Help please - Zimbabwe Roads Conditions.

[Chris Wilson]

I am seeking some advice please.

We arrive in Botswana in about 5 weeks and travel south, eventually crossing into Zim via Plumtree around 10 May.

On 13 May we head to Hwange from Matobo.

According to Google maps, Bulawayo to Main Camp is about 287kn (5h45)

The alternate route, via Plumtree & Pandamatenga is much longer at 10h25.

I do know that Google Maps is not the be all and end all. I have read that the Bulawayo to Hwange road is in poor condition. Is the route doable in a day? We would prefer not to break the trip (Kenmaur).

Regards

Chris

[Margot Donaldson]

Hello Chris

The first 80kms are not bad towards Insuza - after that it’s in bad repair.

They are currently working on the road but only a few new sections have been opened up.

You need to allow 6 hours to travel from Byo to the Main Camp turn. It’s at this point that there is a detour.

Are you towing or just vehicles ? If towing add another 1 to 2 hours.

Best regards

Margot

Ps if it not raining the detour just outside Byo will be better - it’s very muddy when wet.

Maabwe Bay Camp

Lake Kariba 

Phone no/Wattsapp 00263776977446

Or Netone line usually better 00263719478520

Email marg...@icloud.com

FB: Maabwe Bay

https://Tracks4Africa.co.za/listings/item/w255166/maabwe-bay-campsite/.

On 11 Mar 2026, at 10:51, Chris Wilson <1957cd...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[manfr...@mweb.co.za]

Hi

The road Bulawayo to Hwange is bad with sections under construction and requires 5 to 6 hrs .

If towing  add an hour.

Regards

Manfred

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[Chris Wilson]

Thank you.

As suspected.

Unfortunately there do not seem to be any alternatives.

Fortunately we are not towing.

Any suggestions wrt tire pressure? I guess deflating would not be a good idea.

Thanks

Chris

Sent from my iPhone

On 11 Mar 2026, at 19:27, manfr...@mweb.co.za wrote:



To view this discussion, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/tracks4africa/011901dcb139%243d2688a0%24b77399e0%24%40mweb.co.za.

[Chris Wilson]

Many thanks. Fortunately both Hilux’s are not towing (but are likely to be quite heavy with RTT etc.)

The only alternative seems to be going back in to Bots, but that route is far too long (time and distance).

Thank you for your input.

Regards

Chris

Sent from my iPhone

On 11 Mar 2026, at 19:27, manfr...@mweb.co.za wrote:



Hi

To view this discussion, visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/tracks4africa/011901dcb139%243d2688a0%24b77399e0%24%40mweb.co.za.