Transport Options in Western Zimbabwe
Getting around western Zimbabwe is part of the adventure. The region's transport options range from luxury air transfers to shared minibuses, and choosing the right option depends on your budget, schedule, and appetite for authenticity.
Air Travel
Domestic Flights
- Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) — the region's main airport, receiving direct international flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and regional connections
- Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, Bulawayo (BUQ) — regular flights to/from Harare and Johannesburg
- Hwange National Park Airport (HWN) — small airport near Main Camp, used primarily by charter flights and some scheduled services
Charter Flights
Charter flights and light aircraft transfers are available for inter-lodge connections, particularly between Victoria Falls, Hwange camps, and Matobo Hills lodges. These are typically arranged by safari operators as part of accommodation packages.
Self-Driving
Road Conditions
- Victoria Falls to Bulawayo (A8) — approximately 440 km, 5-6 hours. Good tar road in reasonable condition
- Victoria Falls to Hwange Main Camp — approximately 200 km, 2.5-3 hours. Good tar road
- Bulawayo to Matobo Hills — approximately 35 km, 45 minutes. Good tar road
- Bulawayo to Beitbridge (A6) — approximately 320 km, 4-5 hours. Variable road condition
- Victoria Falls to Kasane (Botswana) — approximately 85 km, 1.5-2 hours including border crossing
Vehicle Choice
- A standard sedan or SUV is sufficient for all major routes between towns
- A 4x4 vehicle is essential for:
- Game drives within national parks
- Roads to Binga and the Lake Kariba area
- Dry-season access to remote camps and lodges
- The eastern Hwange access road via Tsholotsho
Driving Tips
- Drive on the left — Zimbabwe follows British driving conventions
- Speed limits — 60 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on secondary roads, 120 km/h on main highways
- Fuel — carry cash (USD or ZiG) for fuel purchases. Credit cards are accepted at some but not all stations. Fill up whenever you can, particularly before long stretches
- Roadblocks — police roadblocks are common. Have your documents ready and be polite
- Animals on roads — cattle, goats, and donkeys wander onto roads, particularly in rural areas and at night
- Night driving is strongly discouraged outside urban areas
Car Rental
Car rental is available in Victoria Falls, Bulawayo, and Harare from international brands (Avis, Europcar, Hertz) and local operators. Book well in advance during peak season (June-October). Rates for 4x4 vehicles are significantly higher than for sedans.
Public Transport
Intercity Coaches
- Pathfinder and Intercity operate scheduled coaches between Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls
- Journey times: Harare to Bulawayo (5-6 hours), Bulawayo to Victoria Falls (5-6 hours)
- Coaches are generally safe, comfortable, and air-conditioned
- Book in advance during holiday periods
Minibuses (Kombis)
Shared minibuses (kombis) are the most common form of public transport for locals:
- Very affordable — a fraction of the cost of coaches
- Frequent — departing when full from bus terminals in major towns
- Crowded — expect to be packed in tightly
- Variable safety — driver standards vary, and overloading is common
Kombis are an authentic Zimbabwean experience, but most tourists prefer coaches or private transfers.
Local Transport in Towns
Victoria Falls
- The town centre is walkable — most hotels, restaurants, and the falls entrance are within walking distance
- Taxis are available but negotiate the fare before departing (typical rates: $5-15 within town)
- Hotel shuttles — most hotels and lodges provide shuttle services to the falls, town, and activity pick-up points
Bulawayo
- The city centre is flat and walkable during the day
- Taxis are available — use registered taxis from ranks or booked through your hotel
- Emergency taxis (shared minibuses on set routes) operate throughout the city — cheap but confusing for first-time visitors
Organised Transfers and Tours
For travellers who prefer not to self-drive, most tour operators and lodges arrange:
- Airport transfers — included in most accommodation packages
- Inter-town transfers — private vehicle with driver between destinations
- Day-trip packages — including transport, border crossings, and activities (particularly popular for Chobe day trips from Victoria Falls)
- Multi-day tour circuits — covering Victoria Falls, Hwange, Bulawayo, and Matobo Hills with all transport and accommodation included
The best way to get around western Zimbabwe depends entirely on what kind of traveller you are. Self-drivers gain freedom and flexibility; coach passengers gain comfort and reliability; kombi riders gain stories. Choose your transport, and it will shape the trip as much as the destination.
