Zimbabwe's calling

Her dad Kobus Smit always says that you should prepare for the worst and expect the best, says Lea Erasmus, who runs Ultimate Routes along with her husband Francois. That basically sums up the best mindset when you cross the border to Zimbabwe on your self-drive adventure.

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Let’s start with the infamous Beitbridge. Is this the nightmare people think it is?

Zimbabwe has several border crossings, each with its own character. Beitbridge and Chirundu (between Zimbabwe and Zambia) are historically the most challenging and to ease the process, we advise that you have all documents printed, remember to bring black pens, and to stay calm and friendly.

Iwan Schelbert is one of our clients who visited Zimbabwe recently and he said they had an easy return crossing at Beitbridge, particularly on the Zimbabwean side. Another client, Roelf Louw, said it took 90 minutes to enter Zimbabwe via Chirundu and recommended using the ZIMRA eTIP app to pre-apply for your Temporary Import Permit (TIP). ecustoms.zimra.co.zw/etip/

Francois often recommends smaller, less congested border posts (including Pandamatenga via Botswana or Kariba Border Post via Zambia) when possible, as Beitbridge and Chirundu are constantly busy with trucks and foot traffic.

There has also been some encouraging news recently, with the Zimbabwe Immigration Department introducing a mandatory online immigration declaration form (tevisa.gov.zw/app/index.html#/sign-in-kiosk) that all travellers must complete prior to arrival at the border post (including Victoria Falls Airport) in an effort to streamline entry procedures, reduce waiting times and improve guest experiences on arrival.

What is the general condition of the roads in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's roads are a mixed bag. Major routes, especially those serving Zambia’s copper belt, carry heavy truck traffic, and poor government and municipal funding means road maintenance is limited. That said, we've heard reports of upgrades near major towns.