Calai & Linyanti (Namibia–Zambia tripoint region) Border Crossing

Important Clarification: A Multi-Border Transit Route

There is no direct border crossing between the Angolan town of Calai and Zambia. The two countries do not meet in this region. The journey from Calai in Angola to the Linyanti region (which is primarily in Namibia and Botswana) and on to Zambia is a complex, multi-stage, multi-border overland expedition. The route involves exiting Angola at Calai, crossing the Kavango River into the Namibian town of Rundu, traveling the entire length of Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, and then crossing the Zambezi River from Namibia into Zambia at the Katima Mulilo/Sesheke border post. This guide describes this adventurous, three-country transit route. This is a journey for the dedicated and self-sufficient overland traveler, a passage through the heart of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), the largest conservation area in the world.

The Calai-Rundu Crossing: The First Step

The journey begins at the border between Calai in Angola’s Cuando Cubango province and the city of Rundu in Namibia’s Kavango East region. The border is the Kavango River. This is a major regional crossing, a vital lifeline for southern Angola, which imports most of its goods from Namibia. The atmosphere is that of a busy, dusty African border town.

The Procedure: You must have a pre-arranged Angolan visa to exit and must meet Namibia’s entry requirements (visa-free for many nationalities). You will get your exit stamp at the Angolan post in Calai. You will then cross the river to the Namibian post in Rundu to get your entry stamp. The road on the Angolan side is notoriously bad, a very long and difficult journey on sandy tracks. The road on the Namibian side is excellent.

The Transit: A Journey Through the Caprivi Strip

Once you are in Namibia, you will embark on one of Africa’s great road trips: the journey through the Caprivi Strip (now the Zambezi Region). This is a long, narrow panhandle of Namibian territory that is sandwiched between Angola, Zambia, and Botswana. The main B8 Trans-Caprivi Highway is a perfectly paved, modern road that runs for over 500 kilometers from Rundu in the west to Katima Mulilo in the east. The highway cuts directly through the Bwabwata National Park, a vast and unfenced wilderness area. It is not uncommon to have to stop for herds of elephants crossing the road. This part of the journey is a spectacular safari in itself. The region is a paradise for wildlife lovers, with several magnificent national parks and river lodges along the Kavango and Kwando rivers. This is the heart of the KAZA Transfrontier Park, and the sense of being in a vast, interconnected wilderness is immense.

The Katima Mulilo-Sesheke Crossing: The Final Step to Zambia

The final stage of the journey is the border crossing from Namibia into Zambia. This is located at the town of Katima Mulilo, the capital of the Zambezi Region. The border is the mighty Zambezi River, and the crossing is the impressive Katima Mulilo Bridge, which connects to the Zambian town of Sesheke.

The Procedure: This is a major, modern international crossing. You will first go through Namibian exit immigration in Katima Mulilo. You will then drive across the 900-meter-long bridge over the Zambezi. On the other side, you will go through Zambian entry immigration. You can obtain a Zambian visa on arrival for most nationalities. You will also need to handle the customs formalities for your vehicle, including paying a road tax and purchasing Zambian third-party insurance. The process is formal and well-organized. From Sesheke, you are on the main highway to Livingstone, the gateway to the Victoria Falls, which is a few hours’ drive away.

Final Planning Advice for a Grand African Traverse

The journey from southern Angola to Zambia via the Caprivi Strip is a true epic of overland travel. It is not a simple border crossing but a multi-day expedition. The key to success is meticulous planning. You must have all your visas (Angola, Zambia) sorted in advance. You must have a very capable vehicle, preferably a 4×4, especially for the Angolan section. You must be completely self-sufficient with fuel, water, and supplies for the long stretches between towns. The reward for this effort is a journey through some of the most beautiful, wild, and wildlife-rich landscapes in all of southern Africa. It is a passage through the heart of the world’s largest conservation area, a testament to the new era of transfrontier cooperation. It is a route for the serious and experienced overlander, a journey that connects the challenges of post-war Angola with the stunning natural wonders of Namibia and Zambia.