The upgrading of the Beitbridge-Victoria Falls highway in Zimbabwe is set to ease the movement of self-drive tourists between South Africa and Zimbabwe, and to other parts of Africa. The highway will be widened, with the construction of two lanes in each direction, making it a four-lane highway. Other improvements will include new road signs, visible road marking, re-tarring, and adding reflectors to the edges of the road.

South African firm, Khato Holdings sealed a deal with Zimbabwean authorities for the improvements to the Beitbridge-Victoria Falls highway at an estimated cost of US$2bn in a build, operate and transfer arrangement. Construction is expected to start during the first half of 2020.

Langton Masunda, a conservationist from Gwayi near Hwange National Park, says the upgraded highway will provide much-needed access to tourist sites such as Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls. “Congestion on the Beitbridge-Victoria Falls highway has been problematic, discouraging self-drive tourists. The improved highway will make it easy to drive on this road and certainly reduce accidents and congestion.”

Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe President, Innocent Manyera, says: “Roads are one of the prerequisites to access a destination, both by domestic and foreign travellers.” Travellers, he says, do not want to come across bad roads either on holiday or during a business trip. Travellers need roads that are convenient and accident free.

Other tourist attraction sites along the Beitbridge-Victoria Falls highway include Matobo Hills and Khami Ruins.