Zimbabwe: The Journey Awaits

Zimbabwe boasts international airports in Harare and Victoria Falls. When journeying to Zimbabwe from beyond Africa, you will discover significant connection points in Johannesburg, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Nairobi, Doha, Addis Ababa, and Amsterdam. Many airlines offer flights to Johannesburg, creating an appealing gateway for traveling to Zimbabwe through South Africa. This route frequently presents a more budget-friendly option and provides a broader selection of airlines to explore.

To ensure a seamless journey, it is best to set aside 3 to 5 hours for your layover in Johannesburg. O.R. Tambo airport in Johannesburg is quite expansive and well-maintained compared to other African airports, featuring an array of shops, restaurants, and scenic runway views. Make sure your bags are checked all the way through to Zimbabwe when you check in at your departure airport. The flight from Johannesburg to Harare spans approximately 1.5 hours, ensuring a journey that feels quite pleasant.

Exploring the Transport Options in Zimbabwe

Discovering Zimbabwe offers a range of exciting options, from hassle-free packaged tours to thrilling self-drive safaris and engaging public transport journeys. There are various ways to travel, such as by road, air, or rail, each offering unique advantages and disadvantages.

Exploring Road Transport Options in Zimbabwe

For the ultimate freedom, self-driving is the path to take. Self-driving offers the liberty to design your journey and maximize your time, allowing you to alter your path whenever you wish. Taking the wheel offers freedom and great savings, particularly when venturing into the wonders of national parks. A 4×4 vehicle is essential for an unforgettable journey. Consider hiring a car or bringing your own into the country, just ensure you have the proper paperwork in order. Embarking on a self-drive journey involves setting up your own campsite, preparing your own meals, and navigating through traffic and logistics.

Private bus companies such as Citylink and Pathfinder offer dependable routes to Harare, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, and various towns along these journeys. Choosing these buses can lead to effortless and enjoyable travels.

For local, seasoned, and daring travelers, minibusses known as ETs (Emergency Taxis) are available, but they may not be well-suited for tourists due to their fast and informal nature.

Air Travel in Zimbabwe

Air travel offers an exciting way to explore, with numerous flights linking key destinations across Zimbabwe. There are options that will not break the bank, alongside more luxurious airlines, accommodating a range of financial plans. Air Zimbabwe offers the most affordable flights among local carriers, connecting Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls. Fast Jet connects the vibrant cities of Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls, along with the stunning destinations of Kariba and Hwange. Alongside these airlines, a variety of charter companies offer flights to safari destinations, though these tend to be on the pricier side.

Exploring the Railways of Zimbabwe

Rail travel in Zimbabwe offers a range of experiences, with each route presenting its own unique journey. First Class offers a journey that feels more expansive and safe than what you might experience on buses or planes.

Think about your interests and requirements as you choose the most exciting way to discover Zimbabwe. There is not a universal answer, and while some may enjoy having every detail managed for them, others might relish the opportunity to dive in and tackle things themselves. Being adaptable can lead to great rewards; sometimes it is best to take to the skies to save precious time and choose options that align with your budget. African Budget Safaris focuses on creating personalized small group private safaris, enabling you to design your own safari itinerary and experience the ultimate adventure.

Zimbabwe Safari Rides

In Zimbabwe, the safari vehicles are typically open-sided 4x4s, perfect for an exhilarating experience in the wild. These vehicles, including open-sided 4×4 Land Cruisers and Land Rovers, feature tiered seating for elevated wildlife viewing and provide an exhilarating safari experience. The spaciousness of these vehicles brings you in touch with the wildlife and the great outdoors, while also offering fantastic views for snapping incredible photos.

Exploring Travel Times & Distances in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe boasts a decent road network featuring Toll Roads that typically charge about US$ 2. The expanses are vast, and while taking a drive allows you to truly experience the landscape, flying offers a swift and convenient alternative.

Journey from Johannesburg to Harare Distance: 1124 km / 698 mi
About a 14-hour journey by land, or a flight that takes just under 2 hours. Set aside ample time for the frequently lengthy border crossing at Beitbridge.

Journey from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls Journey: 1280 km / 795 mi
A lengthy journey awaits, spanning approximately 15 hours, not counting border crossings and breaks along the way. The journey from Jozi to Victoria Falls takes just 1.5 hours by flight.

Harare to Bulawayo spans 439 km / 273 mi
The journey from Harare to Bulawayo is a captivating one, taking approximately 5.5 hours on good roads, with the two cities not too far apart. Toll roads charge approximately US$ 2 each. Soaring through the skies will last for 45 minutes.

Journey from Harare to Victoria Falls 709 kilometers / 440 miles
The journey from Harare to Victoria Falls by road spans just under 10 hours, whereas a flight will whisk you there in about an hour.

Journeying from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls 435 kilometers / 270 miles
The journey from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls can be completed in about 5.5 hours by car, or you can opt for a quick 45-minute flight.

The journey from Harare to Mana Pools National Park spans 388 km / 241 mi.
Mana Pools is a little more than a 6-hour drive from Harare, not counting any breaks along the way. The journey from Victoria Falls to Mana Pools spans approximately 12 hours, covering a distance of 786 km / 488 mi. Chartering flights from Vic Falls, Harare, Bulawayo, or Kariba is an exciting option to explore.

Journey from Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park 116 kilometers / 72 miles
Hwange is just a short drive of 1 hour and 45 minutes from the breathtaking Victoria Falls.

Zimbabwe is a vast land brimming with exciting travel possibilities, from exhilarating flights to thrilling self-drive safaris. Package deals offer the benefit of entrusting logistics to seasoned professionals, ensuring that your safari experience is optimized for your budget and takes you to all the right places. Zimbabwe offers a unique experience for every adventurer. It is beneficial to explore various possibilities with a knowledgeable travel consultant and determine where you can optimize your journey by flying and where driving might be more economical.