Wild Zambezi has many requests from self-drive visitors to Zimbabwe about the road network linking Victoria Falls & Hwange with Kariba Town or Mana Pools, along the southern edge of Lake Kariba.
We always warn that this route is for adventurous, self-sufficient travellers with 4x4 ONLY.
Here are some tips:-
THE ROUTE: This is a long, slow and very remote journey - mostly along unpaved roads which can be in poor condition especially after the rainy season. Some parts of the route are occasionally graded and improved, but travellers should be aware that potholes and river crossings can prove challenging. (For the latest updates on the road, see CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS below).
4x4 ONLY is advisable even in the dry months. Travellers should be totally self-sufficient (with food, water and vehicle spares) in case of breakdowns. It is advisable to travel in convoy with at least one other vehicle, because of the remote nature of this journey.
FUEL is only available in the main centres (Vic Falls, Hwange, Mlibizi, Binga, Karoi, Kariba, Chirundu). Selected filling stations take payments in US$ cash for fuel. Seek local advice on availability.
DISTANCE: Victoria Falls - Kariba is roughly 770kms (480 miles); Vic Falls - Mana Pools, is about 800 kms (500 miles).
TIME is the real problem. It is not advisable (or safe) to attempt to do this trip in one day. Break the journey with an overnight stop at Maabwe Bay (which offers chalets and camping between Mlibizi and Binga), in Binga (lodges and chalets available),or Chizarira (remote camping only) before tackling the long journey south of Lake Kariba to Karoi, where you join the main highway north to Chirundu, with turn-offs to Kariba and/or Mana Pools. In the dry season, you can make Kariba in one very long day from Binga/Chizarira. However, you will not make it to Mana Pools because of National Park cut-off times for entry into the Park. You will need to spend a second night en route either at Makuti Travel Lodge (chalets), Marongora (camping only) or at Chirundu (various options).
MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK: We are delighted to report that, thanks to the work of African Parks who have partnered with ZimParks to manage the Matusadona National Park, the access road into the Park from this "back" road, has been improved considerably and is once again accessible for self-sufficient, adventurous travellers with sturdy 4x4 vehicles. Allow half a day to traverse the Park to the lakeshore at Tashinga HQ in the dry season. During the rains this road becomes impassable due to the river crossings.
CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS (Updated SEPT 2023)
We are grateful for some very useful up-to-date tips from the owners of Maabwe Bay about current travelling conditions along the whole of this remote "back route". (Maabwe Bay is a delightful little settlement offering camping and chalet accommodation on the shores of Lake Kariba between Mlibizi and Binga) Here's what they say - see the map above for detailed points en route:-
- The road from the 'Crossroads' turnoff between Dete and Kamativi is tarred and in reasonably good condition
- Between Kamativi and Mlibizi the road has many potholes, particular on the last stretch into Mlibizi.
- The road between the Mlibizi turnoff and the Binga turnoff at Manjolo is very potholed and in poor condition. But the gravel section to Maabwe Bay is in good condition.
- The gravel section between the Binga turnoff at Manjolo and Siabuwa is in reasonable condition.
- Visitors wishing to visit Chizarira National Park will be glad to hear that the roads have been rebuilt, but the gravel road into the Park up the Zambezi escarpment hills is fairly rough.
- From Siabuwa to the tar road 80kms short of Karoi, the gravel surface has washaways in parts, but is generally not too bad. Proceed slowly and with caution.
- The roads into the Matusadona National Park have been repaired and the road is in better condition than it has been for years.
- Warning: for safety reasons, it is advisable not to stop at the settlement near the Bridge over the Sanyati River - if you have to stop rather do so in a more remote area.
- The 80 kms of tarred road through Magunje to Karoi has been resurfaced and is currently in good condition. This road meets the Harare-Chirundu highway a few kms NW of Karoi.
ALTERNATIVELY - TAKE THE KARIBA CAR & PASSENGER FERRY
Wild Zambezi has been fortunate enough to experience the long self-drive route along the southern shore of Lake Kariba several times. We can certainly vouch for it as a true adventure for those who are independent and very well prepared.
However, the other way of getting you and your vehicle between Victoria Falls and Kariba or Mana Pools (or vice versa), is to take the Kariba car and passenger ferry.
Kariba Ferries offer a fully-catered overnight journey of 22 hours along the length of Lake Kariba, from Mlibizi to Kariba (or the other way). Note that it is essential to consult the Kariba Ferry schedule on their website and to be in touch with their booking office well in advance of your trip. The Ferry only runs when it has enough bookings to justify the trip. So it is vital to pre-plan with this in mind.
See also these related articles in Wild Zambezi's Travel Advice section:-
Self-Driving - Routes through the Zambezi Valley
Self-Driving - Tips and Practical Advice