Border formalities at Beitbridge (Zimbabwe)

Hi everyone, We’re self-drivers planning a trip through Zimbabwe in 2026—our route is Johannesburg, Zimbabwe, Mozambique. We’ll have a rented 4x4. We’d like to know about any difficulties at the borders between South Africa and Zimbabwe, and between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Also, which park in Zimbabwe is the best? Thanks in advance for your replies!

JP

Hi there,

I see the region hasn’t left your thoughts. 😉

Beitbridge is a very busy border post, especially for heavy trucks coming up from Durban toward inland Africa. But it’s the only crossing between the two countries. You’ll just have to grin and bear it—or, depending on where you’re coming from and heading in Zimbabwe, go through Botswana. Pont Drift is a little-known crossing right near Mapungubwe NP.

It looks like you can now enter Mozambique without a pre-arranged visa, and the formalities are handled at the border. In that case, it’s probably better to use a major post like Mutare.

For Zimbabwe’s parks, Hwange is a must, even if the northern parks are interesting (though they might be tricky to access if there’s been a lot of rain).

Thanks for your reply, Tell me, at the Drift Bridge border with Botswana, is there a crossing to Zimbabwe?? I don’t want to go back up through Botswana to Kasane—I’ve already done that three times. For parks and places, we’re mostly looking for wild spots, routes that aren’t too touristy. You can find us on "msiafricaroadtrip." Thanks for your insights! Have a great Sunday.

Thanks for your reply, Tell me, at the Drift Bridge border with Botswana, is there a crossing to Zimbabwe?? I don’t want to go back up through Botswana to Kasane—I’ve already done that three times.

Hi,

In 2015, we traveled from Zimbabwe to Botswana via Plumtree Border Post to avoid the Beitbridge border post.

Thanks for the reply, but I’d like to avoid going back into Botswana if at all possible. On the other hand, we really like the Limpopo region. We’ll see—thanks again

Hi, Crossed via PontDrift in May 2023 to avoid Beitbridge. Really nice track, almost no one around, and trucks aren’t allowed at the border. The formalities are super quick, and the customs officers were happy to see foreigners. It’s definitely a detour, but it’s worth it.

Thanks, but about Pont Drift—do we cross straight into Zimbabwe there, or do we have to head back up to Kasane? Thanks for your replies! See you soon

No, Pont Drift doesn’t allow access to Zimbabwe. You’ll need to go back up to Plumtree, as Nathalie mentioned, which is well before Kasane and can be reached without taking the main road you want to avoid.

This route has its advantages: it gives direct access to Bulawayo (an interesting city), and you won’t find the tourists from Kasane or the trucks from Beitbridge. It all depends on your plans—if you’re heading to Hwange, it’s an alternative to Zimbabwe’s main roads.

If you’re not going to Hwange, Beitbridge is a good option (it’s open 24/7, so arrive as early as possible in the morning). It could take you to a lesser-known park, like the one you seem to be looking for—Gonarezhou NP, an extension of Kruger. There used to be (I’m not sure if it’s still open) the option to cross the border there via the Parfuri border post as part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.

I just wanted to thank you for your reply, even if it was a bit late—thanks! See you soon