Mohembo & Shakawe Border Crossing

The Mohembo-Shakawe Crossing: The Okavango Panhandle Gateway

The border crossing at Mohembo in Namibia, which connects to the Botswanan village of Shakawe, is the main gateway to the northern part of the world-famous Okavango Delta. This is a remote but increasingly popular crossing, a key route for self-drive travelers and safari operators. The border is the magnificent Okavango River, which, in this region, flows in a single, wide channel known as the Panhandle before fanning out into the vast inland delta. The crossing is a modern bridge, which has replaced the old, slow pontoon ferry. The landscape is a lush, riverine paradise, a world of papyrus swamps, floodplain forests, and incredible birdlife. The atmosphere is that of a relaxed, friendly, and scenic outpost, a tranquil passage into one of the most pristine and wildlife-rich wetland ecosystems on the planet. For the traveler, this is the start of an unforgettable journey into the watery heart of the Okavango.

A History of a Riverine Frontier

The history of this border is the history of the peoples of the Okavango, particularly the Hambukushu people. The border is a colonial legacy, a line drawn by the Germans and the British that cut through the traditional lands of the people who had lived along the river for centuries. For most of its history, this was a very remote and informal frontier. The main way to cross the river was by mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe) or, later, by a simple pontoon ferry. The crossing grew in importance with the rise of tourism in Botswana’s Okavango Delta and with the development of the road network in Namibia’s Caprivi Strip. The old ferry was a major bottleneck, and the construction of the new, modern Mohembo Bridge, which opened in recent years, was a major development. It has created a reliable, all-weather link, making it much easier for travelers to access the northern part of the delta and creating a new, important tourist circuit.

The Border Crossing Procedure: A Smooth and Scenic Process

The border is open during daylight hours. The process is generally very smooth and efficient, and the officials are accustomed to tourists.

Exiting Namibia (Mohembo): The Namibian immigration and customs post is a modern, clean, and efficient facility. You will present your passport and get your exit stamp. The customs check for vehicles involves checking your road tax permit. The process is usually very quick.

The Mohembo Bridge: You will then drive across the new bridge over the beautiful Okavango River. The views of the river and the surrounding floodplains are spectacular. This is the no-man’s-land.

Entering Botswana (Mohembo East): You will arrive at the Botswanan border post on the eastern bank of the river. You will go to the immigration hall. For most nationalities, Botswana offers visa-free entry. The officer will stamp your passport. After immigration, you will proceed to the customs and road authority offices. If you are in a vehicle, you will need to pay a road tax. You will also need to have third-party insurance for Botswana. A key feature of Botswanan land borders is the veterinary control. You will have to walk through a foot-and-mouth disease control footbath, and your vehicle will have to drive through a disinfectant dip. This is a mandatory step. The entire process is very well-organized and hassle-free.

Route, Onward Travel, and The Okavango Panhandle

This crossing is on the main road that connects the western end of Namibia’s Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip) with the western side of the Okavango Delta. On the Namibian side, the road from the main Trans-Caprivi Highway to the border is a good, paved road. On the Botswanan side, the road from the border connects to the village of Shakawe and continues south along the Panhandle. Shakawe is the main hub for the region, with an airport and several lodges. This crossing is the perfect gateway for exploring the Okavango Panhandle, a region famous for its incredible birdwatching, fishing, and the unique, colorful painted reed frogs. You can take mokoro trips or boat cruises on the river. From the Panhandle, you can also access the Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage site with thousands of ancient San rock paintings. For those without a car, there are some local minibuses, but this is a route that is best explored with your own vehicle.

Final Planning Advice for the Delta Gateway

The Mohembo-Shakawe crossing is a modern, efficient, and stunningly beautiful border. It is the main and best gateway for overland travel into the northern part of the Okavango Delta. The key to a successful crossing is to have all your documents in order, especially your vehicle registration if you are driving. Be prepared for the mandatory veterinary checks when entering Botswana. The new bridge has made this a very easy and reliable crossing. It is a passage into a watery paradise, a journey into one of the most unique and precious ecosystems on earth. It is a border that feels like a seamless transition from one beautiful wilderness area to another, a perfect start to an unforgettable Okavango adventure.