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

Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA)

• 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

Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ) - Bulawayo

• Limited international connections

• Flights mainly from Johannesburg

• Airlines include: Airlink, Fastjet

Flight Tips:

• 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

For overland travel, Zimbabwe has several border posts:

Zimbabwe-South Africa

• Beitbridge: Busiest and often congested border post (24 hours)

Zimbabwe-Botswana

• Plumtree: Main western crossing (6am-10pm)

• Kazungula: Convenient for Victoria Falls travel (6am-6pm)

Zimbabwe-Zambia

• Victoria Falls Bridge: Pedestrian and vehicle crossing (6am-10pm)

• Chirundu: Main northern crossing (6am-6pm)

Zimbabwe-Mozambique

• Forbes/Machipanda (near Mutare): Main eastern crossing (6am-6pm)

• Nyamapanda: Northeastern crossing (6am-6pm)

Border Crossing Tips:

• 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

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)

Airlines:

• Fastjet Zimbabwe

• Air Zimbabwe (schedule reliability issues)

• Mack Air (scheduled charters)

• Safari Logistics (primarily for safari destinations)

Charter Options:

• 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

Tips:

• 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

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

Fuel Situation:

• 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

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

Tour Guides with Vehicles:

• 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

Organized Tours:

• 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

Benefits:

• Local knowledge and insight

• Navigation of difficult roads and border procedures

• Assistance with language barriers

• Enhanced wildlife spotting

• Safety and security

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

1-2 Months Before:

• Book domestic flights

• Reserve standard rental cars

• Arrange private transfers between major destinations

• Book luxury train experiences (if applicable)

2-4 Weeks Before:

• Confirm all bookings

• Download offline maps for self-drive

• Arrange airport transfers with accommodation

During Your Trip:

• 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