Stage · Kavango and Zambezi

Katima Mulilo to Kasane

At the Ngoma bridge, Botswana lies on the far side of the Chobe. Two stamps and a signature in the book at the park gate later, you are driving straight through Chobe National Park to Kasane.

From Katima Mulilo it is 71 kilometres on the B8 to the Ngoma border. Do not confuse it with Wenela, the crossing at the Katima Mulilo Bridge, which leads into Zambia. Botswana's immigration department (list of April 2025) and a Namibian tourism site give Ngoma's hours as 7 am to 6 pm, while the broadcaster NBC says the post opens at six. Aim to reach the border by early afternoon; NBC has reported delays caused by staff shortages.

You cannot cross without your rental company's permission. The cross-border permit costs different amounts depending on the company and has to be arranged days in advance, as of October 2026. On the Botswana side you pay a road levy and insurance. Then you sign the book at the Ngoma gate and drive about 60 kilometres along the tarred transit road through the park. There is no park fee for transit, but you must stay on the road and keep to 80 km/h.

Allow one and a half to two hours of driving plus the border for the 125 kilometres. From Kasane it is 95 kilometres to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe via the Kazungula Road border post, open from 6 am to 8 pm according to Botswana. Livingstone in Zambia is reached over the Kazungula Bridge, which replaced the ferry in May 2021. You need your rental company's approval for Zimbabwe and Zambia as well.

Our tipKatima Mulilo lies in the Zambezi Region, which had recorded more than 10,000 malaria cases by the end of March 2026 and was a focus of the outbreak. See a doctor about prophylaxis or standby treatment before you travel.

The route at a glance

Roads
B8, A33
Distance
125 km
Surface
tar all the way
Driving time
1.5 to 2 hours

Distances and times as of October 2026, driving time without stops or detours.

AngolaZambiaBotswanaSouth AfricaAtlanticOrangeEtosha PanWindhoekOkahandjaRehobothGobabisOmaruruUsakos and ErongoSwakopmundWalvis BayHenties Bay and Cape CrossSesriem and SossusvleiSolitaireMaltahöheMariental and KalahariKeetmanshoopAusLüderitz and KolmanskopFish River CanyonAi-AisKarasburgEtosha South (Andersson Gate)Etosha East (Von Lindequist Gate)OutjoOtjiwarongo and WaterbergTsumebOtaviGrootfonteinOshakati and OndangwaKamanjabTwyfelfonteinKhorixasSesfonteinOpuwo and KaokoveldRunduDivundu and BwabwataKatima Mulilo and ZambeziKatima MuliloKatima MuliloKasane200 km
Start and end of the stage, joined as the crow flies. The road runs differently.
Katima Mulilo and Zambezi

Routes that use this stage

Katima Mulilo to Kasane: frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours of the Ngoma border between Namibia and Botswana?

According to Botswana's immigration department the Ngoma border opens at seven in the morning, while Namibia's broadcaster NBC says six. It closes in the early evening, and staff shortages can cause delays, so allow some margin.

Do I pay park fees on the transit road through Chobe National Park?

There is no park fee on the tarred transit road between Ngoma and Kasane. You sign the book at the Ngoma gate, stay on the road and keep to 80 km/h.

Is Ngoma the same border crossing as Wenela?

No. Ngoma leads from Namibia into Botswana and on to Kasane. Wenela is at the Katima Mulilo Bridge and leads into Zambia.

How do I get from Kasane to Victoria Falls?

Kasane to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is 95 kilometres via the Kazungula Road border post. For Livingstone in Zambia you cross the Kazungula Bridge, which replaced the ferry in May 2021. You need your rental company's approval for both countries.