Kazungula City
Town near Zambezi River, Zambia
Kazungula is a river crossing where Zambia meets Botswana; visitors pass through for the ferry or new bridge, river safaris on the Zambezi and easy access to Chobe game reserves and boat trips at dusk.
Why Visit Kazungula?#
Kazungula is a strategic riverside crossroads on the Zambezi where boat safaris, the new Kazungula Bridge and cross-border trade meet. Many travelers use the town as a launch point for boat trips toward Chobe National Park and short wildlife excursions, while the riverside markets and fishing culture offer a local counterpoint to safari lodges. It’s appealing for those who want active river experiences and quick overland links between Zambia and Botswana.
Best Things to Do in Kazungula#
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Kazungula Bucket List#
Kazungula Bridge - Iconic bridge connecting Zambia and Botswana, with views over the Chobe and Zambezi rivers.
Chobe River boat cruise - Half-day boat trips on the Chobe River to view hippos, elephants, and riverbirds.
Border-post viewpoint - Viewpoint at the border post offering panoramas across four-country border river confluence.
Kazungula Game Management Area - Quiet game lands nearby for self-drive wildlife spotting away from crowded safari parks.
Kazungula Hippo Pools - Kazungula Hippo Pools along the river popular with local fishermen and photographers.
Sunset barge excursions - Sunset barge excursions for low-key sunset views and riverside birdwatching.
Chobe National Park (Botswana) - Short drive to Chobe National Park for big-game safaris and riverfront wildlife concentrations.
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe/Zambia) - Day trip to Victoria Falls for views, helicopter flights, and Zambezi activities.
Best Time to Visit Kazungula#
Kazungula is best during the cool, dry months (May-August) for clear skies and prime wildlife viewing. The rains (November-April) make the landscape lush but can limit access, while September-October is intensely hot before the rains.
November - April
20°C - 32°C (68°F - 90°F)
Lush and green with heavy afternoon storms; river flows high and wildlife concentrated near roads, but some dirt tracks can become impassable.
May - August
10°C - 28°C (50°F - 82°F)
Clear skies, cooling nights and excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather at permanent water; days can be warm but very pleasant for safaris.
September - October
20°C - 35°C (68°F - 95°F)
Very hot, dusty lead-up to the rains - rivers low, wildlife easier to spot at waterholes, but midafternoon heat is oppressive.
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 (606 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (154 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is the hottest month with highs of 36°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is warm, feeling like 28°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Kazungula#
Kazungula sits at the Zambia-Botswana border on the Zambezi River and is commonly approached by road from Kasane (Botswana) or Livingstone (Zambia). The area is a hub for border crossings and safari logistics rather than rail travel.
Kasane (Botswana) - Kasane Airport (BBK): Kasane (Botswana) is the nearest international airport for travellers to the Kazungula border area on the Zambezi; from Kasane you can reach Kazungula by road in roughly 1-2 hours depending on traffic and border crossing times.
Livingstone - Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International (LVI): Livingstone (Zambia) and Victoria Falls (VFA, Zimbabwe) are other regional airports used by visitors. From Livingstone the drive to Kazungula is typically under two hours by road (time varies with border formalities).
Train: Zambia and Botswana’s passenger rail services do not provide direct access to Kazungula; rail travel is not a practical way to reach the immediate border area.
Bus: Intercity buses and shared minibuses run between regional hubs (Kasane, Livingstone, Kazungula and neighboring towns). Local bus and shuttle services operate to the border; schedules can be limited and vary seasonally.
How to Get Around Kazungula#
Kazungula is best accessed by road from Kasane (BBK) or Livingstone (LVI); transfers are typically arranged by shuttle, private car or tour operator. Local minibuses are available but less predictable, and the Kazungula Bridge now provides a reliable road crossing between Zambia and Botswana.
- Road transfers from Kasane - Kasane is the closest airport hub for Kazungula. Road transfers (shuttle, private car, taxi) from Kasane to Kazungula take around 1-2 hours depending on border crossing times. Many safari operators and lodges arrange pickups from Kasane.
- Road transfers from Livingstone - Livingstone airport is another common entry point; transfers by road to Kazungula are straightforward and commonly offered by tour operators. Expect crossing and transfer times to vary with traffic and visa/border procedures.
- Shared minibuses and local buses - Shared minibuses and local bus services operate between nearby towns and the border post; they are economical but can be slower and run on flexible schedules. Confirm departure times locally, especially outside peak tourist season.
- Ferry / bridge crossing options - Kazungula has historically been a border crossing point with ferry services; since 2021 a road bridge (Kazungula Bridge) links Zambia and Botswana for vehicles, improving overland connectivity. Check current crossing requirements and operating hours for vehicles and pedestrians.
- Walking - At the immediate border area there are short pedestrian routes for crossing (subject to border control); for other local movement within small Kazungula settlements, walking is practical for short distances. For most intercity travel, use road transport.
Where to Stay in Kazungula#
Kazungula border area - USD 20-70/night
Kazungula has a few budget guesthouses and basic lodges by the border; many operate offline. Verify availability in advance, especially near the ferry/bridge crossing.
Zambezi riverside lodges - USD 60-150/night
Mid-range accommodation is mainly river lodges and frontier hotels with limited booking portals. For a broader choice, check lodges either side of the Zambezi.
Livingstone / Chobe region - USD 200+/night
Luxury stays are scarce in Kazungula proper. For high-end resorts and safari lodges, consider booking in Livingstone or Chobe National Park across the border.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Kazungula’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Kazungula#
Shopping in Kazungula is basic: small shops and border stalls sell snacks, basics and souvenirs aimed at travellers. Many visitors buy provisions here before crossing into Botswana or Zimbabwe. Don’t expect large markets or shopping centres; the town’s retail scene supports border traffic and local needs.
Nightlife in Kazungula#
Nightlife in Kazungula is limited. Evenings are typically low-key, with a few bars or lodge restaurants serving visitors and overland travellers. If you want more evening options, nearby tourist hubs like Kasane (Botswana) or Livingstone (Zambia) offer more choices.
