Getting to Zimbabwe
International Flights
Zimbabwe has three main international airports:Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) - Harare
- Main gateway to Zimbabwe
- Most international connections
- Airlines include: Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Emirates, South African Airways, Fastjet, RwandAir
- Modern international terminal opened in 2016
- Direct flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nairobi, Addis Ababa
- Airlines include: British Airways (Comair), Fastjet, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Airlink
- Limited international connections
- Flights mainly from Johannesburg
- Airlines include: Airlink, Fastjet
- Book well in advance for high season (July-October)
- Consider flying into one city and out of another to minimize backtracking
- Johannesburg is the main regional hub with most connections to Zimbabwe
Border Crossings
For overland travel, Zimbabwe has several border posts:Zimbabwe-South Africa
- Beitbridge: Busiest and often congested border post (24 hours)
- Plumtree: Main western crossing (6am-10pm)
- Kazungula: Convenient for Victoria Falls travel (6am-6pm)
- Victoria Falls Bridge: Pedestrian and vehicle crossing (6am-10pm)
- Chirundu: Main northern crossing (6am-6pm)
- Forbes/Machipanda (near Mutare): Main eastern crossing (6am-6pm)
- Nyamapanda: Northeastern crossing (6am-6pm)
- Arrive early to minimize waiting time
- Have all vehicle documentation ready (including temporary import permits)
- Carry sufficient USD cash for visa fees and other charges
- Avoid Beitbridge on weekends and holidays if possible
- Consider using the KAZA Univisa if combining Zimbabwe and Zambia
Domestic Transportation
Domestic Flights
Internal flights save considerable time when traveling between major destinations:Main Routes:
- Harare ↔ Victoria Falls (1hr 30min vs. 8-10hr drive)
- Harare ↔ Bulawayo (1hr vs. 5-6hr drive)
- Harare ↔ Kariba (1hr vs. 4-5hr drive)
- Victoria Falls ↔ Kariba (charter flights)
- Fastjet Zimbabwe
- Air Zimbabwe (schedule reliability issues)
- Mack Air (scheduled charters)
- Safari Logistics (primarily for safari destinations)
- Available to remote safari destinations like Mana Pools
- Can be arranged through safari operators or lodge bookings
- Cost-effective when shared among several travelers
- Essential for accessing certain wilderness areas
- Book early as domestic flights have limited capacity
- Reconfirm flights 24-48 hours before departure
- Be aware of strict luggage limits on smaller aircraft (15-20kg in soft bags)
- Build in buffer days for connecting to international flights
Self-Drive
Rental Cars
Self-driving gives maximum flexibility but requires preparation:Major Rental Companies:
- Avis
- Europcar
- Budget
- Several local operators
- Standard sedan: Suitable for main highways and major cities only
- SUV/4x4: Essential for national parks and rural areas
- Fully equipped 4x4 camping vehicles available for safari trips
- Basic sedan: $50-80/day
- Mid-range SUV: $80-120/day
- 4x4 with camping equipment: $150-250/day
- Additional charges for one-way rentals
- Valid driving license from home country
- International Driving Permit recommended
- Minimum age typically 23-25 years
- Credit card for deposit
Road Conditions
Road quality varies significantly across Zimbabwe:Main Highways:
- Generally paved but with frequent potholes
- A1: Harare-Bulawayo (reasonable condition)
- A3: Harare-Mutare (good condition)
- A5: Bulawayo-Victoria Falls (variable condition)
- Mix of paved and unpaved surfaces
- Often deteriorated with potholes
- Limited signage outside major routes
- Mostly unpaved, rough surfaces
- 4x4 vehicles essential in rainy season
- Some areas impassable during heavy rains
- National park roads often challenging
- Potholes and broken pavement
- Livestock and wildlife on roads
- Limited street lighting
- Other vehicles without working lights
- Fuel shortages in remote areas
Self-Drive Tips
Essential self-drive advice for Zimbabwe:
- Drive on the left side of the road
- Defensive driving is essential; expect unpredictable road conditions and other drivers
- Avoid night driving whenever possible due to wildlife, pedestrians, and unlit vehicles
-
Carry essential supplies:
- Paper map (GPS coverage is unreliable)
- Extra water and snacks
- Basic tools and spare tire
- First aid kit
- Cash for tolls and fuel
- Plan fuel stops carefully; carry jerry cans for remote areas
- Always keep doors locked and windows up in urban areas
- Be polite and cooperative at police checkpoints (common on major routes)
- Download offline maps before traveling to remote areas
- Intermittent fuel shortages occur
- Premium service stations accepting USD typically have better supply
- Fill up whenever possible rather than waiting until nearly empty
- Major tourism areas usually have more reliable fuel supply
Private Transport and Guided Tours
For a hassle-free experience, consider:Private Transfers:
- Point-to-point transfers between major destinations
- Typical routes: Airport transfers, Victoria Falls-Hwange, Harare-Eastern Highlands
- Cost: $40-200 depending on distance
- Booking through hotels, tour operators, or online platforms
- Professional guides with extensive knowledge
