Air Taxi Service : cost effective air access to some of Zimbabwe's top safari and wildlife areas

For self drive guests

When entering Zimbabwe by (hired) car a ‘temporary import permit’ will be issued at the border. A Carbon Tax is charged based on engine capacity

A Road Toll of USD 100 is charged per car

A Third Party insurance covering Zimbabwe needs to be obtained at the border if no valid COMESA yellow insurance card has been provided by the car hire firm.

Payment is accepted in other currencies than US$ as well but we recommend to carry US$ cash in small denominations

By Road ::: Zimbabwe Map

Zimbabwe has a good road infrastructure by African standards although pot holed. Traffic drives on the left

Car rental | vehicle hire: Available at airports and main hotels. Documentation: International Driving Permit or national licence (for up to 90 days); if not in English it must be accompanied by a certificate of authority or translation of text.
Car hire is available but expensive - best suited for exploring the east and south-east of the country.

Victoria Falls and Kariba are connected by a very poor dirt road - there are two alternatives, drive on the Zambian side (8 hours, potholed tar) or take the Kariba/Milibizi Kariba Ferry (22 hours along lake Kariba)

Road transfers between Livingstone, Chobe, Hwange and Binga are easy to arrange

e.g The roads are quiet, there are two tolls between Bulawayo and the Falls at $1 each and several roadblocks

Proof of ownership of vehicle is essential. If the car is leased, obtain a clearance from the bank

Private Motor Vehicles

Motor vehicles, caravans and trailers may be brought temporarily into Zimbabwe, provided they are licensed in their home countries and bear appropriate registration plate and nationality plaque

Vehicles must be insured against third party risks arising in Zimbabwe, short-term policies are obtainable at border posts

Vehicles will not be considered roadworthy unless they are equipped with a fire extinguisher, warning triangles, a serviceable spare wheel and an efficient jack and a wheel spanner

Driving in Zimbabwe

International driving permits and valid driving licence's issued in Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland are valid in Zimbabwe. A visitor from any other country may, for 90 days or more (depending on the country of issue), use a valid driving licence, issued by the competent authority in that country. If not printed in English, it should have a printed certificate of authority and validity, or a transcription of the text with the bearer's photograph attached.

Rules of the road:

In Zimbabwe drive on the left hand side of the road and give way to traffic approaching on the road to your right at uncontrolled intersections.

At controlled intersections, motorists are required to yield to pedestrians crossing on a green light.

At all intersections, a fire engine, ambulance or police vehicle sounding a siren takes precedence over all other traffic; move out of its course

The general speed limit in Zimbabwe is 120 km/h on open roads and 60km/h in urban areas, but watch for signs

Harare to Kariba – Tarred all the way, toll gates present (2)

Mlibizi to Victoria Falls – Tarred all the way, some pot holed sections general condition is good

Mlibizi to Hwange – Tarred till Hwange park some pot holed sections general condition is good, dirt road in good condition.

Kariba to Mana Pools – Tarred till Mana Pools turn off, recommended 4x4 during the rainy season
From main road turn off, maintenance of dirt section limited

Southern Lake road via Binga/Deka/Karoi – Dirt road, corrugated but passable with 4x4, trickier in the rain season, advise getting updates on conditions before travel.

Southern Lake Road to Lake shore – Dirt roads, rugged 4x4 specially in the rain season, dry season still rugged but passable with time not recommend to travel with just one vehicle.

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