Zambia-Angola frontiers: best roads?

[Alastair]

Hi all, using Land Rovers, we wish to cross from the Zambian Copperbelt into central Angola. We have been advised to travel via the Jimbe border crossing on the DRC border, but also at the Chavuma border crossing which uses a ferry. Can someone tell us which route is open and functional? Plus, once we are in Angola, we need to be able to drive to Luena, a large town to the west.

Looking forward to anyone who has up-to-date info. Thank you, Alastair.

[wwillis]

Hi Alastair,

I was at the Jimbe border between zambia and angola august last year (2009). It is approx 3 hours along a dirt road from mwinilunga and was in reasonably good condition if a bit slow. The road splits at Ikelenge, Left to jimbe zambia/angola border and right to zambia /DRC border.
I actually crossed into angola at jimbe (i had an angolan visa) in an attempt to get permission to paddle the zambezi river (i failed but went anyway). The border crossing was no hassle. you will eventually come to a boom with a police camp on your right they will take your details then take you a couple of hundred metres further to the zambian immigration (the zambian immigration offical came across to angola to help us as they are from the same tribe) which was handy.
there is an Angolan consul in Solwezi (NW zambia) who might be able to help. Also on this road is the source of the zambezi, awesome! and they have a nice campsite there.

if you have any other questions here is my email address

warrenhwillis@aol.com

[wwillis]

Alastair, i can send pictures of the road to give you some idea if you want.

rgds

warren

[wwillis]

Chimfunshi chimpanzee refuge past the copperbelt is well worth a visit and has a nice campsite on the upper kafue river...a longish days drive from here to jimbe.

rgds

warren