Many fellow travellers and locals told us a number of times that there are numerous police road blocks in Zimbabwe and we will definitely be pulled over. And if that were to happen, there would be no way we can talk ourselves out of getting a ticket (without bribing them) because they will ALWAYS find something, even if there is nothing wrong at all with the car. We asked for suggestions as to how to best get out of it. What did the locals tell us? Don’t stop!! Just keep driving, especially if the cops don’t have a car. And then I though, “Why would the police not have a car at a road block??” What did the travellers tell us? Pretend that you are also a police officer in your country and that they should let us go to keep the good relations between the two countries in tact. (We opted for neither, FYI)

A bus on the highway.

Big tree. Baobab.

Our car, ordered specially for us: no A/C

Birds

Sure enough, less than 15 minutes after leaving Victoria Falls  (Zimbabwe), we encountered our first road block. As we approached the road block, we were busy discussing what we would do if we were to get pulled over. Do we continue driving? Do we bribe? But as it so happens, we never got pulled over. They just waved us through. And we thought, “Oh, man!! How lucky are we?!” Less than 15 minutes later, there was another road block. But they just waved us through again…although, as we were passing by, they all looked at us questioningly and I told Thomas to step on the gas before they change their minds.

We drove around Zimbabwe for 10 days, and in those 10 days, we encountered 19 road blocks!! But we never got pulled over once! 😉 But back to policemen without cars….I would say that none of the policemen at the road blocks had cars, none which we could see anyway. But I guess it makes sense since the state doesn’t have enough money to buy patrol cars, they use their money for other things, I guess. Once, we almost picked up hitchhiking policemen because they needed to get back to the station after their shift at the road block, but there were 3 of them and we only had space for 2. So we left them there.
Speaking of hitchhiking, everyone hitches in Zimbabwe (even policemen). We picked up locals (one woman had been waiting 5 hours with her small child, we picked her up and dropped her off at Bulawayo) and military men. The military don’t like to talk though. We thought we could chit chat and learn a little more…but nope, lips tight and sealed. Locals though…they are happy to share stories, or at least a little bit. Hitchhiking in Zim makes sense because many can not afford public transportation, and not to mention that they are unreliable.

Driving in Zim at night is one of the most challenging things I have gone through as a passenger. One day, we got a late start but wanted to make it to Harare so we decided to continue on, even if it would be very late until we got there. So what makes driving at night in Zim difficult? There are no lightings. None what-so-ever! And the lanes are basically nonexistent, there are no reflectors, and street signs are basically hidden or no longer reflect. Basically, you can not see anything!! It sure takes time to get used to it. And you just never know if you are on a oneway lane or not.

This tree is huge!!

Baobab tree.

Wildlife along the way.

Nature

Off to work.

Some more wildlife.

Railroad tracks that lead no where.

Cows.

Crossing the street.

Zim is a beautiful country and driving through the country is a great way to get a glimpse of everyday life in Zim. But one (ok…a few) disappointing thing(s)? Everyone litters without thinking about it. Drinking a bottle of Coca Cola? Done with that? Hey, just throw it out of your car window. Why not? You don’t want to trash your car. Let’s pollute our beautiful country instead. The currency in Zim is US Dollars. And prices are also way high! Many products have the same prices as European or US prices. With an average income in Zim of below $ 300 per month, how can the average person afford anything in Zimbabwe? We were always shocked at how expensive everything was. And lodging at a non-hostel is way overpriced with very low standards. Also, one of the first things you notice about the money? It’s very diry. So dirty that sometimes you can’t even tell if the money in your hand is $1 or $5. Or just so dirty that you really don’t want to touch the money.

But like I said, other than those few things, Zim is beautiful and there is a lot to see. Furthermore, the people are super friendly, and most of the time, happy to see you and welcome you to Zimbabwe. And sometimes, you get to see wildlife while driving…and you don’t even have to go to a national park! 🙂

Hamba Kuhle! (Travel well)