Main image

Aerian photography by Brian McMorrow, borders added by Julieta39 CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Kazungula

Area

At Kazungula on the Zambezi, travellers use the Kazungula Bridge or ferry to cross into Zambia, join river safaris and access Chobe, Victoria Falls and regional border routes.

Kazungula GaboroneOkavango DeltaChobe National ParkKazungula
In this guide

Kazungula essentials

Address: Kazungula, Chobe District, Botswana
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About Kazungula, Botswana

Kazungula is a small border settlement in northern Botswana located on the south bank of the Zambezi River, serving as a key crossing point to neighbouring Zambia and lying within the Chobe administrative area.

The site functions mainly as a transport and customs hub used by overland travellers and commercial traffic; the crossing itself includes a bridge and associated checkpoints. Nearby riverfront areas host boat operators offering Chobe River wildlife excursions that showcase hippos, elephants and birds.

Kazungula developed as a ferry and customs point for regional trade and travel; more recent infrastructure replaced the ferry crossing with a permanent bridge to improve traffic flow between Botswana and Zambia. The crossing has long been important for regional transport and tourism access to nearby protected areas.

The settlement sits at the Zambezi riverbank close to the meeting area of Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, adjacent to the Chobe River and near the western edge of Chobe National Park.

  • Border traffic: Customs and immigration operations at the crossing can be busy and subject to delays, especially during holiday periods and at peak tourist season.
  • Best time for river wildlife viewing: Boat safaris on the nearby Chobe River commonly depart in the early morning and late afternoon when wildlife activity is highest.

What to See#

  • Kazungula Bridge: A modern road-and-rail crossing spanning the Zambezi that carries traffic between Botswana and Zambia and replaced an earlier vehicle ferry at the same point.
  • Border crossing and ferry ramps: The international border post and ferry approaches on the Botswana bank that handle customs and immigration for road traffic between the two countries.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Kazungula, Botswana

Visit in the dry season (May-October) for classic game-viewing on the Chobe and smoothest travel conditions.

Dry Season
May-October · 20-30°C
Best for game viewing on nearby Chobe River; lower river levels concentrate wildlife.
Green Season
November-April · 22-34°C
Hotter, more humid; lush landscapes and migratory birds-but some roads are rough.

Weather & Climate near Kazungula, Botswana

Climate

Kazungula's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in October) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 10°C to 36°C. Moderate rainfall (621 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 52 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberAugustJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
43°
Warmest Month
3°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 20° - 31° 25° 158 mm overcast 69% 2.6 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.9h
February Very Good 20° - 31° 25° 132 mm partly cloudy 72% 2.6 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.6h
March Excellent 19° - 32° 25° 76 mm partly cloudy 67% 2.3 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.1h
April Ideal 17° - 32° 24° 19 mm mostly sunny 58% 2.6 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.6h
May Ideal 14° - 31° 22° 3 mm clear 43% 2.4 m/s 1.7 very high 11.2h
June Ideal 11° - 29° 20° 0 mm clear 41% 2.6 m/s 1.4 high 11.0h
July Ideal 11° - 29° 20° 0 mm clear 37% 2.9 m/s 1.4 high 11.1h
August Ideal 13° - 31° 22° 0 mm clear 30% 3.1 m/s 1.7 very high 11.4h
September Ideal 17° - 35° 26° 2 mm clear 25% 3.5 m/s 1.9 very high 11.9h
October Ideal 20° - 37° 28° 27 mm mostly sunny 28% 3.5 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.4h
November Very Good 21° - 35° 28° 62 mm partly cloudy 46% 2.9 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.8h
December Good 20° - 32° 26° 142 mm overcast 64% 2.9 m/s 2.6 extreme 13.0h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Kazungula, Botswana

Kazungula is accessible by road from Kasane (Botswana) and Livingstone (Zambia). The Kazungula Bridge (opened in 2021) provides the main road link for motor traffic between Botswana and Zambia. Local minibuses and taxis connect the town with regional travel hubs; safari operators frequently include Kazungula as a transit point.

Tips for Visiting Kazungula, Botswana

  • If crossing the Zambezi, use the modern Kazungula Bridge passenger lanes for faster border formalities.
  • Carry passport and expect passport checks-this is an international crossing point between Botswana and Zambia.
  • Visit the nearby Chobe Riverfront for game viewing; day trips combining Kazungula and Chobe are common.