especially from the Zambian side.
There is the usual sight of a long queue of trucks loaded with all manner of goods parked on both sides of the narrow dusty road leading to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) customs gate. This sight is enough to send a cold chill down my spine and raise my adrenaline hormone. Then comes the throng of overzealous and menace looking youth seated in groups in the white Kalahari sand, wearing waist purses. These are foreign exchange (FOREX) money changers call boys. No sooner has the vehicle stopped than they swarm around you inquiring whether you would be interested to buy Forex at a good rate. Well, my first reaction always is to relax with a smile on my face and speak the local language. This is to show them that I am no tourist but just one of them, albeit of a different class! This is enough to send some of them back to their usual seats in the white Kalahari sand, for no home boy can afford to buy dollars or pounds, they reckon. This saves me the agony of having to answer many irrelevant questions and sets me at peace to prepare for my exit from Zambia. I would advise you not to fall prey to these unscrupulous money changers as their forex trade is illegal. If approached, politely turn down their maneuvers and they will back off. If in serious need of Forex, there is a licensed Forex Bureau de change nearby the gate. Or you should wait until you cross over to the Botswana side and buy forex at a Bureau de change centre situated at Choppies shopping complex in Kazungula.
The men in uniform, the Immigration and Customs officers manning the Zambian border post are very efficient and professional with their work. An orderly queue is formed outside the building by the travelers. One by one each person is served with a welcoming smile by stamping exit into his respective passport. If you are a tourist, I recommend getting the UNI visa if you plan to visit Botswana for a one full day trip as it’s $50 USD for both countries. If you are driving yourself, you will need the vehicle registration papers and your license all in place, and will need to pay a pontoon access fee based on the size of your vehicle to be able to crossover to Botswana.
After customs and immigration clearance, one has to quickly rush to the Zambezi River banks to wait for the arrival of the pontoon ferry from the Botswana side. The border between Botswana and Zambia runs for a total of 0.093 miles, making it the shortest international border in Botswana. This small stretch of the boundary sits at the northern most point in Botswana, where the peninsula region of Namibia meets Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia. Once on shore, the waiting pontoon position itself to receive either one or two heavy duty trucks to be followed by small private cars that park in the sides. Once this is safely done, a signal is given for people to now board the pontoon. Then the huge side engine roars to drive the ferry forward. When safely off shore, drama then ensues on the pontoon. One of the pontoon cashiers accompanied by an armed Policemen start demanding for cash payment by force from each person on board for using the pontoon. No receipt is issued after receiving payment. Most likely, this money is money for their pocket. This journey takes about 5 to 8 minutes before reaching the other side of the Zambezi River.
Once on the Botswana Kazungula border side, you find Botswana Police Service (BPS) officers standing on the Zambezi river banks, some wielding whipping sticks in their hands. The target for whipping is the unruly youths from the Zambian side trying to make their way to Botswana without a passport. Otherwise those with passports make their way to the Botswana border side, a 1 km distance with relative walking easy. You will be welcomed by the Botswana Immigration and Customs officers for your entry stamp into Botswana, Kasane of Chobe region. There is total order on the Botswana side as no youths are allowed to loiter around the border. Chobe is a majestic place on many people’s bucket lists as it is well known for having some of the best wilderness and wildlife areas of the world. Botswana, a country neighboring Zambia in the southern border practices low impact eco-tourism activities. This blends well with our tourism business concept of implementing best eco-practices.
Next time you might be travelling by land between Botswana and Zambia Kazungula borders, you will most likely cross using a modern fly-over bridge. This Project involves the construction of a bridge, new border facilities in each country, and related infrastructure. The scope also includes a proposed 3 kilometre railway line on each side of the bridge.
We can facilitate and organize for you a seamless and trouble free cross over from Zambia to Botswana or vice versa.