Hwange Town Airport

Hwange Town Airport (WKI) - 2,000 words

Discover Zimbabwe's Wildlife Wonders With Hwange Town Airport

Introduction

Located in Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe, Hwange Town Airport is the main access point for visitors to one of Africa's top wildlife areas: Hwange National Park. Though the airport is small, it acts as a gateway to all of the park's numerous ecosystems, each home to hundreds and in some cases thousands of Africa's most well-known wildlife species.

Airlines and Destinations

Hwange Town is a domestic airport and only has nominal service within Zimbabwe to other hubs. The longest of the non-stop routes is from Hwange to Kariba (118 miles / 190 km, around 55 mins). The airport does not have the most extensive route network, but it is a key link for visitors on their way to experience Hwange National Park and the region beyond.

Passenger Flights

Hwange Town Airport is a small type of airport in Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe; it has minimal passenger and flight movements. The two domestic routes the airport serves account for all monthly flights, reminding us that 40% of this total is always derived from a combination of scheduled and ad-hoc charter operations on behalf of airlines. We do not have exact passenger figures, but given the size of Hwange National Park and the limited network flying to it, it is likely a diverse mix: those who prefer direct access to the experience (tourism sector), those who own or operate properties on-site, as well as alternative private charters, etc.

How to Get Here

There are several options for easily accessing Hwange National Park itself, and thus the town where these flights land at: 'Hwange Town Airport'. Top of the list for ease and convenience is to FLY into Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), 100km / ~62 miles northwest of Hwange, if you are an international traveler. From there, you can be picked up with a road transfer or take the option of self-driving to the park's main gates, which are around 2-3 hours away.

Travelers can also fly into Bulawayo's Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ), which is closer to the southern entrance of Hwange National Park. It is about a 5-6 hour drive from Bulawayo to Hwange.

Parking

The airport is equipped with very limited parking just outside the terminal building that accommodates private vehicles and a shuttle bus from Hwange Town. Parking is complimentary and for the convenience of hotel guests driving to or from the airport, as well as those arriving with a vehicle service arranged in advance.

Transportation Prices

Getting to Hwange National Park can be expensive, but that is mostly because air and land transportation are usually involved. Please note that prices for flights to Hwange Town Airport and ground transfers into the park are season and operator dependent. Before travelers confirm their plans, they should explore these choices and their prices in order to choose the most convenient option for their needs.

Terminal Layout

Hwange Town Airport is a small single-terminal facility that accommodates the very limited passenger traffic it serves. Check-in counters, a seating area, and passenger services are also available in the terminal building for departing passengers on arrival. This makes finding your way around the terminal a breeze, even for travelers less familiar with airports.

Navigate the Airport

Hwange Town Airport is small and easy to navigate through the terminal building for those seeking facilities. Travelers can easily find their way to the baggage claim area for checked bags, ground transportation options, and any services they might need once they reach the terminal. The plain, unadorned aesthetics of the airport are a guarantee of ease and simplicity for its users.

Getting Between Terminals

Hwange Town Airport is a single-terminal airport, so rest assured that you will not be required to travel between two terminals. It is a small terminal building where you will find all arrivals and departures are processed, thus there should be no need for further transfers or transportation between facilities.

Services and Amenities

Hwange Town Airport is a regional facility that offers very minimal services. Some of the basic facilities which you can find at this station are a waiting area, toilets, and maybe a small cafe as well. The vast majority of services at the airport revolve around providing efficient access to nearby Hwange National Park rather than extensive passenger amenities.

Restaurants and Shops

Service at this airport is limited compared to the larger domestic airports. Passengers might find a minor cafe or snack bar within the terminal building to aid the essential needs of snacking for travelers. But the airport itself has few dining or retail options, as its primary role is providing a convenient entry point to the nearby wildlife oasis of Hwange National Park.

Security and Customs

Hwange Town Airport is an international airport, so all standard international travel rules for departing and arriving passengers apply. Travelers will be screened and cleared by the normal processes to ensure air travel remains safe and secure. Even though the airport is not that large when compared to others, these procedures do take time, so make sure you have enough time before your flight.

Accessibility

Hwange Town Airport and Hwange National Park are accessible to people with disabilities for the most part. Infrastructure in and around the airport caters to passengers with diverse mobility needs. It is recommended that visitors contact the services related to specific accessibilities and assistance in advance for a comfortable trip without problems.

Travel Tips

• Book flights and ground transportation ahead of time, particularly during busier travel periods, to ensure the lowest rates and access.
• Bring light and practical clothing comfortable for the warm climate of the area.
• Bring sun protection, insect repellent, and any required medications, as the park is a fair distance from a store.
• Familiarize yourself with the rules and guidelines of the park to have a secure wildlife-spotting tour.
• Find local guides or tour operators to ensure you the best possible experience of observing the abundant wildlife and forest diversity in different parts of the park.
• Finally, be ready for the journey, as it takes 2-3 hours to drive from Kilimanjaro Airport to a number of park entry points (depending on your starting point).

Hwange Town Airport is the point of entry into one of Africa's most enthralling wildlife sanctuaries, Hwange National Park. This little airport, due to its strategic position and having a direct entrance to the national park, is of great value for travelers wanting easy access to this famous hotspot with unique wildlife. For either the veteran safari enthusiast or first-time visitor, Hwange Town Airport is a perfect starting point for an unforgettable visit to Zimbabwe's wildlife oasis.