Kasumbalesa & Kasumbalesa (DRC side)¹ Border Crossing

Important Clarification: A Border with the DRC, Not Zimbabwe

The border crossing at Kasumbalesa is the main gateway between the Copperbelt Province of Zambia and the Haut-Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is crucial for any traveler to understand that this border does not connect Zambia with Zimbabwe. The two countries do not share a border at this location. Kasumbalesa is exclusively a Zambia-DRC frontier. It is a notoriously chaotic, congested, and difficult border, with a reputation for corruption and extreme delays. The region is politically unstable and has a high risk of crime. This guide provides information about the actual Kasumbalesa (Zambia-DRC) crossing for geopolitical context and explains the correct routes to Zimbabwe. This is not a recommended crossing for tourists, and independent travel in this region is extremely dangerous.

The Kasumbalesa Crossing: The Copperbelt Chokepoint

The border crossing at Kasumbalesa is the most important trade artery for the entire southern African mining industry. This is the main gateway on the “North-South Corridor,” the route that connects the copper and cobalt mines of Zambia’s Copperbelt and the DRC’s Katanga province with the port of Durban in South Africa. This is not a border; it is a massive, sprawling, and often dysfunctional logistical nightmare. It is defined by the colossal queue of thousands of freight trucks, particularly those carrying copper and hazardous materials, which can wait for weeks to be processed. The atmosphere is one of intense, high-stakes commerce, immense frustration, and a constant, grinding chaos. For the very few adventurous travelers who attempt this route, it is one of the most challenging and intimidating border crossings in Africa, a passage into the wild, complex, and resource-rich heart of the continent. It is a border that functions as the primary export valve for the immense mineral wealth of the Congo.

A History of a Mining Frontier

The history of this border is the history of the Copperbelt, one of the richest mineral deposits on earth. The border is a colonial legacy, a line drawn by the British between their territories of Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) and the Belgian Congo. The line cut directly through a single, massive geological formation. The mining industries on both sides were developed by colonial powers and have always been deeply interconnected. The Kasumbalesa crossing grew as the main checkpoint on the road that linked the two halves of this industrial region. In the post-independence era, the crossing’s fortunes have been tied to the political and economic stability of the two nations and the global price of copper. The chronic instability and wars in the DRC have often made the crossing a difficult and dangerous place. In recent years, efforts have been made to modernize the border post to cope with the massive increase in mineral exports from the DRC, but the fundamental problems of congestion and corruption remain.

Border Procedures: A Notorious and Difficult Process

The border is open 24 hours for commercial traffic but may have limited hours for passengers. The process is known for being extremely slow, bureaucratic, and rife with requests for unofficial payments. You must have your visas sorted in advance.

Exiting Zambia: The Zambian side is relatively orderly. You will go through the immigration and customs procedures. The process is formal but can be slow.

Entering DR Congo: The Congolese side is the major challenge. You must have a pre-arranged Congolese visa. Visas are not issued at the border. You will present your passport, visa, and yellow fever certificate to the immigration (DGM) officials. The process is notoriously slow and bureaucratic. You will likely be approached by “facilitators” who will offer to speed up the process for a fee. It is a very intimidating environment. The customs process for vehicles is also extremely complex and is a major source of delays and corruption. For any traveler, this is an extremely difficult process to navigate without the help of an experienced local contact or “fixer.”

Correct Routes to Zimbabwe

For any traveler in Zambia wishing to cross into Zimbabwe, there are three main, official border crossings, all located far to the south of the Copperbelt.

1. Chirundu: This is the main crossing on the Lusaka-Harare highway. It is a modern One-Stop Border Post and the primary route for buses and trade between the two capitals.
2. Victoria Falls: This is the most popular tourist crossing, located on the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge. It is a straightforward crossing for travelers moving between the tourist towns of Livingstone (Zambia) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe).
3. Kariba: This crossing is on top of the massive Kariba Dam wall. It is a more scenic and less-used alternative to Chirundu.

These are the only viable and recommended border crossings between Zambia and Zimbabwe. There is no crossing at Kasumbalesa.

Final Contextual Note: A Border of Last Resort

The Kasumbalesa crossing is a vital economic artery, but it is a dysfunctional and dangerous border. It is a place that embodies the immense potential of the DRC’s mineral wealth and the immense challenges of governance, corruption, and insecurity that prevent that wealth from benefiting the majority of its people. For the traveler, the message is clear: this is a border to be avoided. It is not a tourist route. Any journey into the DRC should be done by air, into a major city like Kinshasa or Lubumbashi, and with professional local support. The Kasumbalesa crossing is a journey into the deep end of Africa’s logistical and security challenges, a route that is only for the most hardened and experienced of professionals, not for the adventurous traveler.