- Fully equipped safari vehicles for game viewing
- Flexible itineraries possible
- Can be arranged for full trip or specific portions
- Cost: $150-300 per day including vehicle and guide
- Group tours with fixed itineraries
- Budget to luxury options available
- Good for solo travelers or those preferring structured experiences
- Often more cost-effective than private arrangements
- Range from 3-15 day circuits of main attractions
- Local knowledge and insight
- Navigation of difficult roads and border procedures
- Assistance with language barriers
- Enhanced wildlife spotting
- Safety and security
Public Transportation
Intercity Buses
Intercity Buses
Long-distance buses connect major cities and towns:Luxury/Express Services:
Standard Buses:
- Operators: Intercape, Pathfinder, City Link, ExtraCity Luxury
- Comfortable, air-conditioned coaches
- Scheduled departures and arrivals
- Advance booking recommended
- Main routes: Harare-Bulawayo, Harare-Mutare, Bulawayo-Victoria Falls
- Cost: $15-40 depending on distance
| Route | Operators | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harare → Victoria Falls | CAG, Intercape, ExtraCity Luxury | 12-14 hours | CAG departs 3pm, arrives ~8am. Carry water and snacks for the journey |
| Victoria Falls → Harare | CAG, Intercape, ExtraCity Luxury | 12-14 hours | Road conditions variable — expect a bumpy ride on some sections |
| Harare → Bulawayo | Intercape, Pathfinder, City Link | 5-6 hours | Most frequent service, multiple daily departures |
| Harare → Mutare | Pathfinder, City Link | 3-4 hours | Good road conditions on the A3 highway |
| Bulawayo → Victoria Falls | CAG, Intercape | 5-6 hours | Scenic route through western Zimbabwe |
| Harare → Kariba | CAG | 4-5 hours | CAG operates night bus departing ~9pm |
| Harare → Masvingo | Local operators | 3-4 hours | Gateway to Great Zimbabwe ruins |
- Numerous local operators
- Variable comfort and reliability
- More extensive network reaching smaller towns
- Typically depart when full rather than on fixed schedule
- Cost: $5-25 depending on distance
- Stick to established companies for intercity travel (CAG, Intercape, ExtraCity Luxury, Pathfinder)
- Avoid overnight journeys when possible, though night buses are common on longer routes like Harare-Victoria Falls
- Carry plenty of water, snacks, and painkillers for long journeys — road conditions can be rough
- Keep valuables secure and close to your person
- Confirm current schedules as they change frequently — contact operators directly or check at bus terminals
Minibuses & Kombis
Minibuses & Kombis
Local transportation within and between nearby towns:
- Known locally as “kombis” or “emergency taxis”
- 10-15 seat minivans serving fixed routes
- No fixed schedules—depart when full
- Very inexpensive ($0.50-2 per trip)
- Often crowded and sometimes poorly maintained
- Main form of transport for local population
- Limited space for luggage
- Route numbers/destinations displayed on windshield
- Ask locals about correct kombis for your destination
- Confirm price before boarding
- Keep valuables secure and easily accessible
- Not recommended for lengthy journeys
- Authentic experience but can be challenging for first-time visitors
Taxis & Ride Services
Taxis & Ride Services
Options in urban areas and tourist destinations:Conventional Taxis:
- Available in major cities and tourist areas
- Usually not metered—negotiate fare before trip
- Look for registered taxis with company markings
- Short trip in city: $3-5
- Airport transfers: $20-30
- Vaya Africa (similar to Uber) operating in Harare
- Limited availability outside the capital
- Requires local mobile data or WiFi
- Available in Victoria Falls town
- Suitable for short distances
- Negotiate rate before departure
- Use hotel-recommended taxi services where possible
- Avoid unmarked or unofficial taxis
- Share taxis with other travelers to reduce costs
- Keep small denominations for exact payment
Rail Services
Rail Services
Limited passenger rail services operate in Zimbabwe:Main Routes:
- Bulawayo-Victoria Falls (overnight service)
- Harare-Bulawayo (overnight service)
- Bulawayo-Beitbridge (intermittent)
- First Class: Private sleeping compartments
- Second Class: Shared sleeping compartments
- Third Class: Seated coaches
- Services frequently delayed or canceled
- Dated infrastructure and equipment
- Historic experience rather than efficient transport
- Advance booking necessary for sleeping compartments
- Limited food services—bring own supplies
- Generally not recommended for time-sensitive travel
- Victoria Falls-Bulawayo route can be scenic
- In person at railway stations
- Phone bookings possible but challenging
- No reliable online booking system
Transportation Planning by Region
Victoria Falls Area
Victoria Falls Area
Best Options:
- Walking within Victoria Falls town
- Organized tours for activities
- Hotel shuttles between accommodations and attractions
- Taxis for short trips ($3-5)
- Zambezi National Park: Transfer or self-drive (4x4 recommended)
- Chobe (Botswana): Day tours include transportation ($150-180)
- Hwange National Park: Private transfer (2 hours, $50-80 per person)
- Livingstone (Zambia): Taxi to border, walk across bridge, taxi on other side
