🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Zimbabwe
✈️ Flying to Zimbabwe
Main Airports
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) — Zimbabwe's main international gateway, 15 km northeast of Harare. Direct flights to Dubai (Emirates), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Cape Town. Hub for domestic connections to Victoria Falls and Bulawayo.
Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) — Modern terminal rebuilt in 2016, 18 km from the town centre. Direct flights from Johannesburg (Airlink), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), and Cape Town. The most convenient gateway for the falls and Hwange National Park. The KAZA UniVisa ($50 USD) covering both Zimbabwe and Zambia is available here.
Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport (BUQ) — Bulawayo's airport, 22 km north of the city. Flights to Johannesburg (Airlink), Harare, and Victoria Falls. Best access point for Matobo Hills, Khami Ruins, and western Zimbabwe safari areas.
💡 Which Airport to Use?
Flying directly to Victoria Falls (VFA) saves a full day's travel for waterfall visitors. For Great Zimbabwe ruins or the Eastern Highlands, fly into Harare (HRE). Bulawayo (BUQ) is best for Matobo Hills and western safari circuits.
🚕 From Airport to City
Harare (HRE)
Taxi to city centre: $20–30 USD. Journey time around 20–30 minutes. No Uber — use authorised airport taxis or pre-booked transfers. Ride-hailing apps have limited coverage in Harare.
Victoria Falls (VFA)
Taxi to Victoria Falls town: $25–35 USD, approximately 20 minutes. Transfer to the falls themselves takes another 10 minutes. Many lodges offer free airport pickup — confirm when booking.
Bulawayo (BUQ)
Taxi to Bulawayo city centre: $15–25 USD, around 30 minutes. City is compact and navigable. No reliable ride-hailing services — hotel transfers recommended.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa on arrival available for most nationalities. Single entry $30 USD, double entry $45 USD. Available at all international ports of entry.
KAZA UniVisa ($50 USD) — covers Zimbabwe and Zambia. Available at Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) and the Victoria Falls land border. Ideal if you plan to visit both sides of the falls or cross into Zambia. Valid 30 days.
SADC citizens (South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, etc.) may enter visa-free. Always check your specific passport's requirements before travel.
Check visa requirements for Zimbabwe →🌍 Getting to Zimbabwe from the Region
From South Africa — Road from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls via Beit Bridge border crossing: approximately 10–11 hours. Beit Bridge is the busiest land border crossing in southern Africa. Long delays possible on weekends and public holidays. Intercape and Greyhound operate overnight buses on the Johannesburg–Harare route.
From Botswana — Road from Kasane (Chobe) to Victoria Falls: around 80 km via the Kazungula border post. Very popular with travellers combining Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls. Quick border crossing, usually under an hour.
From Zambia — Victoria Falls Bridge connects the two countries. Walking or taxi across the bridge is the standard crossing. The Zambia side of the falls (Livingstone) is 20 minutes from the Zimbabwe side by road. The KAZA UniVisa covers both countries.
From Mozambique — Road via Forbes Border Post (Beira Corridor) into eastern Zimbabwe. Used mainly by overlanders and travellers continuing to Chimanimani or Mutare.
✈️ Domestic Flights
Harare to Victoria Falls
Fastjet Zimbabwe and Air Zimbabwe operate daily services. Flight time: approximately 1 hour 10 minutes. Fares from around $183 USD one-way. Flying is far more practical than the 8-hour road journey, especially for shorter trips.
Other Domestic Routes
Harare–Bulawayo is served several times daily by Fastjet Zimbabwe and Air Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls–Bulawayo is connected 6 times per week. Mutare is served by Euroairlines from Harare (from April 2026).
✈️ Booking Tip
Book domestic flights directly with Fastjet Zimbabwe or Air Zimbabwe. Fastjet's website is the most reliable for current schedules. Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead during peak season (July–October).
🚗 Getting Around Zimbabwe
Self-Drive
Zimbabwe drives on the left. Roads between major cities are generally tarred, but potholes and livestock on the road are common hazards. A 4WD is strongly recommended for game parks and rural areas, especially in the rainy season (November–April). International driving licence accepted.
Guided Safari Transfers
Most Hwange and Mana Pools visitors travel by fly-in charter from Victoria Falls or Harare to bush airstrips. Lodges arrange all ground transfers. This is the standard way to access remote safari camps.
Long-Distance Buses
Intercape and Pathfinder Coaches operate between Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls. Comfortable air-conditioned coaches. Not commonly used by international tourists, but reliable for the Harare–Bulawayo corridor.
⛽ Fuel & Cash
Fuel is paid in USD cash at most stations outside major cities. Keep USD notes handy throughout Zimbabwe — smaller denominations ($1, $5, $10) are essential for tips, markets, and park entry fees.
🚙 Renting a Car
Car rental is available at Harare and Victoria Falls airports. International operators (Europcar, Hertz, Avis) operate at Harare. Victoria Falls has local operators and transfer companies. Rates start from around $50–80 USD per day for a standard vehicle; 4WDs cost more.
Things to Know
- Drive on the left — same as South Africa, UK, and Australia
- 4WD essential for Hwange, Mana Pools, and rural roads
- Police roadblocks are common — keep documents ready and be polite
- Speed limits: 60 km/h in towns, 100 km/h on open roads, 120 km/h on highways
- Animals on roads — particularly dangerous at dawn, dusk, and night
- Fuel: pay in USD cash; keep tank above half in remote areas
🚗 Compare Rental Cars in Zimbabwe
💰 Money & Payments
- USD is king: The US Dollar is the de facto currency for most tourism transactions — entry fees, lodges, restaurants, and activities all quote in USD
- Carry cash: ATMs in Harare and Victoria Falls dispense USD but are unreliable. Bring enough USD from home for your stay
- Small bills matter: $1 and $5 notes are essential — many vendors and park staff can't break $50 or $100 bills
- Cards: Major credit cards accepted at larger lodges and restaurants in cities; useless in national parks and remote areas
- Park entry fees: Zimbabwe Parks (ZPWMA) charges USD per person per day — have cash ready at all park gates