Short answer: Ngoma is the border between Namibia and Botswana. Kazungula is where Botswana meets Zambia (the Kazungula Bridge) and Zimbabwe (the road border). If you are driving from Katima Mulilo to Chobe, you need Ngoma. If you are leaving Kasane for Livingstone or Victoria Falls, you need Kazungula. Lorato sits between the two, 15 minutes past Ngoma.
Key facts
- Ngoma: Namibia and Botswana. Botswana side 07:00 to 18:00; Namibian side 08:00 to 18:00.
- Kazungula road border: Botswana and Zimbabwe, 06:00 to 20:00.
- Kazungula Bridge: Botswana and Zambia. A move to 24-hour operation was announced for 1 April 2026; we could not confirm it in practice.
- Between them: the A33 runs from Ngoma through Chobe National Park to Kasane and on to Kazungula.
- Hours checked: 23 October 2026 against the official lists below. Hours change, so confirm before a long drive.
The two borders side by side (hours checked 23 October 2026)
| Ngoma | Kazungula | |
|---|---|---|
| Countries | Namibia and Botswana | Botswana and Zambia (bridge); Botswana and Zimbabwe (road border) |
| Botswana side hours | 07:00 to 18:00 | Road border 06:00 to 20:00. Bridge: 24 hours announced from 1 April 2026, not confirmed |
| Other side hours | Namibian side 08:00 to 18:00 | Check Zambia and Zimbabwe on the day |
| You use it to | Reach Chobe, Kasane and Savuti from Katima Mulilo | Reach Livingstone or Victoria Falls from Kasane |
| Searched as | "Ngoma border", "Ngoma Bridge" | "Kazungula border", "Kazungula Bridge" |
Botswana hours: Botswana Tourism ports of entry page, checked 23 October 2026. Namibian hours: Namibia Ministry of Home Affairs list of border posts (6 March 2024), which spells it "Ngomba". Bridge hours: Botswana Daily News, 23 March 2026, which was written before the 1 April start date.
Ngoma: Namibia into Botswana
Ngoma is the crossing for anyone coming from Katima Mulilo in Namibia's Zambezi Region. The B8 road runs to the border, and on the Botswana side the A33 takes over. It runs through the northern part of Chobe National Park to Kasane and on to Kazungula. For the detail on hours, documents and cash, read our Ngoma border post guide. If you are still deciding between Ngoma and the other Namibian crossings, see Namibia to Botswana border posts. For the drive itself, see Katima Mulilo to Kasane.
Kazungula: Zambia and Zimbabwe, not Namibia
Kazungula is at the eastern end of the A33, beyond Kasane. It is really two crossings in one place:
- The Kazungula Bridge over the Zambezi leads to Zambia and Livingstone. It opened on 10 May 2021 and replaced the old Kazungula ferry. Botswana's Daily News reported in March 2026 that the border post would run 24 hours from 1 April. We found no later report confirming that it does in practice, so arrive in daylight if you can.
- The Kazungula road border leads to Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls. Botswana Tourism lists it as open 06:00 to 20:00.
Neither of these is a way into Botswana from Namibia. The bridge is built as a curve to avoid the nearby Zimbabwean and Namibian borders, which is part of why people get confused about which country is where. Visas, vehicle fees and rental car rules for the Falls side are in our Chobe to Victoria Falls guide.
Which one do you need from where you are?
| You are | Heading to | Border |
|---|---|---|
| In Katima Mulilo, Namibia | Chobe, Kasane, Savuti | Ngoma |
| In Katima Mulilo, Namibia | Victoria Falls or Livingstone, via Chobe | Ngoma, then Kazungula, via Kasane |
| In Kasane, Botswana | Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe | Kazungula road border |
| In Kasane, Botswana | Livingstone, Zambia | Kazungula Bridge |
| In Livingstone or Victoria Falls | Chobe or Kasane | Kazungula (bridge from Zambia, road border from Zimbabwe) |
| In Livingstone or Victoria Falls | Katima Mulilo, via Chobe | Kazungula, Kasane, then Ngoma |
There is also a direct Zambia to Namibia link. The Katima Mulilo Bridge joins Sesheke in Zambia with Katima Mulilo, and Namibia's list gives the Katima Mulilo border post as open 24 hours. That route does not pass through Botswana at all, so it only suits you if you are skipping Chobe.
