Around Zimbabwe Transport

Getting around Zimbabwe can be a major challenge and quite costly

Last Updated: 16 November 2022

Detailed below are public transport options between the major centres. Car hire and self-drive is an obvious option for most of these routes and the internal road network is generally good, just ensure you have the correct paperwork for the police road blocks on route (see Zimbabwe vehicle regulations).

If you are planning a long complicated itinerary it is really a good idea to get a local travel agent to put together the logistics for you, you might think this will cost more but it doesn't and it will honestly save you hours of frustration and in the end money, let them do what they know best.

There are also safari packages available, normally 5 to 9 days long, that will combine accommodation in different areas like Victoria Falls, Hwange, Kariba and Mana Pools transport between these will then be arranged. Contact us for details.

Harare to Bulawayo and Victoria Falls

FastJet Zimbabwe fly between Harare and Victoria Falls daily. Read more on Victoria Falls flights. There are also several private air charter companies that offer flights between these centres. Kuva Air have halted their flights between Harare and Kariba, and Harare and Victoria Falls.

A daily bus service is provided by Extra City - cheap and reliable. Stallion Cruise bus do the same trips. However, we do not recommend them on account of speeding on the highway.

Trains are definitely of 3rd world standard and only for the adventurous traveller who is not on a tight schedule. The Bulawayo to Victoria Falls train (currently out of service) is okay and a great route, but the train itself has certainly seen better days and is a bit smelly. Here's a useful website with more details seat61.com.

Harare to Kariba

Kuva Air (currently not available) operates return flights three times a week.

Other than the regular flight, one is limited to the air charter companies which come at a cost, but are the most reliable.

There are no decent scheduled bus services, so one is limited to a private mini bus transfer. There are a couple of companies that I am happy to recommend, prices vary on the amount of people travelling, please contact us for details.

There are NO trains that operate this route.

Harare to Mana Pools

The only options for this route are private air charter or private road transfer, please contact us for details.
 

Victoria Falls to Hwange

MackAir does fly to Hwange from Victoria Falls daily.

Air charter to Hwange airport or the various airstrips in Hwange are the other air options.

Road transfer is by private mini bus to either Mbala, Hwange Safari Lodge, Hwange Main Camp or Halfway House. The safari lodges will collect from either of these points.

One can also transfer to Dete and then take the Elephant Express - a safari rail transfer to Ngamo, then Bomani or Camelthorn Lodges will pick up from the siding.

The Pathfinder bus no longer operates, but the Extra City buses can drop off and collect at Halfway House or Hwange turnoff seven days a week.

Lin's Luxury Coaches do the Bulawayo - Victoria Falls route, twice a week. They also drop off and collect at Halfway House, Hwange and Lupane. Tickets are booked at Cresta Sprayview in Victoria Falls, and Princes Court Building in Bulawayo.

Please read our Hwange accommodation page for full details.

Victoria Falls to Kariba and Mana Pools

Air charter to Kariba Airport or Bumi airstrip is the only option for Kariba. For Mana Pools, however, air charter is your best bet.

The route by road is strictly 4x4 and takes about 2 days, therefore it's not viable as a road transfer, but can be done as a self-drive.

The Kariba Ferry sails between Mlibizi and Kariba on scheduled dates throughout the year, this is a great way to cover this distance. Roads transfers are then available from Vic Falls to Mlibizi or Kariba to Mana or Harare.

There are also safari packages available, normally 5 to 9 days long, that will combine accommodation in these areas - Vic Falls, Hwange, Kariba and Mana Pools. Transport between these will be arranged - Contact us for details.

4 x 4 Self-Drive Around Zimbabwe

There are a few companies that hire out 4 x 4 vehicles and with camping gear, for self-drive around Zimbabwe. For detailed information, please read our Victoria Falls 4x4 Rental page.

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