Chirundu Border Crossing

The Chirundu Crossing: The Zambezi Valley Lifeline

The border crossing at the divided town of Chirundu is the most important northern gateway into Zimbabwe and a critical link in the transport network of southern Africa. This is the main border on the highway that connects the Zambian capital of Lusaka with the Zimbabwean capital of Harare. It is a major, 24-hour “One-Stop Border Post,” a vital artery for trade on the “North-South Corridor” that links the port of Durban in South Africa with the Copperbelt of Zambia and the DRC. The border is the mighty Zambezi River, and the crossing consists of two magnificent suspension bridges, the old Otto Beit Bridge and the new Chirundu Bridge. The crossing is located deep in the hot, wild, and beautiful Zambezi Valley, a landscape of baobab trees, riverine forests, and abundant wildlife. The atmosphere is one of intense, heavy-duty commerce, a constant, slow-moving procession of massive freight trucks, set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty and the ever-present danger of elephants wandering onto the road.

A History of a Pioneering Bridge and a Liberation Frontline

The history of this crossing is the history of the Otto Beit Bridge. Opened in 1939, it was the first modern bridge to span the Zambezi River in this region and a major feat of engineering. It was a key part of the vision of Cecil Rhodes and others to build a “Cape to Cairo” road. The bridge was a vital link in the transport system of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. During the Zimbabwean War of Independence, the border at Chirundu became a major frontline. The Zambezi River was the main infiltration route for Joshua Nkomo’s ZAPU guerillas, who had their bases in Zambia. The bridge and the surrounding area were a high-security zone. In the post-independence era, the crossing became a major trade route, but the old, narrow bridge was a terrible bottleneck. The construction of the new, modern Chirundu Bridge in 2002 and the subsequent development of Africa’s first functioning One-Stop Border Post were major milestones, designed to speed up the flow of traffic on this critical economic corridor.

Before Crossing

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The Border Crossing Procedure: The One-Stop Border Post

The border is open 24 hours. The process is now consolidated into a modern One-Stop Border Post (OSBP), which has made the process much more efficient, though the sheer volume of truck traffic can still cause delays.

The One-Stop Process: The OSBP is a large, modern complex that houses the officials of both countries in a single building. The key principle is that you only stop once to do all your paperwork.

Exiting Zambia and Entering Zimbabwe: You will arrive at the OSBP. You will first go to the Zambian immigration counter and get your passport stamped for exit. You will then walk a few meters to the Zimbabwean immigration counter in the same hall. Here, you will present your passport. You can obtain a Zimbabwean visa on arrival for most nationalities. The KAZA uni-visa, which covers both Zambia and Zimbabwe, is the best option and can also be obtained here. You will pay the fee in US dollars. After getting your Zimbabwean entry stamp, you will go through a single customs check. If you are in a vehicle, you will need to pay a carbon tax and purchase temporary third-party insurance for Zimbabwe. The process is well-organized.

Exiting Zimbabwe and Entering Zambia: The process is the same in reverse. You will get your Zimbabwean exit stamp and your Zambian entry stamp (visa on arrival is also available for Zambia) in the same building.

Route, Onward Travel, and The Zambezi Valley

This crossing is on the main Lusaka-Harare highway. The road on both sides is a paved, two-lane highway, but it can be busy with truck traffic. The most common way for travelers to use this crossing is by taking one of the many direct, high-quality international bus services that run between Lusaka and Harare. This is a very convenient and highly recommended option. The journey is a long one, typically taking 8-10 hours, but the bus companies handle the border formalities efficiently. The journey takes you through the spectacular Zambezi Escarpment. The region is a major wildlife area. The Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia and the Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe (a UNESCO World Heritage site) are located just downstream from the crossing. This is one of the wildest and most beautiful parts of the Zambezi River, famous for its large herds of elephants and buffalo, and for incredible canoeing safaris. The Chirundu crossing is the gateway to this magnificent wilderness.

Final Planning Advice for the Zambezi Gateway

The Chirundu crossing is a modern, efficient, and very busy border. It is the main and best gateway for overland travel between the capitals of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The One-Stop Border Post has made the process very smooth. The key to a successful journey is to be prepared for the visa on arrival process. Have the correct amount of clean, new US dollar bills for your visa fee. The KAZA uni-visa is an excellent investment. Taking one of the direct international bus services is by far the easiest and most comfortable way to make the journey. This crossing is a passage through a landscape of immense natural beauty and a region of great historical importance. It is a classic and highly recommended African overland route, a journey across a legendary river into the heart of southern Africa.