(Last updated Dec 2017)
Here’s a quick-reference guide to internal flights in Zimbabwe. Connections between Harare, Victoria Falls and Bulawayo constitute the bulk of the airline routes, but other destinations in the country are also possible. Air travel is obviously the fastest transport option for getting around Zimbabwe, and there are flight options for a range of budgets.
Airlines and destinations in Harare
Affordable flight options:
- Air Zimbabwe has local flight connections between Harare, Victoria Falls, Johannesburg and Bulawayo. Air Zimbabwe is the cheapest flight option in Zimbabwe, but with this comes a risk that your flight may be delayed by an hour or so. In the grand scheme of things, even if your flight is slightly delayed, the journey will still be shorter than travelling via road. The airline is the mainstay of many Zimbabwean business travellers, primarily because of its affordability and long history. The service on the whole is good, and snacks are served onboard. Book via the phone, or in person link to their contact details once you arrive in the country, because their online booking system doesn’t contain an up-to-date list of destinations (last time I checked, anyway). Here’s a link to Air Zimbabwe’s contact details and their flight schedules. Flights aren’t usually full, so you can book once you arrive in Zimbabwe, or through a local travel agent. Chances are that you’ll still get a seat if you book 3 days before your flight.
- Rainbow Airlines is a relatively new airline, and it currently has flight connections between Harare and Victoria Falls (and regionally, Johannesburg). You can see their flight schedule here. They occupy the middle ground between low-cost and charter airlines. Initial customer response to this airline has been positive.
- Fastjet is a low-cost airline that connects Harare, Victoria Falls, and other regional locations. A good budget alternative that is much quicker than using the bus.
- BravoFly/FlyAfrica is a low-cost airline that connects Harare, Victoria Falls, Bulawayo, and other destinations around southern Africa. This is a budget airline but it has mixed reviews in terms of reliability.
Flights to safari lodges and bespoke destinations:
If you want to fly directly to Mana Pools, Kariba, Chiredzi, Mutare, Hwange, or other small destinations around Zimbabwe and southern Africa, there are airlines which specialise in these destinations.
- Safari Logistics Service (Run by African Bush Camps) – Connections to Victoria Falls, Hwange, Bumi Hills/Matusadona, Kariba and Mana Pools.
- Executive Air – This well-established company offers connections to most destinations within Zimbabwe and southern Africa, especially safari camps. You can see their destinations here, which include the Zambezi Valley, Kariba, Victoria Falls, and Hwange.
- HAC – Connections to most destinations within Zimbabwe and southern Africa, especially safari camps.
- Wilderness Air (Run by Wilderness Safaris) – Connections to Harare, Kariba, Rukomechi, and Victoria Falls (and with locations outside Zimbabwe: Makololo and Kasane).
If you want to visit one of Zimbabwe’s national parks and you’re looking for affordable transport, I would suggest you should fly to Victoria Falls and get a road transfer or bus to Hwange National Park.
Note: For local flights within Zimbabwe, you usually need to be at the airport around 1.5 hrs before your flight (1 hour if you are pushed for time).
Also see the following posts which give info on transport in Zimbabwe:
- Coach and bus travel in Zimbabwe – Private bus and shuttle companies offer affordable, clean and reliable connections around Zimbabwe. Read the post for destinations and routes
- Flights to Zimbabwe from South Africa and the rest of the world
- Transport within Zimbabwe – This is an overview of the transport options available in Zimbabwe
- Driving in Zimbabwe – Investigate the option of hiring a car and self-driving
