Discover the stories behind some of Africa’s coolest bridges

by Staff Bona

Bridges are far more than steel and stone. In Africa, they tell tales of colonial ambition, border disputes, daring engineering, and even tourism thrill-rides.

From a bridge curved to dodge a disputed border, to another built so trains could be “sprayed by the mist of the Falls,” these crossings are icons of both human ingenuity and the continent’s complex history.

Here are Africa’s coolest bridges – and the stories that make them unforgettable.

Kazungula Bridge

Straddling the Zambezi River between Botswana and Zambia, the Kazungula Bridge is Africa’s newest superstar. At first glance, its elegant cable-stayed span looks straightforward, but take a closer look: the bridge curves. For years, Zimbabwe disputed whether Botswana and Zambia even shared a border. The compromise was an audacious design bend that ensured no concrete touched Zimbabwean soil.

@m.j.t_traveltours Kazungula Bridge 🌁 Sunrise 🌄 🇧🇼 🇿🇲 #botswana🇧🇼tiktok #zambiantiktok🇿🇲 #southafricatiktok🇿🇦 #namibiantiktoker🇳🇦 #zimbabwetiktok🇿🇼🇿🇼🇿🇼🇿🇼 #fyp #foryoupage ♬ Sky on Fire – Lonely in the Rain

Opened in 2021, the bridge has replaced an inefficient ferry system, slashed border delays, and created a sleek trade artery linking southern and central Africa. With two traffic lanes, pedestrian walkways, and even a railway line for future cargo ambitions, Kazungula is not just a bridge – it’s a diplomatic triumph.

Victoria Falls Bridge

When Cecil Rhodes dreamt of a railway “from Cape to Cairo,” he demanded that it pass “where the trains will catch the spray of the Falls.” His vision materialised in 1905 with the Victoria Falls Bridge – a sweeping steel arch perched 128 metres above the Zambezi River.

Built in just 14 months with steel shipped from England, this engineering marvel became a gateway between Northern and Southern Rhodesia (today Zambia and Zimbabwe). It symbolised colonial ambition, copper trade, and rail expansion – but also architectural grace.

Today, the bridge has reinvented itself as an adventure playground: bungee jumpers hurl themselves into the gorge, bridge walkers trace its rivets, and travellers stand astride two countries with thunderous waterfalls as backdrop.

Bloukrans Bridge

Cutting through the Garden Route’s emerald folds, the Bloukrans Bridge arches 216 metres above its namesake river. Completed in 1983, it was South Africa’s tallest and boldest concrete arch bridge of its time.

But what made it truly famous wasn’t transport – it was adrenaline. Since 1997, the Bloukrans has been home to the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee jump. Thrill-seekers from across the globe line up to throw themselves into the gorge, making the bridge a rite of passage for daredevils and a landmark stop on the scenic N2.

Maputo–Katembe Bridge

Stretching over three kilometres across Maputo Bay, the Maputo–Katembe Bridge is the continent’s longest suspension bridge and Mozambique’s proudest modern icon.

Before its completion in 2018, ferries were the only way to reach Katembe. Now, the bridge has transformed commuting, boosted development, and opened new tourism and housing prospects on the city’s southern flank.

Its pylons soar 141 metres high, anchored on foundations driven 110 metres deep into the bay floor. Constructed with Chinese financing and expertise, it’s a triumph of engineering ambition – though it also raises questions about debt, maintenance, and the politics of foreign-funded mega projects.

Why bridges matter here

From colonial rail dreams to post-independence megastructures, Africa’s bridges reflect the continent’s past and future. They connect not just places but also people, economies, and ideas. Some were born from empire, others from regional cooperation, but all stand as bold human imprints on Africa’s dramatic landscapes.

Written by Lee-Ann Steyn

First published by Getaway

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