Zimbabwe is a land of stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and hidden corners waiting to be explored. While major cities and attractions get a lot of attention, some of the most unforgettable experiences happen when you hit the road—windows down, music up, and the freedom to stop wherever your heart desires. At Flavour Car Rental, we believe the journey is just as important as the destination. That’s why we offer self-drive, chauffeur, airport transfers, and cross-border options to fuel your road-trip dreams. LinkedIn+1
Below, we’ve curated 5 scenic drives across Zimbabwe—each one offering something different, from rugged wilderness to colonial heritage. Pick your route, choose your vehicle, and get ready to explore.
1. Harare → Nyanga → Mutare (Eastern Highlands Loop)
Distance / Time: ~300 km to Nyanga, then ~120 km to Mutare
Highlights: rolling hills, waterfalls, indigenous forests, cooler climate, tea estates
Start from Harare and head north-east into the Eastern Highlands. In Nyanga, visit Troutbeck Falls, the highest waterfall in Zimbabwe, or hike to Mount Nyangani (Zimbabwe’s highest peak). From Nyanga, wind your way to Mutare, passing through forested landscapes and crossing the Honde Valley, with its tea plantations and misty vistas.
Why this route?
- Great mix of nature + culture
- Cooler climate gives relief from the heat
- Ideal for travelers wanting both serenity and off-beat stops
2. Harare → Great Zimbabwe → Masvingo
Distance / Time: ~300 km
Highlights: Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Matobo Hills detour, cultural immersion
Drive south from Harare toward Masvingo. En route, stop by the Great Zimbabwe National Monument—a majestic stone city that is the namesake of the country. It’s a must-see for history buffs and travelers wanting to connect with Zimbabwe’s heritage. If you have time, detour via Bulawayo and pass through the awe-inspiring Matobo National Park.
Pro tip: Plan your stops well—some rural roads are less maintained, so choose a car suited for occasional rough patches.
3. Victoria Falls → Hwange → Bulawayo
Distance / Time: ~440 km (Victoria Falls to Bulawayo, via Hwange)
Highlights: Victoria Falls, wildlife in Hwange, historical Bulawayo
Begin at the iconic Victoria Falls (one of the Seven Natural Wonders). From there, drive east/southeast through Hwange National Park – you might spot elephants, buffalo, and many bird species along the way. Finish your leg in Bulawayo, a city full of colonial-era architecture and rich Ndebele culture.
Why it works:
- Combines nature + city experiences
- Wildlife viewing en route
- Great for travelers on 7–10 day Zimbabwe itineraries
4. Bulawayo → Matopos → Gwanda → Masvingo
Distance / Time: ~400 km+ depending on route
Highlights: Dramatic rock formations, cultural heritage, fringe rural Zimbabwe
From Bulawayo, explore Matobo Hills — known for its balancing rocks, cave paintings, and rhino sanctuary. Then head southeast through more rural terrain toward Gwanda or directly to Masvingo (passing lesser-known villages and landscapes). This is for travelers who want to see authentic Zimbabwe off the beaten track.
5. Cross-Border Adventure: Harare → Lusaka or Harare → Johannesburg (via Botswana or Zambia)
If you’re feeling ambitious, take advantage of Flavour Car Rental’s cross-border and regional reach (Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, etc.). LinkedIn Start in Harare and drive north into Zambia, passing through the Zambezi, or head west/south through Botswana toward Johannesburg. These are longer trips, but incredibly rewarding if you want to see Victoria Falls, Chobe, Okavango, or the Kalahari along the way.
Tips for a Smooth Road-Trip in Zimbabwe (Especially with Flavour Car Rental)
- Choose the right vehicle: For rougher, rural or off-grid segments, go for an SUV or 4×4. For city drives or highways, economy sedans save costs.
- Plan fuel stops: In remote zones, fuel stations can be sparse. Carry extra fuel if your route demands it.
- Have 4×4 essentials: toolkit, jack, spare tire, water, snacks.
- Check road & weather conditions: Some rural roads become tricky in the rainy season.
- Border crossing prep: If doing cross-border, ensure your paperwork is in order (insurance, permits, customs).
- Book ahead: Especially during holiday seasons. Flavour Car Rental offers options for chauffeurs, airport pick-ups, and priority service. Trustpilot
Why Travel with Flavour Car Rental?
- Modern, clean fleet backed by positive customer reviews (4.5/5 on Trustpilot) Trustpilot
- Cross-border and regional capacity, covering Zimbabwe and neighboring countries LinkedIn
- Flexible services: self-drive, chauffeur, taxi, airport pick-up and transfers Facebook+1
- Personalized touches: fast communication, priority bookings, and excellent customer care
Call to Action
Ready to turn your Zimbabwe travel dreams into a road-trip reality? Check out our fleet options, see cross-border rates, or book now at flavourcarrental.com. Let us take care of the logistics—you take care of the memories.
Leave a Reply