Multi-Day Routes Through Matabeleland North

October 31, 2026

Matabeleland North suits trips of three to seven days built around the A8 road. The main circuit joins Victoria Falls and Hwange, with Binga and Chizarira as slower add-ons for people with time and a suitable vehicle.

Victoria Falls and Hwange circuit

Spend the first nights at Victoria Falls, where the rainforest, a sunset cruise and a rafting or bridge day fit easily into two days. Then head south-east on the A8. Hwange Main Camp is about 172 to 195 km away, around 2.5 hours, and the turn-off is at Cross Mabale. Stop on the way at Painted Dog Conservation at Dete, which is free and takes up to about 2 hours.

Imvelo Safari Lodges’ Bomani Tented Lodge and Camelthorn Lodge are reached from Dete Siding by the Elephant Express railcar, about 2 hours to Ngamo Siding and then a short game-vehicle drive. It runs mainly for lodge guests, times follow the railway and a seat is not guaranteed, so book the lodge and the transfer together. Two nights at a Hwange camp gives you several game drives. August to November is the best viewing time, with May to July also good.

Hwange charges a ZimParks daily conservation fee plus a vehicle fee; confirm both with ZimParks or your operator.

Binga and Lake Kariba

Binga is on the southern shore of Lake Kariba. Leave the A8 at Cross Dete, by the Total garage, and expect about 154 km to Binga, tarred as far as Kamativi and potholed after that. From Victoria Falls it is about 305 to 310 km and 4 to 5 hours. Build in at least one night. The BaTonga Community Museum records the Tonga people’s displacement when Kariba Dam closed in 1958. Houseboats are based mainly at Kariba town, so do not plan on hiring one at Binga. Lake Kariba holds crocodiles and hippos, so keep out of the water.

Chizarira National Park

Chizarira is a remote park on the Zambezi Escarpment. You need a high-clearance 4WD, with four-wheel drive needed to climb the access gorge. The park headquarters are at Manzituba, and accommodation is basic camping at Mucheni Gorge and Mucheni View. Bring everything you need, including food, water and fuel. July to October is the suggested season.

Sample pacing

Days 1 to 3: Victoria Falls, with the rainforest and one adventure day.
Day 4: A8 to Dete and Painted Dog Conservation, then a Hwange camp.
Day 5: Game drives in Hwange.
Day 6: Return to Victoria Falls, about 2.5 hours.

Planning notes

Bulawayo is about 440 km from Victoria Falls, a 5.5 to 6.5 hour drive, so it only fits as an onward leg.
Do not drive outside towns at night. Livestock, potholes and scarce fuel are all common.
Malaria occurs year-round in the Zambezi Valley, Victoria Falls, Hwange and Binga.
Prices are quoted in US dollars, and the ZiG is the domestic currency.

Look for safari stays on Booking.com . Lodge details: Imvelo Safari Lodges and Chizarira notes .