West Nicholson

West Nicholson is a small town on the Limpopo River in southern Matabeleland South, near the border with South Africa. Named after the Scottish explorer and hunter, the town is a service centre for the surrounding livestock farming and wildlife areas. The West Nicholson area has hunting concessions and game ranches, and the Limpopo River offers seasonal flowing water.

By Plane

The nearest airports are Bulawayo (BUQ, 250 km north, 4 hours) and Beitbridge (150 km east, 2 hours).

By Train

No passenger train service.

By Car / Road

West Nicholson is 250 km south of Bulawayo (4 hours) via Gwanda, and 150 km west of Beitbridge (2 hours). The road is tarred.

The town is walkable.

• Limpopo River: The river at the border with South Africa.

• Game ranches: Wildlife and hunting concessions in the surrounding area.

• Wildlife viewing on surrounding game ranches.

• West Nicholson Hotel: Simple meals.

Bottled water is recommended.

• West Nicholson Hotel: Basic rooms from US$20–35.

Basic supplies at local shops.

• Beitbridge (150 km east, 2 hours) — border with South Africa.
• Gwanda (100 km north, 1.5 hours) — provincial capital.
• Gonarezhou National Park (180 km north-east, 3 hours) — remote wilderness.