Sesheke border crossing
 

has anyone used this crossing lately and if so is there a charge for the bridge (i heard somewhere that it is a toll bridge)? How busy, officious is this crossing?

Thanks for any advice?

I haven't crossed since the new bridge but I don't think there is a toll fee - for cars at least - there may well be for lorries. Plus remember there is a ferry (c.$30) if you come via Kazungula.

I don't know which direction you're traveling but generally speaking entering Namibia is a doddle, Zambia less so as there are a range of different taxes/ fees to pay or docs to deal with - visa, TIP or carnet, carbon tax, insurance, road tax and council tax. But Sesheke is much more low key than Kazungula where you have to beat off the fixers.

BTW - V IMPORTANT if you are entering Zambia make sure you get something like "all over Zambia" endorsed on your road tax. It is supposed to show your "destination" in Zambia but if you just put a town the police will try and fine you as soon as you appear to be heading in a different direction. It costs $20 regardless of what goes on it.

great thanks for that info. I am heading into Zambia without a carnet as it ran out in Nov and the RAC seemed ot have chnaged their policy when it comes to re-issue and it all got very difficult and complicated. I got the impression it was not a big deal, having read somewhere else it is seems it might be, so looking for a low key relaxed border crossing where I might be able to talk my way out of it..
I am more concerend about the exit from Namibia than the entry into Zambia! Any advice welcome.. I am not planning on crossing until later in the year

Absolutely no problem entering Zambia on a TIP (we've done this in order to replace our UK carnet at least twice). You'll get thirty days on the TIP but you can extend - twice actually - if you want to stay longer. No charge for a TIP.

Make sure you get your carnet stamped out of Namibia - that's the key thing. Even if it has expired. Then send the expired/stamped out one back to the RAC and get a new one sent out to Zambia - that shouldn't be a problem (Nick at Foley's in Livingstone will take recorded delivery). Use it when you enter your first country after Zambia.

If for any reason you do have issues with the RAC - which you shouldn't have - or time drags on getting it replaced - you can also enter Malawi on a 30 day TIP and renew several times there (I think 5 - ie 6 months total - but you'd have to check). There is a charge for a TIP but it is pretty minimal, 5,000MK from memory.

If you are heading further north you may be able to get into Tanzania on a TIP. I know a south african couple who did ($200). But from Kenya upwards a carnet is required.

Hi Desert Driver,

I crossed through Shesheke a couple of times late last year - no toll on the bridge, formalities in Zam were quite relaxed although quite disorganised. There was a brand new customs post being built at the time, the officials were all looking forward to moving into it - planned for 1st January.

We crossed over on a Sunday (I like Sundays and public holidays for border crossings as the staff seem more relaxed), it was a pleasure - much easier than the reports I've heard from Kazangula.

Oh - and in spite of reports that the Zambian officials would only accept Kwacha - they were only too pleased to accect USD (and at a better rate than either moneychangers or even banks would offer!).

Not saying it hasn't changed though....

Ian