Travelling through Zimbabwe by road offers unforgettable landscapes, majestic waterfalls, and rich culture. But driving here also poses challenges unfamiliar to many visitors. While hiring vehicles is very popular, it is easy to make mistakes that hurt both your experience and wallet. Below are the key errors people often make when driving themselves in Zimbabwe, along with deeper details about each problem and advice on how to avoid them by hiring a car through Final Rentals.
When tourists wait to book a vehicle until arrival, they often face limited options and higher prices, particularly during peak periods such as July and August. Vehicles such as 4WDs and SUVs, which are ideal for rural and off-road travel, are often in high demand. Delaying your booking could mean that only older, less comfortable, or poorly maintained cars are available. In some locations, pick-ups can be scarce. Booking early allows you to choose the class of vehicle you prefer, gives you time to compare prices, and improves the chance of finding special deals. Even a few weeks of preparation can reduce stress and ensure a better selection.
Road conditions outside cities can be unpredictable. Gravel, potholes, muddy tracks after rain, or sharp stones in rural districts all create risk. Many journeys cross remote and wild terrain, such as the road to Matobo Hills or journeys through Hwange National Park. Without adequate insurance, a simple tyre puncture or a crack in the windscreen might cost far more than anticipated.
Basic third-party insurance covers damage to others or legal liability, but might not cover your vehicle fully. Options like collision damage waiver (CDW), theft protection, or windscreen/tyre cover are essential extras. Without them, you could be liable for repair costs in remote workshops, deal with unwelcome bureaucracy, or lose deposit sums you thought were safe. Asking providers detailed questions about what each policy includes is critical. For more details on car insurance in Zimbabwe, check out What You Need to Know About Car Rental Insurance in Zimbabwe.
Many travellers arriving in Zimbabwe assume that a small, fuel-efficient sedan will be sufficient, especially when staying within major cities. However, conditions change once you leave urban areas. Rural roads can be unpaved or poorly maintained, and during the rainy season, tracks may become muddy or impassable without a high-clearance vehicle. Even roads marked as main highways can become treacherous when it rains.
For trips into Gonarezhou National Park, the Eastern Highlands, or scenic detours in Chimanimani, a 4WD or SUV with high clearance, sturdy tyres, and reliable suspension is highly recommended. While a small car may save on fuel, it can lead to delays, damage, or increased safety risks.
While fuel stations are abundant in Harare, Bulawayo, and other large cities, they are far less common in remote areas. Even when you find a station, card payment is not always accepted. Rural vendors may prefer cash, sometimes only in US dollars. Running out of fuel mid-route or being forced to accept exorbitant prices at roadside fuel stops is a common mishap.
On top of that, many contracts require you to return the vehicle with the same fuel level as at pick-up. Most rental contracts require you to return the car with the same fuel level, often a full tank. Failing to do so can lead to heavy charges. Always confirm the fuel policy, plan refuelling stops in advance, and carry cash for stations that don’t accept cards, especially in remote areas where fuel stations are scarce.
In Zimbabwe, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road, and speed limits are closely monitored, particularly on highways and when approaching towns. Police checkpoints are common, especially near borders and national parks, so carrying the correct documents is essential. You’ll need a valid driving licence, a passport or ID card, and if your licence is not in English or written in the Latin alphabet, an international driving permit or an official translation.
Many visitors assume an international driving permit is optional. However, if you cannot clearly show your credentials at a checkpoint, you risk being fined or even stopped from driving further. Seat belts are compulsory for all passengers, and using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited. Drink-driving laws are very strict, and claiming ignorance will not excuse you from penalties.
It’s tempting to jump straight into your trip, but taking time to inspect your rental car can save you from costly disputes later. Look for scratches, dents, worn tyres, or windscreen chips, and test key features like the lights, brakes, and wipers. Check the fuel level, ensure there’s a spare tyre, and take photos or videos of any existing damage with timestamps. Ask the rental agent to note these issues in the agreement. This way, you have proof of the car’s condition and won’t be held responsible for damage you didn’t cause.
