I will be volunteering at Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage in July with my 15 year old grand daughter. We have decided to take the train to Vic Falls and cross over to Zambia to visit friends. I understand the train should be fairly safe, but have been reading reports that crossing the border from Zim to Zam can be a hassel, especially for people with luggage. Long waits and sometimes search and the confiscation of items on the Zim side. I have also read that there is a long walk between the 2 border posts and am again concerned about hauling the luggage.
Has anyone made this crossing that can tell me more about it and their experiences. I'm wondering if a flight might be a better option for us as this is the first time the grand daughter in Africa, 4th for me, but I've only been to SA and Zam before, with group jaunts to Botswana & Mozambique. Haven't a clue what to expect here.
Appreciate any help and input. Thanks
from Canada
Here is some excellent info about the train, including fares, journey, traveller's report, etc - [http://www.seat61.com/Zimbabwe.htm#.UaBlRkCkqIQ]
Here is IATA'sl customs and currency site for Zambia - [http://www.iatatravelcentre.com/ZM-Zambia-customs-currency-airport-tax-regulations-details.htm] - which has a summary of wehat you may and may not bring into Zambia.
Sorry, no personal info, but as no-one had responded I thought I'd look up a few details for you. It sounds an amazing trip. Have fun.
Last June we crossed from Zambia to Zimbabwe at Vic Falls. There were no problems or delays. We parked our vehicle in the Zambian border post parking lot and paid a young fellow to watch it which he did.
We walked in (only daypacks but no one looked at them or asked about what we carried). Did the usual paperwork - in Africa you have to fill out these logs listing name, address, passport, etc. I think on the Zam side we did it twice. Once in office, once where we actually walked through the border gate. These big paper logbooks are a ritual at all these crossings.
We walked from Zam to Zim where we went through the Zim border post. Same paper logbooks. Here we had to pay for a VISA - $75 US each as Canadians. The walk between border posts across the international bridge between Zimbabwe and Zambia is maybe 1-2 km. Don't remember exactly as it was entertaining. There is a resident cabal of baboons and there was an elephant trying to breech a fence and of course the touts who were all trying to sell the exact same copper bracelets that their "elderly mother" makes by hand. On the way back it was late afternoon and hot so we took a cab for a few dollars.
Going back into Zambia - we were only there for the day - we had to pay the Zambian Visa again ($50 US each) because we had only gotten a single entry visa when we first came into Zambia from Botswana. So keep that in mind if you are going to go back and forth.
Again, no issues. It was a very pleasant day. If you would like to read a bit more about our day or see some pics, go to my website: http://www.lifewellspent.com/TRAVEL/AFRICA/Africa%202012/4-Bots&Zambia.htm
Thanks for your info. Enjoyed your blog!!
My main concern is if there are taxis available between the 2 border posts. We'll have a couple of large luggage bags with us (presents for friends in Kalomo) and the grand daughter is a little thing and I'm not in such great shape anymore for hauling these things.
trusted partner
