Johannesburg to Victoria Falls

The Great North Road

The drive from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls is one of Southern Africa's epic road trips — a 1,600-kilometre journey that crosses the Limpopo River, traverses the length of Zimbabwe, and arrives at one of the world's greatest natural wonders. It is a journey that rewards those who take their time and explore along the way.

Route Options

Route 1: Via Beitbridge and Bulawayo (Recommended)

The classic route runs north through South Africa's Limpopo Province, crosses into Zimbabwe at Beitbridge, and follows the A6/A4/A8 via Bulawayo and Hwange to Victoria Falls.

• Total distance: approximately 1,600 km
• Minimum driving time: 18-20 hours (without stops)
• Recommended duration: 4-6 days

Route 2: Via Botswana (Chobe/Kasane)

An alternative route runs through Botswana via the A1 to Nata, then north to Kasane and across to Victoria Falls via Kazungula.

• Total distance: approximately 1,800 km
• Advantage: Avoids Beitbridge border, includes Chobe National Park
• Disadvantage: Longer distance, additional border crossings

Day 1: Johannesburg to Beitbridge (530 km)

The Drive

Depart Johannesburg early via the N1 highway heading north. The road is a well-maintained highway through Limpopo Province, passing through Polokwane (formerly Pietersburg) and Musina.

Tips for Beitbridge Border

• Arrive as early as possible (5-6am is ideal) to beat the queues
• Have all documents ready: passport, vehicle registration, insurance
• Purchase temporary vehicle import permit (TIP) at the border
• Carbon tax payment is required for Zimbabwe entry
• Budget 1-3 hours for the crossing (more during holidays)

After the Border

If you cross early enough, continue to Bulawayo (320 km, approximately 4 hours). Otherwise, overnight in Beitbridge town.

Day 2: Beitbridge to Bulawayo (320 km)

The Drive

The A6 from Beitbridge runs through the hot, dry lowveld of Matabeleland South, climbing gradually to the cooler highveld around Bulawayo. The road passes through Gwanda — a good fuel stop — and the landscape transitions from semi-arid bushveld to more temperate woodland.

Arriving in Bulawayo

Bulawayo deserves at least a full day of exploration. The city's wide avenues, Art Deco architecture, world-class museum, and warm hospitality make it one of Southern Africa's most underrated cities.

Day 3: Bulawayo Exploration

Spend the day discovering Bulawayo:

• Morning — Matobo Hills day trip for rock art, rhino tracking, and Cecil Rhodes' burial site
• Afternoon — Natural History Museum and city centre walking tour
• Evening — dinner at one of Bulawayo's excellent restaurants

Day 4: Bulawayo to Hwange (280 km)

Follow the A8 northwest through the dry Matabeleland bushveld. Stop in Lupane for fuel, and arrive at Hwange National Park by early afternoon for your first game drive.

Day 5: Hwange Safari Day

A full day in Hwange is one of the highlights of this road trip. Morning and afternoon game drives, a waterhole sit, and the chance to see elephants in their thousands make Hwange an unforgettable experience.

Day 6: Hwange to Victoria Falls (160 km)

The final stretch to Victoria Falls takes 2-2.5 hours on a good tar road. Arrive in time for a sunset cruise on the Zambezi — the perfect way to celebrate completing one of Southern Africa's great road trips.

Vehicle Requirements

• A standard sedan or SUV is sufficient for the entire route between cities
• 4x4 recommended if you plan to drive within Hwange National Park
• Spare tyre — carry a good spare and ensure you know how to change a wheel
• Fuel jerry can — useful for the less-serviced stretches through rural Zimbabwe

Documentation for South African Rental Cars

If renting a car in South Africa for this trip:

• Confirm with the rental company that cross-border travel to Zimbabwe is permitted
• Obtain a cross-border letter from the rental company
• Arrange additional cross-border insurance
• Carry the vehicle registration papers, rental agreement, and cross-border letter at all times
• Not all rental companies allow cross-border travel — check before booking

Fuel Planning

• Fill up before leaving Johannesburg
• Reliable fuel at Polokwane, Musina (South Africa)
• Fill up immediately after crossing into Zimbabwe at Beitbridge
• Key fuel stops in Zimbabwe: Gwanda, Bulawayo, Lupane, Dete (Hwange), Victoria Falls
• Carry USD cash for fuel — not all stations accept cards

The Johannesburg to Victoria Falls road trip is a journey of contrasts — from the sprawling metropolis of Jo'burg to the wide-open spaces of Zimbabwe, from the bureaucracy of the Beitbridge border to the warm welcome of Bulawayo, from the wild silence of Hwange to the thundering spectacle of the falls. Every kilometre tells a story.