Bulawayo to Hwange

Through the Heart of Matabeleland

The drive from Bulawayo to Hwange National Park is one of western Zimbabwe's most rewarding short road trips — a 280-kilometre journey through the dry, beautiful bushveld of Matabeleland North that transitions from the tended suburbs of Zimbabwe's second city to the wild frontier of Africa's greatest elephant park.

Route Overview

The route follows the A8 highway northwest from Bulawayo, passing through Lupane and arriving at the eastern edge of Hwange National Park. The drive takes approximately 3.5-4 hours without stops, but building in time for breaks and exploration makes it a much more enjoyable experience.

The Journey

Leaving Bulawayo (0 km)

The A8 exits Bulawayo's western suburbs and quickly transitions to open countryside. The first section runs through commercial farmland and communal grazing areas, with the landscape gradually becoming drier and more heavily wooded.

Nyamandlovu (40 km)

The small settlement of Nyamandlovu lies about 40 minutes from Bulawayo. There's a fuel station here — top up even if you don't need to, as fuel supply becomes less reliable further along the route.

The Teak Belt (100-200 km)

As you move further from Bulawayo, the landscape transitions into the characteristic Kalahari sandveld of western Zimbabwe. Magnificent Zambezi teak forests line the road, their straight trunks and spreading canopies creating cathedral-like avenues that are particularly beautiful in the late afternoon light.

This is excellent birding country. Keep an eye out for Bradfield's hornbill, Arnot's chat, racket-tailed roller, and Bennett's woodpecker — all species associated with the teak woodland ecosystem.

Lupane (170 km)

Lupane, the capital of Matabeleland North Province, is the natural halfway point. The town has fuel stations, a few shops, and basic refreshments. It's a good place to stretch your legs and experience a slice of rural Zimbabwean life.

Cross Dete Junction (250 km)

The junction at Cross Dete marks the turn-off for Hwange's Main Camp, the park's administrative centre. From here, the access road leads to Main Camp and the network of game-viewing roads in the park's northern section.

Dete and Private Concessions

Continuing past Cross Dete, the A8 passes through the small settlement of Dete, where several access roads lead to private safari concessions on the park's northern and eastern boundaries. Many of the region's finest lodges — Somalisa, Little Makalolo, Camp Hwange, and others — are accessed from roads branching off this section.

Things to See and Do Along the Way

Painted Dog Conservation Centre

Located near Dete, the Painted Dog Conservation Centre is dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of African wild dogs — one of the continent's most endangered large carnivores. The centre offers guided tours, educational exhibits, and the chance to see rehabilitated wild dogs in large naturalistic enclosures.

Hwange Colliery

The town of Hwange (formerly Wankie) is Zimbabwe's coal-mining capital. While not a tourist attraction per se, the massive coal operations visible from the road provide a striking contrast to the wilderness just a few kilometres away.

Kennedy Pan and Sinamatella

For those with 4x4 vehicles and more time, the road from Lupane to Sinamatella camp enters the park from the east — a less-travelled route that passes through excellent game country with far fewer vehicles than the main northern roads.

Practical Information

Road Conditions

The A8 is a tar road in generally fair condition. Watch for:

• Potholes — particularly in the rainy season
• Slow trucks — the road is a major freight route with limited overtaking opportunities
• Animals on the road — cattle, goats, and occasionally elephants near the park boundary
• Pedestrians — people walk along the road shoulder throughout the route

Fuel

• Fill up in Bulawayo before departure
• Fuel available at Nyamandlovu and Lupane (but don't rely on it — fuel supply can be intermittent)
• The last reliable fuel before entering Hwange is at Dete or Cross Dete

Timing

• Depart Bulawayo by early morning to arrive at Hwange in time for an afternoon game drive
• The golden hour light in the teak forests makes this drive particularly photogenic in the late afternoon — consider timing your journey to catch it

The Bulawayo-to-Hwange drive is a transition — from civilisation to wilderness, from city to bush, from the known to the unknown. As the teak forests close in around the road and the first elephant tracks appear in the sandy verges, you know you are crossing a threshold into one of Africa's great wild places.