Destination Guides
Zimbabwe

 
ravel - International
 
Air

The national airline is Air Zimbabwe (UM) (website: www.airzim.co.zw). Approximate flight times: From Harare to London is 10 hours 30 minutes. There are direct flights connecting London with Victoria Falls. Connections from the capital to Bulawayo take approximately one hour.

 
Main airports

The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (website: www.caaz.co.zm) is responsible for air travel and airports in Zimbabwe.
Harare (HRE) is 14km (9 miles) southeast of the city. To/from the airport: Coaches run at regular intervals to the city (travel time – 20 minutes). Taxis are available. Facilities: Post office, restaurant, duty free shop and bank/bureau de change.
Bulawayo (BUQ) is 24km (15 miles) from the city. To/from the airport: Limited bus and taxi services are available.
Victoria Falls (VFA) is 22km (13 miles) from the town. To/from the airport: Bus and taxi services are available. Facilities: Bureau de change, duty free shop, bars, restaurant and car rental.

 
Departure tax

US$20 (non-residents); US$20 or Z$1100 (residents). Children under two years and transit passengers are exempt.

 
Rail

There are train connections from South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia.

 
Road

There are roads from Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. Off the main routes (Beitbridge and Victoria Falls), travel conditions are often difficult during heavy rains. Border posts are generally open from 0600-1800, although the more popular route through Beitbridge is open from 0600-2230. For details, contact the Embassy or High Commission (see Passport/Visa Information).

 
 
 
ravel - Internal
 
Air

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.

 
Rail

There are daily 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 under-developed and poorly maintained.

 
Road

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 Authority (see Top Things To Do). Car hire: Available at airports and main hotels. 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. Regulations: Speed limits are 40km/h (25mph) in National Parks, 120 k/h (75mph) on open roads and 60-80k/h (40-50mph) on other roads. Police road blocks are common and it is an offence to continue driving when the President's motorcade passes.

 
Urban

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.

 
Water

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