How to approach borders in Africa

There is a place in Southern Africa on the Zambezi River unlike any elsewhere in the world. It’s a spot where the territories of four countries meet. A geographical rarity known as a quadri-point. Here, a short distance downstream from the Chobe River confluence at somewhat arbitrary village of Kazungula, can one spot the soil of Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Find out how to approach borders in Africa.

Quadri-point in Southern Africa

The land border of Kazungula connects Zimbabwe to the safari hub of northern Botswana and the small town of Kasane with a seemingly endless selection of safari activities, overlands, boat cruises, bird and fishing expeditions. The Chobe National Park is world-famous for its elephant herds, but that’s for another story.

A second border crossing at the quadri-point is a newly commissioned state-of-the-art road bridge across the Zambezi into Zambia. Modern day engineering and construction has indeed arrived in this once remote and inaccessible region, providing access to the great Zambian Parks of Kafue, Liuwa Plains or the Luangwa Valley.

A third border crossing is located in Kasane with boat transfers on the Chobe offering a unique traverse from Botswana to a host of fine safari camps on the Caprivi Strip of Namibia.

The benefits of border crossing

So, in short, travel and meaningful safari itineraries accessing some of the finest wildlife hotspots on earth are certainly possible here. So, for a moment let’s unpack what it’s like to enter these zones, where often the pace of bureaucracy is puzzling to even the most seasoned of travellers.

For starters, Africa does not move fast here! Queuing and systems may at times appear completely random and disorganised, which of course, they mostly indeed are. Congestion is normally standard operating procedure, and a dash of patience is usually required.

Learn to be patient

All of this may seem rather daunting until you recognise the warmth and humour of the folks around you. That which transcends language and culture barriers, and unites us a common good folk. After all, regardless of where we come from, we are in the same queue waiting for the nice immigration man to stamp our passports and let us through. And there is nothing more counterproductive in this habitat than irritating the immigration man, so this is an absolute no-no!

The queues go slow, but the smiles come fast

…and friendly faces, greetings and informal conversations come easy. Even the irritations of Covid requirements don’t seem to wane the resilient good natures and patience. You see, the pace of life is dictated by a different drum here, one which often beats a tune we may not be accustomed to. But rest assured, if you tune in to the rhythm, not only will you be jigging along to its irresistible beat, but the smiles, humour, relaxed and laid-back attitude to living will leave its mark on you.

Travelling in Africa

The soul of Africa and her great peoples can be experienced in even the most unlikely places, so my advice when border crossing in Africa is this: Firstly, be prepared with all your formalities, visa requirements, and travel plans, then pack a good dose of patience and easy smiles. They will come back to you with interest.

Embrace the unexpected encounters with warm-hearted locals, and allow the rhythm of the continent to guide you through the enchanting experiences that await beyond the border crossings. The soul of Africa reveals itself not only in the official documents and travel logistics but also in the genuine connections forged with the people and the untold stories that unfold in the most unassuming moments.