Kasenga & Kashiba Border Crossing

Important Note: A Remote and Inaccessible River Crossing

The border crossing between the area of Kashiba in Zambia and the town of Kasenga in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a minor, remote river crossing. It is not a designated international border for foreign tourists. This is a local crossing, primarily used by residents of the immediate border area, and it lacks the formal immigration and customs infrastructure required to process international travelers. The region is remote and has security challenges. This guide is for geographical and contextual purposes only. It is not possible for a foreign tourist to legally cross the border here.

The Kashiba-Kasenga Crossing: A Luapula River Ferry

The border crossing at Kashiba is located in the Luapula Province of Zambia. The border here is the Luapula River, a major river that flows out of Lake Bangweulu and forms the frontier between Zambia and the DRC for a considerable distance. The “crossing” is a simple ferry or pontoon that connects the Zambian side with the Congolese town of Kasenga. This is not a highway or a trade corridor. It is a rural, riverine frontier, a place where life is dictated by the rhythm of the river and the seasons. The landscape is a mix of miombo woodland and dambos (seasonally flooded grasslands). The atmosphere is one of a quiet, remote, and forgotten corner of Africa, a place where the international border feels like a minor detail in a landscape and a culture that has existed for centuries. It is a border that is about local life, not international transit.

Before Crossing

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A History of a Kingdom Divided

The history of this border is the history of the Lunda people and the Kingdom of Mwata Kazembe. For centuries, this powerful kingdom controlled the trade in salt, copper, and slaves in this region, with its capital located near the modern-day town of Mwansabombwe in Zambia. The kingdom’s territory straddled the Luapula River. The colonial border, drawn by the British and the Belgians, cut directly through the heart of this kingdom, dividing the Lunda people between Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) and the Belgian Congo. The Kashiba-Kasenga crossing is a modern checkpoint on this historic, divided land. It exists to facilitate the local movement of the Lunda people, allowing them to maintain the deep cultural and family ties that transcend the international border. It is a border that is a direct legacy of the “Scramble for Africa,” a European line drawn through an African kingdom.

Border Procedures: Not Applicable for Tourists

As this is not an international crossing for foreigners, there are no procedures for tourists. The crossing is not equipped or authorized to handle international passports or visas.

The Process for Local Residents: For the local residents who are permitted to cross here, the process would be very simple. They would likely need to show a local identity card or a special border pass to the officials on either side. The focus would be on confirming local residency, not on formal immigration procedures. The movement would be primarily by small boat or the local pontoon.

For a foreign traveler, there is no way to get a legal entry or exit stamp at this location. The border posts, if they are even permanently staffed, would not have the necessary stamps, systems, or legal authority to process a foreign national. Any foreigner attempting to use this crossing would be in violation of the immigration laws of both countries and would be immediately detained by security forces for questioning in a very sensitive area. It is not a legal or viable route.

The Regional Context: The Luapula Province and Haut-Katanga

The crossing connects the Luapula Province of Zambia with the Haut-Katanga Province of the DRC. On the Zambian side, the Luapula Province is a beautiful but underdeveloped region, known for its stunning waterfalls and lakes. The main town is Mansa. On the Congolese side, the town of Kasenga is a remote administrative center. The entire region has been affected by the chronic instability of the DRC. While not a major frontline, the area is remote and has a limited state presence, making it vulnerable to illicit activities and the movement of armed groups. The infrastructure is very basic. The roads are mostly unpaved dirt tracks that are often impassable during the rainy season. Travel is slow and difficult. The main, and only recommended, border crossing in this region is the major highway crossing at Kasumbalesa, which is located several hundred kilometers to the south and connects the two countries’ Copperbelts.

Final Contextual Note: A Border for Locals Only

The Kashiba-Kasenga crossing is a vital local link in a remote and beautiful part of Central Africa. It serves the needs of the Lunda people, a community divided by a colonial border. However, for the international overland traveler, it is a non-option. It is a point on the map to be understood for its historical and cultural significance, not to be included in an itinerary. The risk of being detained is absolute. Any travel plan between Zambia and the DRC must be routed through the major, designated international gateway at Kasumbalesa. The quiet ferry on the Luapula River is a testament to the resilience of local life, but it is a passage that is not open to the outside world.