Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
Biking through Zimbabwe Biking through Zimbabwe
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 19 Jan 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: London
Posts: 24
Biking through Zimbabwe
We are currently travelling south and were always planning on riding through (and exploring) Zimbabwe.

We have met a few people on the road who have advised us to try and bypass Zimbabwe if possible. They say bikers specifically get overly harassed by the authorities demanding "fines" etc. Also, fuel availability could be an issue.

Does anyone have any current knowledge of this situation?

Cheers,
Adrian
__________________
London to Cape Town
http://pikipikisafari.net
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 738
Can't comment on the current situation but I rode through 3-4 years back when inflation was at it's worst. Prices were doubling every few days, no tourists in most of the country (barely a few in Vic Falls only) and paid the highest price for fuel on my entire trip, 22.5 million dollars (Zim dollars) per litre!

Anyways, hassles aside and the fact that it's run by a lunatic, I was glad I went, if for nothing else to see first hand how much a brutal government can ruin a country. Still a pretty cool place to see that used to be heavily visited by tourists, so if you can put up with the officials, worth visiting from my perspective.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Jan 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: London
Posts: 76
We went through Zim in Sep 2011. Fuel availability was fine, even in the smallest places. The country now is on US $, so prices are stable. We spent 3 weeks and traveled everywhere without any issues with the police. A couple of police blocks just had a cursory look at the documents and let us through. While the country has turned the corner economically, much of the tourist infrastructure is just beginning to get dusted off. Still, the people are friendly and the service culture is great.

One thing that you may already be aware of is that you can't bike in the National Parks AFAIK.
__________________
http://www.movinghouse.ws
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20 Jan 2012
RIP: 5/3/21
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Onalaska, Washington, USA
Posts: 335
We rode through a week ago with no problems, no fuel problems and as mentioned above they are now on the dollar. they have little change so most everything is priced to the even $. Best at the fuel stops to tell them how much to put in. The fuel situation in Malawi is still a problem with it hard to find and very expensive if you have to buy on black market.
Bob
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 21 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Posts: 368
Always, always ignore the doom mungers who tell you not to go somewhere. They are idiots. (Of course this is said slightly tongue in cheek - there may be good reasons to listen to advice but usually this sort of "Oh don't go there..." stuff is rubbish.)


I went through Zim last April. It was absolutely fine. There are police with speed cameras and they will stop you. I had to pay a $5 fine for speeding. Fair enough. Please go to "Great Zimbabwe" amazingly very few people do but it's an amazing site and quite unique in southern africa. The people are friendly and the place is certainly worth a visit.
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 22 Jan 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 69
Was there last november, no problems whatsoever, not even stopped at roadblocks.
People sometimes put out a lot of BS...
Yes, the Great Zimbabwe is worth visiting, there is a good camping right on the ruins.
Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Jan 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: London
Posts: 24
Thanks for all the positive feedback.

We're now in Zim and have (so far) experienced nothing but smiles and waving hands. Looking forward to exploring more of the country.

Cheers,
Adrian
__________________
London to Cape Town
http://pikipikisafari.net
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
RTW on 100cc underbones - Underboning the World Underboning Ride Tales 300 4 Jan 2013 09:24
Middle East biking - help! NewToMotorcycling Route Planning 3 23 Jan 2012 06:21
anyone in Zimbabwe Desert Driver sub-Saharan Africa 0 2 Dec 2011 13:52

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:31.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top