Fuel shortages and poorly maintained public transport can make getting around Zimbabwe difficult.
Photo © iStock/JordiStock
Prepare for roadblocks
Roadblocks are common throughout Zimbabwe, and can appear with little warning. So as a tip keep your identification documents, including car registration and ownership papers, nearby. They must be shown when requested by police.
Roadblocks have also been used to prevent access to ZANU-PF "no go" areas by the opposition. If you are stopped at a roadblock and told not to go further, you are strongly advised to turn back.
The golden rule of African travel: don't ignore good advice.
Drivers are often subjected to bribery demands. This is a common situation, so don't be surprised and don't be aggressive.
Public transport in Zimbabwe
African public transport is always an experience, so get prepared for a wild ride.
Zimbabwe has struggled to improve its public transport, which can be unreliable and dangerous, and should be avoided.
Inter-city commuter bus travel, except by luxury coaches, is over-crowded with poorly maintained vehicles and the drivers are often fatigued, don't stick to speed limits, and have little regard for traffic rules or regulations.
Other annoyances
Shortage of basic commodities can occur from time to time throughout Zimbabwe.
Fuel shortages, sometimes severe, are common. Power outages and water cuts, sometimes lasting for weeks, are common everywhere, including the cities.
Zimbabwe can also apply vehicle charges (payable in foreign currency) for short-term foreign motorists. These charges include a new carbon tax, road tolls and increased border tolls.
Political intrigue on the toad
The streets around State House, the official residence of the President, and the Botanical Gardens are particularly sensitive. Stay alert for police vehicles and police motorcycles flashing lights and sirens, and move quickly off the road if overtaken by a motorcade.
Quick tip
When travelling around Zimbabwe, take a pair of latex gloves.
Make that several pairs actually.
These are in case you are involved in, or stop to help, a road accident involving serious injuries or bleeding, as Zimbabwe has one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS infection in southern Africa.
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3 Comments
Be fair!!! we might be going through financial crisis but in safety Zimbabwe is the best people walk freely without any insecurities of spontaneous terrorism. Above all we are a God fearing Nation we trust God for everything. One day we will be resuscitated from this painful situation
There are a couple of luxury coach lines in Zimbabwe, the most well-known is Pathfinder. The quality of a Pathfinder bus is equivalent to that of a coach in a first world country - well maintained, comfy seats, air conditioning, big windows and excellent drivers that stick to the speed limit and obey road rules. They even provide a prayer at the beginning and end of your journey. These luxury coaches travel to most places that a traveller would like to visit, and it's possible to hire a taxi or car and driver to take you to any out-of-the-way places. Roads in Zimbabwe are in good condition by African standards. There is no need to travel by local chicken bus (what is referred to above as "public transport") - for a westerner the cost difference isn't huge, and the luxury coaches are quite cheap.
I am thinking of traveling to Zim in 2022 possibly during the spring months for a 2-3 week holiday.
Not overly interested in game parks, and would rather use the coach service that was recommended in your article.
Have heard the locals are pretty amazing, so also planning to stay with locals [this would help families rather than hotel chains}.
Any suggestions?
Thank you.