Cross-border travel between Botswana and Zambia at the Kazungula crossing on the Zambezi River is set to become significantly smoother following confirmation that the Kazungula One Stop Border Post (OSBP) now operates 24 hours a day.
Speaking at the joint launch of the Kazungula Bridge Authority (KBA) on 24 February 2026, Botswana's President Duma Boko said the decision followed engagements with his Zambian counterpart, Hakainde Hichilema.
The 24-hour operation applies to both passenger and commercial traffic, improving flexibility for private vehicles, tour operators, overlanders and freight transporters using one of Southern Africa’s most strategic transport corridors.
What this means for travellers
The Kazungula border crossing forms a critical link between Botswana and Zambia, connecting key tourism hubs such as Chobe, Victoria Falls, Livingstone, and the wider Kavango–Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area.
Round-the-clock operations mean:
- Reduced congestion during peak safari and holiday seasons
- Improved freight movement along the North–South Corridor
- Greater flexibility for self-drive travellers and tour operators
- Shorter waiting times compared to the former Kazungula ferry, which was often affected by congestion and limited operating hours
For road trippers planning multi-country itineraries across Southern Africa - especially families and convoy travellers - the extended operating hours provide improved itinerary reliability and safer scheduling on long-distance travel days.
About the Kazungula Bridge and Border Post
The Kazungula Bridge spans the Zambezi River and replaced the former ferry crossing, creating a permanent road and rail link between the two countries. It is widely regarded as one of Southern Africa’s most important recent infrastructure projects.
Importantly, the bridge also sits near the historic quadripoint where Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia meet - making it strategically significant not only for bilateral travel, but for regional trade, tourism flows and connectivity across four countries.
The integrated One Stop Border Post houses immigration and customs officials from both countries within a single facility. Travellers complete clearance in one consolidated process, reducing duplication, improving processing times and streamlining vehicle documentation checks.
With 24-hour operations now in place, the Kazungula border crossing becomes a more reliable and flexible gateway for travellers moving between Chobe, Victoria Falls and Zambia's leading safari regions.
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