One practical point: each border has its own immigration, customs and vehicle checks. Clearing one does not clear you for the other. If your vehicle is rented, your rental company's cross-border letter needs to cover every country on your route.
Where to sleep after each border
After Ngoma, you are in Muchenje, Chobe District. Lorato is about 15 minutes from the border, with check-in at any time, so you can clear the border late in the afternoon and still be set up before dark. Pitches are $20 per person per night booked direct, children aged 0 to 12 pay half, and hire tents are $55 a night including the camping fee, each sleeping 2. See the campsite near the Ngoma border, or tent hire if you have no gear.
After Kazungula, you are in or near Kasane. Our Camping in Kasane and Kazungula guide compares the options there. If you would rather stay out of town, Lorato is west of Kasane on the transit road, which suits a night before heading to Savuti or crossing into Namibia at Ngoma.
Lorato is a separate business from other Muchenje properties. Our Muchenje village guide explains the area.
Plan the rest of your trip
Start with the Botswana camping guide, then look at booking your campsite directly or the self-drive camping page. You can also WhatsApp us on +267 7430 4407 or use the booking form on the home page.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kazungula the same as the Ngoma border?
No. Ngoma is the border between Namibia and Botswana. Kazungula is where Botswana meets Zambia (the Kazungula Bridge) and Zimbabwe (the road border). They are at opposite ends of the A33 through Chobe.
Which border do I use to go from Namibia to Chobe?
Ngoma. Driving from Katima Mulilo you cross at Ngoma and continue on the A33 through Chobe National Park to Kasane.
Which border do I use to go from Kasane to Victoria Falls?
The Kazungula road border for Zimbabwe, which Botswana Tourism lists as open 06:00 to 20:00. For Livingstone in Zambia, use the Kazungula Bridge.
What are the Ngoma border opening hours?
07:00 to 18:00 on the Botswana side per Botswana Tourism, and 08:00 to 18:00 on the Namibian side per Namibia's Ministry of Home Affairs. Checked 23 October 2026. Cross between 08:00 and 17:00 to be safe.
Is the Kazungula Bridge open 24 hours?
Botswana's Daily News reported in March 2026 that the border post would move to 24-hour operation from 1 April 2026. We found no later report confirming it in practice, so check before you travel and arrive in daylight if you can.
Can I drive from Zambia to Namibia without going through Botswana?
Yes. The Katima Mulilo Bridge links Sesheke in Zambia with Katima Mulilo in Namibia, and Namibia lists the Katima Mulilo border post as open 24 hours. It does not pass Chobe.
Where can I camp between Ngoma and Kazungula?
Lorato Lodges and Camping in Muchenje, Chobe District, about 15 minutes from the Ngoma border. It is $20 per person per night booked direct, and hire tents are $55 a night.
More guides for your route
Sources
Checked 23 October 2026. Rules, hours and fees change, so confirm with the official source before you travel.
- Botswana Tourism: ports of entry (Ngoma, Kazungula Road, Kazungula Ferry hours)
- Namibia Ministry of Home Affairs: list of Namibian border posts (6 March 2024)
- Botswana Daily News: Kazungula OSBP begins 24-hour operations April 1 (23 March 2026)
- Wikipedia: Kazungula Bridge (opened 10 May 2021, replaced the ferry)
- Wikipedia: A33 road, Botswana (Ngoma to Kazungula)
- Wikipedia: Katima Mulilo Bridge (Namibia to Zambia)
- Tracks4Africa: Kazungula road border post