Zimbabwe Travel Guide - Getting Around

Connections to Buffalo Range, Bulawayo, Gweru, Hwange, Kariba, Masvingo and Victoria Falls are run by Air Zimbabwe and other airlines. There are also special light-aircraft services at Kariba and Victoria Falls offering sightseeing and game-viewing flights.

Ferries run on Lake Kariba from Kariba to Binga and Mlibizi.

There are trains between Bulawayo, Chiredzi, Harare, Labatse, Mutare, Plumtree, Triangle and Victoria Falls run by National Railways of Zimbabwe (website: www.planet.nu/sunshinecity/nrz). The rail system is underdeveloped and poorly maintained.

There is an excellent road network, with paved roads connecting all major towns and many rural areas. Traffic drives on the left. There are often fuel shortages, even in the main cities, and therefore it is wise to drive with a full tank of petrol when possible and be aware that public transport may be cancelled.

Bus/coach: There are a number of buses, minibuses and coach services serving most of the country. However, buses are not recommended since they are often overcrowded and inadequately maintained. Blue Arrow Luxury Coaches provides bus services to principal destinations including Harare-Bulawayo (via Chivhu and Kwe Kwe). For more details, contact the Zimbabwe Tourism Office (see Contact Addresses).

Car hire: Available at airports and main hotels.

Regulations: Speed limits are 40kph (25mph) in national parks, 120kph (75mph) on open roads and 60 to 80kph (40 to 50mph) on other roads. Police road blocks are common.

Documentation: International Driving Permit or national licence; if not in English, it must be accompanied by a certificate of authority or translation of text. Valid for 90 days.

A reasonable bus service is provided in Harare by a subsidiary of the Zimbabwe Omnibus Company. Tickets are bought in advance from booths. There is also a local bus network in Bulawayo.