Self-drive Zimbabwe

http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk
Tel/Fax: 02380 879675
General: 07714736382
P O Box 248, Hythe, SO45 4WX, United Kingdom


Self-drive Zimbabwe

Self-drive holidays in Zimbabwe are very popular with the local people living in Harare but foreign tourists are often discouraged by a lack of their sense for adventure and readiness to experience the sites from a tour bus or aeroplane window. But for those willing to map out their own routes in a hired vehicle adventure awaits.

Zimbabwe’s road network includes some 18 400km of road designated as state roads, of which 6 000km are two lane bituminous surfaced road, 1 700 are single lane bituminous surfaced roads, 10 705 are gravel and earth roads. Generally most roads are still in good condition and maintained when possible. Zimbabwe has its share of fuel shortages but most car hire companies now have fuel supplies conveniently located around the country to assist holidaymakers when planning their trip.

The full beauty of the flora and fauna that Zimbabwe has to offer can only be realised and explored by jumping into a vehicle and spending time behind the wheel. The Eastern Highlands (at present has no other access available unless by a motor vehicle) are reminiscent more of the Scottish Highlands and the English moors than tropical Africa and make up the longest mountain range in the country. On approach to Nyanga, which lies at the north end of a long mountain chain, the mountain ranges appear gradually, rippling away in cerulean waves to lap at an equally blue horizon. Then the forests and multitude of streams within can be seen from the roadside.

Travelling down to the south, the hot-dry Lowveld of south-eastern Zimbabwe is the Africa of poster images; red earth and silhouetted baobabs against a fiery sunset sky. Granite domes dwarf the landscape over private game farms, sugar-cane plantations and several National Parks sprawl over the extensive plains.

Up to the north opens a myriad of adventures up for the visitor to this region as one climbs the Great Dyke into Chinhoyi and begins the decent into the rugged, vast and untamed wilderness of the Zambezi Valley. It is here where often the family vehicle on the way to Kariba will separate from the 4x4 enthusiast who ventures into the unspoiled and relatively unexplored Mana Pools in the Lower Zambezi National Park.

The beauty about travelling around Zimbabwe is that most major resorts rarely require more than a 4-hour drive from any major city. Harare to The Eastern Highlands will take approximately 3 hours; Harare to Gweru 3 Hours; Bulawayo to Hwange 3 hours, Harare to Kariba 4 hours and Mutare to Nyanga 1hour. Venues4Africa.com
info@venues4africa.com

Renting a Car

Avis Zimbabwe has been in the car rental business for over 30 years, and is located in the three major centres of Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. During this time Avis Zimbabwe has continued to deliver a level of service to exemplify the We Try Harder spirit that is acknowledged worldwide by their customers. Avis was the first car hire company in Zimbabwe to acquire a real time, online reservation system, linking them with Avis worldwide. They remain the only car rental company in Zimbabwe to provide such a sophisticated service to our customers. Whether through their central reservations, by telephone, or through the internet a reservation can be made and confirmed in minutes.

Avis Rent a Car is the leading Zimbabwean Car Rental Company, having been voted the "Best Car Hire Company" for 7 out of the last 8 years by AZTA (Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents) and has also received an award for "Outstanding contribution to the development of tourism in Zimbabwe during the period 1980 - 2005" from ZTA (Zimbabwe Tourism Authority). These awards recognize their commitment to customer service and are a true reflection of the effort and dedication from the Avis team to provide customers with an enjoyable experience whenever they rent a vehicle.

All Avis authorised drivers and passengers are covered by the SOS Emergency Breakdown Service who work together with the Medical Air Rescue Service (MARS) for you peace of mind.

Special offer for readers of The Zimbabwean - car hire between Harare and Kariba,
please email venues@zol.co.zw for more information. For all other queries on how to plan a self-drive holiday of a lifetime, don’t hesitate to contact us at Venues4Africa.com.