Zimbabwe is a large country. The drive from Harare to Victoria Falls can take around eleven to twelve hours, depending on conditions. Harare to Mutare might take four to five hours, yet during the rainy season, winding roads may slow you down. Some roads are straight and smooth; others twist through mountains, forests, or farmlands.
If you underestimate travel times, you may end up driving in darkness, becoming fatigued, or arriving after services (fuel stations, restaurants, shops) are closed. This makes night travel risky. Always check the condition of roads along your route, especially if you plan to visit areas like Nyanga or Chimanimani. Plan overnight stops, allow more hours than daylight suggests, and prepare for slow progress.
Rental prices don’t always cover every cost. Extra charges may apply for tolls, parking, cross-border permits, additional drivers, or age-related surcharges. Airport pick-ups and one-way drop-offs can also add fees. Many contracts include mileage limits, with high rates for exceeding them. Service charges for cleaning, lost keys, or unpaid tolls are common, too. To avoid surprises, read the agreement carefully and factor in all expenses, including fuel, accommodation, food, and potential delays, before setting off.
Road lighting outside cities is often poor or non-existent. Wildlife may wander onto roads, especially in national parks or rural borders. Drivers who leave safe highway stretches and go on dirt tracks after sunset may face dangers from animals, potholes, or other vehicles without lights.
Travelling during the day is generally safer. If you must drive at night, stick to well-lit and frequently used roads and avoid remote backroads. Ensure your vehicle’s lights are in full working order, carry a flashlight, keep emergency contact numbers handy, have extra fuel reserves, and plan safe stopping points. Do not wander into dark or isolated areas.
Zimbabwe hosts many events and festivals that attract large numbers of visitors. During these times, demand for vehicles spikes. For instance, cultural festivals, art shows, safari season, or long public holidays may lead to vehicles being booked or prices rising sharply. If your trip coincides with a major festival in Bulawayo or Harare, or peak season for visiting Victoria Falls, plan well ahead.
Book your vehicle, possibly accommodations, and travel itinerary early. Otherwise, you may pay higher rates for the same class of vehicle, or be left with fewer choices or older models. For more insights on planning a road trip around Zimbabwe’s vibrant festivals, check out Feel the Rhythm of Zimbabwe on a Festival Road Trip for UK and French Travellers.
Because of seasonal rain, elevation, or geography, roads can deteriorate rapidly. Gravel roads can turn slippery, potholes may become hidden beneath water, and riverside routes may flood. Mountains in the Eastern Highlands are subject to mist, rain, and perceived shortcuts that turn into dangerous tracks.
Avoid planning over-confident routes without checking current reports from locals or recent travellers. Ask rental companies how suitable the roads are for the season. Bring spare tyres, repair tools, extra food, water, and warm clothing if heading to high elevations or remote areas.
Renting a car can make your journey more flexible, comfortable, and safe. Final Rentals provides a reliable solution for travellers, combining a wide range of vehicles with transparent policies and support designed for both first-time and experienced drivers.
For more tips on planning your journey and selecting the right vehicle, check out Plan Your Zimbabwe Road Trip With Our Complete Car Rental Guide.
Travelling by road through Zimbabwe offers stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable wildlife encounters that cannot be matched by staying in one place. However, self-driving carries risks if proper preparation is overlooked. Booking late, selecting the wrong vehicle, underestimating insurance needs, miscalculating distances, or ignoring rural fuel shortages can turn what should be an enjoyable adventure into a stressful experience.
Rent a car in Zimbabwe with Final Rentals to minimise these risks. Our transparent terms, responsive customer service, reliable fleet, and local expertise provide both safety and flexibility, allowing travellers to focus on the journey rather than logistical concerns. When planning a Zimbabwe road trip, consider your route, the terrain, and the provider that will best support your travel. By preparing carefully, checking conditions, and allowing for delays, a self-drive adventure in Zimbabwe can become a truly memorable and rewarding experience.
