How can 3 people travel safely and comfortably from Jo'burg South Africa to Beitbridge, Zimbabwe Sun8/07/07

Question

We will collect our own vehicle at Beitbridge. Europcar Rental SA does not allow their fleet over the border into Zim. Europcar Rental Zim are willing to deliver a vehicle to our hotel in Jo'burg and then we return it to Harare but of course the cost is high and invloves travelling in another direction across Zimbabwe because we are heading for the eastern mountains-Manicaland. Ideally we need a friendly SA driver who we can pay to take us to Beitbridge.

Additional Details

Warnings apart though valued, can we focus on journey by road please?

Im off to check Greyhound buses now

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

why not take the bus? greyhound, city to city, all are very good, comfortable and inexpensive.

Source(s):

the general has spoken.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thanks for answering the question and not getting caught up in the other stuff which of course we have included in our risk assessment. We are experienced in the field but we usually travel direct to Zim rather than through SA.

Answer 2

The least of your worries is the cost or getting a driver. You will be lucky to undertake such a journey without being carjacked,murdered,raped or robbed. Clearly you are not aware of just how dangerous South Africa is so maybe you should have a look at this site:
http://www.crimexposouthafrica.net
The best bet is to fly but be careful for your luggage at Jhb International where the Baggage Handlers are looting suitcases . When you get to what was once Rhodesia I wish you well-only the foolhardy would go there.

Answer 3

Dont know how to help you, the bus does sound like the best way though.

Answer 4

The best is to get in from Zambia over the Vic Falls Bridge. But seriously, are you sure you will get petrol and food over there?

Answer 5

By helicopter.

Answer 6

Please do not make this journey by car. Zimbabwe is no longer safe for expert travellers - and for non-experts it is suicide!
You should SERIOUSLY consider alternative travel arrangements. Flying is much safer! I have recently been in Zimbabwe doing research for my website, www.thetoptensite.com, and I KNOW that it is dangerous.
Please listen to my advice and DO NOT try to travel across Zimbabwe by car.

Answer 7

the general is right (like always). take a bus.

Answer 8

Sounds like suicide to me,helicopter prob to expensive,but otherwise Ill say bus as well,They know theire routes,and prob know by now how to handle dif situations.

Answer 9

Well done for focussing on the journey not the doom merchants who have nothing good to say and little objectivity.

Translux is another reputable bus company, if Greyhound doesn't pan out.

Enjoy Zim. It's still a wonderful country with friendly people,as i am sure you know.

Answer 10

3 people can´t travel safely and comfortably from Jo'burg South Africa to Beitbridge, Zimbabwe Sun8/07/07.
You can´t be comfortable if you have to worry about the safety of your companions and yourself.

I can never understand why foreigners want to gamble with their health and potentially become another crime statistic.

If it´s so important or there is something so urgent that you want to see then fly.

Otherwise you will be going to need the help of a local to show you where you can go and what you can do.

- Oh, and do enjoy the corrupt border officials.