Air Travel
- Companies: South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Airlink
- Duration: Approximately 12-14 hours (including layovers)
- Distance: 1,200 kilometers (746 miles)
- Costs: 3,000 - 5,000 PLN (depending on the booking time and airline)
- Roads/Routes: Not applicable
Pro Tip: Book your tickets at least three months in advance to secure the best rates, and use a flight comparison website to check for the cheapest options.
To travel from Bloemfontein to Livingstone, it is recommended to take a flight to Johannesburg (OR Tambo International Airport), followed by a connecting flight directly to Livingstone. This will save a significant amount of time compared to ground travel.
Road Travel
- Companies: Bidvest Car Rental, Avis Car Rental
- Duration: Approximately 24-30 hours (without extended stops)
- Distance: 1,700 kilometers (1,056 miles)
- Costs: 2,500 - 4,000 PLN (car rental, fuel, and tolls included)
- Roads/Routes: N1 (South African National Route 1) to Bulawayo, then A7 (Zimbabwe) to Livingstone
Pro Tip: Ensure you have all necessary road permits and comply with border crossing regulations; it's advisable to travel during daylight hours for safety.
For those who prefer an adventurous road trip, take the N1 from Bloemfontein, cross the border into Zimbabwe, and then take the A7 to arrive at Livingstone. Just be mindful of road conditions and local traffic regulations.
Train Travel
- Companies: Shosholoza Meyl (South African Railways)
- Duration: Approximately 36-48 hours (depending on connections)
- Distance: 1,200 kilometers (746 miles)
- Costs: 1,000 - 1,500 PLN (depending on class of service)
- Roads/Routes: Not applicable
Pro Tip: Consider booking a sleeper class for the overnight portion of the journey to ensure comfort and rest.
While less conventional, exceeding travel times can lead to a unique view of the landscape. Start by taking the train from Bloemfontein to Johannesburg, then transfer to a train heading to Livingstone. Make sure to check for the latest schedules and routes, which may vary greatly.