Kazungula · Zambia
The Botswana Route Into Zambia
This guide concerns the bridge between Botswana and Zambia. SADC places it within the North–South Corridor connecting Durban with markets further north. When arranging vehicle transport, name both countries as well as Kazungula so the intended crossing is unambiguous.
A South African purchase does not automatically mean the vehicle is travelling through Zimbabwe. If the driver is using Botswana, reflect that route in the transport documents and the Zambia entry request.
Kazungula · Zambia
From River Ferry to Bridge
The bridge and one-stop border facilities were commissioned on 10 May 2021. SADC’s account describes the crossing as a replacement for the pontoon ferry that carried haulage trucks over the Zambezi.
The bridge replaced ferry-dependent haulage with a permanent road connection for regional trade.
Kazungula · Zambia
Separate Crossing Costs From Customs
Ask for an itemised quotation. Ultima’s service fee, Zambia customs charges and any applicable transport or crossing costs are different items. A bridge payment or a transport-company receipt is not evidence that ZRA customs amounts have been settled.
For a consignment continuing beyond Zambia, give the onward destination and intended exit. The bridge is the entry point in that journey, not the end of the transit responsibility.
Your Vehicle Documents and Costs
For Kazungula, upload the vehicle invoice, ownership or export record and applicable road transport documents. Confirm the route through Botswana, the Zambian destination or onward country, and the expected bridge arrival.
Send only documents relating to the vehicle being assessed. If another agent has already started a declaration, do not open a duplicate filing. For an existing Ultima request, check your case instead.
Ultima’s base clearing fee is USD 200 for transit, imports and exports. Consignment additions and transit bond requirements are itemised separately. ZRA customs charges and applicable third-party costs are not included in the agency fee.
View the clearing rate card or read the full Zambia vehicle clearing guide.
Document assessment and case tracking are available to test. Final quotations and payments are not yet enabled. Contact Ultima to confirm local agent arrangements for your crossing.
Your Border Crossing Questions Answered
Which Kazungula crossing does this page cover?
The Kazungula Bridge between Botswana and Zambia. State both countries when discussing your route; the place name alone is less precise than the full crossing.
When did Kazungula Bridge open?
SADC records the commissioning of the bridge and one-stop border facilities on 10 May 2021. The bridge replaced the pontoon ferry used for haulage trucks.
Are bridge charges included in customs duty?
Do not assume so. Ask for separate identification of applicable crossing or transport charges, ZRA customs amounts and the clearing-agent service fee.
Should I use Kazungula instead of Chirundu?
Kazungula serves the Botswana route; Chirundu serves the Zimbabwe route. Confirm your transport arrangements and vehicle permissions with your carrier and clearing agent before selecting the crossing.
Can my office prepare the case before the driver arrives?
Yes. The owner or office can start the vehicle document assessment and supply the route information. Keep the driver’s arrival details consistent with the request and update them if the journey changes.
Official Sources and Further Reading
- SADC Kazungula commissioning account
- ZRA import procedures
- ZRA transit procedures
- ZRA traveller and vehicle facilitation
Confirm current opening hours and crossing restrictions before departure.