- Victoria Falls town is compact and walkable during daylight hours
- Most hotels offer free shuttles to the falls and town center
- Private guides offer flexible full or half-day transport options
National Parks & Safari Areas
National Parks & Safari Areas
Limited Options - Plan Ahead:
- Self-drive possible only with proper 4x4 vehicle
- Most parks have no public transportation
- Organized transfers or tours are often the only practical option
- Scheduled road transfers from Victoria Falls
- Self-drive (4x4 essential for park roads)
- Charter flights to airstrips within the park
- Charter flights from Harare
- Self-drive with high-clearance 4x4 only (challenging)
- Transfers arranged through safari operators
- Self-drive with 4x4 (very remote)
- Transfers from Buffalo Range or charter flights
- Easy self-drive from Bulawayo
- Tours and transfers available from Bulawayo
Eastern Highlands
Eastern Highlands
Options:
- Self-drive is ideal (standard vehicles adequate on main roads)
- Limited public transportation to main towns (Nyanga, Mutare)
- Hired car with driver available from Harare
- Allow extra travel time during rainy season
- Some attractions are remote with poor signage
- Local guides can be arranged through accommodations
- Car rental from Harare with return is most practical option
Urban Areas (Harare & Bulawayo)
Urban Areas (Harare & Bulawayo)
Getting Around Cities:
- Ride-hailing services in Harare (Vaya)
- Registered taxis
- Kombis for local routes (challenging for visitors)
- Walking in central business districts during daytime
- Avoid walking after dark
- Use hotel-recommended taxis
- Keep car doors locked and windows up
- Be cautious at traffic lights, especially at night
- Supervised parking lots available in city centers
- Shopping malls have secure parking
- Street parking attendants in many areas (small tip expected)
Special Transportation Considerations
Accessibility Concerns
Transportation options for travelers with mobility limitations:
- Major car rental companies offer hand-controlled vehicles with advance booking
- Most luxury safari lodges can accommodate wheelchair users with prior notice
- Public transportation is generally not wheelchair accessible
- Victoria Falls has some wheelchair-accessible pathways
- Private transfers/tours can accommodate special needs with advance planning
- Specialized tour operators like Endeavour Safaris offer accessible safari vehicles
- Communicate specific needs well in advance
- Consider hiring vehicles with drivers who can assist
- Larger hotels can arrange appropriate transportation
- Focus on private rather than public transportation options
Family Travel
Transportation considerations when traveling with children:
- Car seats available from major rental companies (request in advance)
- Private transfers recommended over public transportation
- Consider vehicle size when booking—SUVs offer more space
- Break long journeys with frequent stops
- Schedule driving during children’s wake hours
- Pack entertainment for long drives
- Consider domestic flights for longer distances
- Safari vehicles: request ones with child seats/restraints
- Child safety standards vary; bring your own car seats if concerned
- Check that vehicles have working seat belts for car seat installation
Budget Travel
Economical transportation options:
- Intercity buses between major destinations
- Shared airport shuttles where available
- Sharing private transfers with other travelers
- Kombis for short local journeys (if adventurous)
- Economy car rentals for multiple travelers
- Backpacker lodges often organize shared transport
- Group tours with inclusive transportation
- Book accommodations with free airport transfers
- Combine destinations to minimize travel distances
- Look for other travelers to share costs in hotel lobbies/online forums
- Multi-day safari packages often more economical than separate transfers
Solo Travelers
Transportation advice for solo travelers:
- Join group tours to share transportation costs
- Use established intercity bus services
- Consider domestic flights for longer distances
- Ask accommodations to arrange trusted taxi services
- Hostels often connect solo travelers for shared transport
- Self-drive only recommended for experienced travelers
- Walking tours in Victoria Falls and city centers
- Share your itinerary with someone reliable
- Use transportation recommended by accommodations
- Consider tracking apps that share your location
- Avoid arriving at new destinations after dark
Transportation Planning Timeline
When to arrange different transportation elements:3-6 Months Before Travel:
- Book international flights
- Reserve specialized vehicles (4x4 camping vehicles, accessible vehicles)
- Book organized tours with transportation included
- Book domestic flights
- Reserve standard rental cars
- Arrange private transfers between major destinations
- Book luxury train experiences (if applicable)
- Confirm all bookings
- Download offline maps for self-drive
- Arrange airport transfers with accommodation
- Local taxis and day trips can be arranged through accommodations
- Reconfirm onward transportation 24-48 hours in advance
- Be flexible—transportation in Zimbabwe sometimes requires patience