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Kazungula Bridge

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

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The Kazungula Bridge is an architectural masterpiece and a strategic transport link spanning the Zambezi River, directly connecting Botswana and Zambia. Formally opened in May 2021, the bridge replaced decades of ferry services that often led to substantial delays in regional trade. Measuring 923 meters in length, the bridge features a distinctive curved design, necessitated by the unique geography to avoid encroaching on the borders of Namibia and Zimbabwe near the world's only quadripoint. The structure accommodates road traffic, a railway line, and pedestrian walkways. The project was significantly funded by the African Development Bank and Japan, highlighting the global importance of this trade route. The bridge has revolutionized freight transport along Africa's North-South Corridor, drastically reducing border waiting times. Beyond its economic impact, the bridge has become a tourist attraction, offering spectacular views of the Zambezi River and the intersection of four nations. It stands as a symbol of regional integration and modern infrastructure development in Southern Africa. One-stop border posts at either end ensure efficient customs processing for travelers and cargo alike.

Location: Botswana
Top sights: Hide (Bunker) · Kazungula Bridge

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	25	24	24	23	20	18	17	20	25	28	28	26
Rain mm	139	126	92	33	3	6	0	0	2	12	63	136

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Kazungula Bridge is an international road bridge over the Zambezi River, and pedestrians can walk across it for free. It connects Botswana and Zambia, and you can cross the border on foot if you have proper identification.

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Typical hours

The bridge is open to traffic around the clock, as it serves a key border crossing. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the heat is less intense and the light is pleasant.

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Photography

Photography is allowed from the bridge and the riverbanks; the view over the Zambezi and surrounding landscape is remarkable. Watch out for traffic as the bridge is narrow, and do not block vehicles.

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Time needed

A walk across the bridge and back takes about 20 to 30 minutes. If you also want to enjoy viewpoints on both riverbanks, allow at least one hour.

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Combine with

Combine a visit with a boat trip on the Zambezi River, often offered from Kazungula. The nearby Chobe National Park in Botswana is also a great safari destination.

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Getting there

The bridge lies at the border between Botswana and Zambia, accessible via the A33 in Botswana and the road to Kazungula in Zambia. Taxi or private transfer from nearby towns is the easiest way to get there.

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Insider tip

Bring your passport, as the bridge also serves as a border crossing - a short walk between two countries is possible. Early morning you can often spot hippos and crocodiles in the water beneath the bridge.

Geography

Coordinates

-17.79150, 25.26310

Facts

923-meter long cable-stayed bridge over the Zambezi
Opened officially on May 10, 2021
Directly links Botswana and Zambia
Curved design specifically avoids Zimbabwe and Namibia
Features a railway line and a motor roadway
Replaced the unreliable Kazungula ferry service

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Kasane Baobab13 km · SExplore →

Livingstone Railway Station60 km · NExplore →

Old Drift Settlement61 km · NExplore →

Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula Airport62 km · NExplore →

Victoria Falls65 km · NExplore →

Maramba Fort66 km · NExplore →

Livingstone Statue67 km · NExplore →

Mukuni Village72 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Kazungula Bridge (2)

Hide (Bunker)🌿 nature

A camouflaged bunker-style hide situated in the river landscape, well-suited for undisturbed wildlife photography.

Kazungula Bridge 📍 landmark

Opened in May 2021, this extradosed bridge connects Zambia and Botswana directly across the Zambezi River.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Which countries does the Kazungula Bridge connect?

The bridge spans the Zambezi River and connects Botswana with Zambia.

Is there a toll for the bridge?

Yes, a toll fee is charged for vehicles crossing the bridge.

Can pedestrians walk across the bridge?

Yes, there are pedestrian walkways on the bridge.

Why is the bridge built in a curve?

The curve was designed to avoid crossing the borders of Zimbabwe and Namibia.

When was the Kazungula Bridge opened?

The bridge was officially opened in May 2021.

Kazungula Bridge: where is it located?

Kazungula Bridge is located in Botswana.

Kazungula Bridge: what is there to see?

Highlights include Hide (Bunker), Kazungula Bridge.

Kazungula Bridge: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Aug.

Kazungula Bridge: why is it worth visiting?

The Kazungula Bridge is an architectural masterpiece and a strategic transport link spanning the Zambezi River, directly connecting Botswana and Zambia.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Kazungula Bridge

Best time to visit & climate