Welcome to Kazungula

Located at the confluence of the Chobe and the Zambezi rivers, for centuries Kazungula has served as a Trans-Zambezi crossing point linking Southern and Central Africa. In this context the name Kazungula, which is derived from the Mzungula (Sausage) trees that are prominent in the area, denotes what are today two villages located on the south and north banks of the Zambezi, i.e. Kazungula in Zambia, as well as Kazungula in Botswana. The twin villages lie at the centre of where the contemporary borders or “four corners” of Namibia and Zimbabwe as well as Botswana and Zambia nearly converge.

Historically, it was at Kazungula where David Livingstone and other mid-nineteenth century European explorers, saw the Zambezi River for the first time before crossing it into present day Zambia.

Since time immemorial people and goods were transported across the Zambezi in locally manufactured wooden canoes or mekoro. In 1884 the first commercial metal pontoon boat appeared, having been imported in pieces from Austria before being locally assembled.

Although Kazungula’s significance as a transport hub declined following the 1905 opening of the road and rail bridge at Victoria Falls, it continued to serve as an important crossing point for the movement of goods and labour migrants.

From 1909 to 1921 Kazungula also served as the administrative centre for the Chobe District, with the posting of a Resident Magistrate supported by police. In November 1914 the Resident Magistrate’s authority was extended to cover the Eastern Caprivi, which had previously been under German rule. In 1921 the Resident Magistrate’s residence was shifted to nearby Kasane.

Besides being a transit route, Kazungula grew as a labour recruitment post for the Witwatersrand Native Labour Association (WENELA) from 1935 to 1969, which recruited workers for South African gold mines.

After 1960 Kazungula’s strategic location resulted in it being a primary escape route for liberation fighters from the countries of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Namibia into Zambia and other parts of Africa.

The pontoon ferry that transported people and goods between Botswana and Zambia for a longtime has recently been replaced by the iconic Kazungula bridge. A site, on the banks of the river on the western side of the bridge has been earmarked for the construction of the freedom route monument.