Overview
Zimbabwe is a country in Africa according to militarynous. One of Zimbabwe’s most impressive natural sights is undoubtedly the famous Victoria Falls, which offer a new, breathtaking perspective from every angle. Stretching from the north-east to the south-west is the low Highveld mountain range, which connects the country’s two largest cities, Harare and Bulawayo, and is the country’s most populous area. Zimbabwe is home to some of southern Africa’s finest game parks. The total of 44,688 km² of wildlife and national parks (11% of the country’s area) include the forested mountains of the eastern plateau, the sun-scorched grans of Hwange National Park and the hot Mopani forest on the shores of Lake Kariba. There are also several botanical gardens, sanctuaries and more than a dozen safari areas where hunting – which finances conservation programs and is strictly controlled – is permitted. However, modern Zimbabwe faces serious problems. Despite the slow improvement in the economy, large parts of the country are suffering from famine and the government is unable to combat the HIV and AIDS pandemic, which is estimated to be affecting a quarter of the population. A historic power-sharing between President Mugabe and opposition leader and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai that occurred in 2008.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
There are no non-stop flights to Zimbabwe from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Ethiopian Airlines (ET) connects Frankfurt/M. and Vienna via Addis Ababa with Harare. Feeder flights to Frankfurt/M. or Vienna from Zurich are possible with Swiss (LX) and the respective national airlines, Lufthansa (LH) and Austrian Airlines (OS). Air Zimbabwe (UM) serves the Harare – Johannesburg route, among others.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Harare: 14 hrs 30 mins; Vienna – Harare: 14 hrs 50 mins; Zurich – Harare: 16 hrs 35 mins (journey time varies depending on length of stopovers).
Departure fee
Approximately €17 (US$20) payable on departure for international flights; children under the age of 2 and transit passengers who leave the airport within 24 hours are excluded.
Arrival by car
Zimbabwe is accessible by land from Tanzania, Malawi, South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana and Zambia. The N1 motorway runs from Cape Town (South Africa) via Bloemfontein and Johannesburg/Pretoria to Harare. The main roads to the border crossings at Beitbridge and Victoria Falls are well developed. Border crossings are generally open from 6am-6pm, often until 8pm on the busier routes through Beitbridge, Plumtree and Victoria Falls. For more information, contact the embassy or the Zimbabwe Tourist Office (see addresses). Long-distance bus: There are regular bus services between Johannesburg and Harare, including daily service by Greyhound (journey time: approx. 16 hrs 30 mins). Toll: Some motorways are subject to tolls. The tolls are to be paid at tollbooths on the motorway. Documents: In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required.
Arrival by train
A train runs several times a week from Francistown (Botswana) to Bulawayo. There are no train connections to Zimbabwe from South Africa and Zambia.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
Air Zimbabwe (UM) and Fastjet (FN) connect Harare to Victoria Falls and Bulawayo. Helicopter tours are available over Victoria Falls.
Traveling by car/bus
The road network in Zimbabwe has a total length of approximately 97,440 km and reaches all of the country’s towns. Toll: Some motorways are subject to tolls. The tolls are to be paid at tollbooths on the motorway. There are enough petrol stations, but fuel is sometimes not available. Therefore, it is advisable to use fueling opportunities early on, especially when traveling overland.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Left
Condition of the roads
About 25% of the road network is asphalted; essentially these are the connecting roads between the larger cities. Roads in rural areas are gravel roads that are difficult to drive on, especially when it rains. Potholes are always to be expected.
Road classification
The road network includes motorways, national roads and country roads, each of which is marked with a letter and a number. Motorways start with an A, national roads with N and country roads with R.
Car rental
Car hire is available at airports, through hotels and in most tourist areas. Drivers must be at least 22 years old (varies by vehicle category) and have at least one year driving experience; Under 25 years old, you often have to pay a young driver fee.
Taxi
Taxis can be found in the cities, especially in front of larger hotels, but they can also be called by telephone. The vehicles are equipped with taximeters. However, it is advisable to agree on a price, especially for longer journeys.
Coach
Buses, including Eagle Liner, run between the cities. However, there is a warning against overland journeys with public buses. These are often in poor technical condition.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – Seat belts are compulsory. Speed limits: – urban: 60 km/h; – trunk roads: 120 km/h; on gravel roads, however, a maximum of 100 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of damage to the vehicle: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. In the event of breakdowns or accidents with the rental car, the car rental company should be contacted first.
Documentation
In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required.
Traveling in the city
Buses operate in Harare, with connections to the suburbs, and Bulawayo also has a public bus network. Taxis are another convenient way to explore the cities.
Locally on the way by train
National Railways of Zimbabwe trains operate on the Harare-Bulawayo, Harare-Mutare, Bulawayo-Victoria Falls, Bulawayo-Chiredzi, Bulawayo-Chicualacuala and Bulawayo-Francistown routes, among others. Children under the age of three travel for free, children between the ages of three and eleven pay half the regular fare. Passengers aged 60 and over receive a 25% discount from Monday to Thursday.
Traveling by ship
Boats can be rented in Kariba. Cruises across Lake Kariba and charters are also available.
