How to find a cheap car rental deal in Zimbabwe
Grab a cheap rental car in Zimbabwe and get on your way from just 50 € a day. From city stays to far-flung escapes, we'll help you find a rental that keeps up with your trip.
Longer adventures offer better value, starting at 350 € for a weekly rental.
Check out the range of car rentals in Harare. This is where you'll find the cheapest rides in Zimbabwe.
Overall, the most popular city to rent a car in is Harare.
When comparing providers, check what's on offer from Green Motion. It's a widely recognised name in Zimbabwe.
Collect your ride from the airport if you're flying in. Harare Airport, Victoria Falls Airport and Bulawayo Airport offer car rental pickup locations either at the terminal or close by.
Harare, Victoria Falls and Bulawayo are among the most convenient cities to organise a set of wheels.
Think about choosing a one-way rental. Providers sometimes lower prices on some routes to move vehicles between sites. When searching for a car for rent in Zimbabwe, choose 'Return car to a different location' to find those deals.
Planning a multi-week rental? It might be cheaper to book a full month, so try different date combinations to find out what works best.
Choose a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy' and avoid extra fuel charges. It arrives with a full tank and goes back the same way, so you stay in control of what you spend.
Rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' give you freedom to roam without racking up added charges. Search for this option using the 'Policies' filter and travel freely.
Best time to book a car rental in Zimbabwe
Consider this your cheat code for when to book. Four weeks in advance gives you the best window to grab the best price on a car rental in Zimbabwe.
February is the most affordable month to rent a car. You can expect average daily rates of 41 € then.
If you want to steer clear of the most expensive time of year, avoid booking during September.
Compare car rental types in Zimbabwe
Economy: Drive away in one of these and keep your travel budget on track. Lower daily rates and fuel-efficient engines mean you spend less overall while still getting a relaxed, easy-to-handle ride.
Small: Mini and economy cars sit within this category. Their compact dimensions and manoeuvrability make city driving less stressful. And with engines made to use less fuel, they're an obvious choice when searching for a cheap rental car in Zimbabwe.
Medium: If you need more space without going big, this hits the mark. Medium rentals offer more room for passengers and luggage, as well as a nice balance of efficiency and performance. You'll find compact and intermediate models here.
Large: Big adventures call for bigger thinking. Whether you're cruising with the whole crew or planning a long drive, these full-size cars bring the extra space you need. Expect generous seating, serious luggage capacity and comfort that holds up over distance.
SUV: From major highways to scenic detours, SUVs can do it all. With a higher driving position, configurable seating, and stable performance across a range of terrain, they're ideal for road trips throughout Zimbabwe.
Van: When there's more to bring than usual, a van delivers. This type of car for rent in Zimbabwe handles people and cargo with ease. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a practical option for group travel, moving or business transport.
Luxury: Start your journey in true style. Bringing together striking design, advanced technology, and performance tuned for precision and power, these vehicles redefine the rental experience.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your rental car gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or damage. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so compare before you commit.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in Zimbabwe.
Driving in Zimbabwe: What you need to know
Age requirements for rentals can vary by company and even car type, so know the rules before you book. Some companies in Zimbabwe may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you're outside the typical age range, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to explore your options.
Add a car seat to your car rental reservation in Zimbabwe if you're planning to travel with the kids. Rules change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest choice.
You'll have to provide some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough credit for the security deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
For first-time drivers in Zimbabwe, be aware that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's normally around 55kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always go by the posted signs.
In Zimbabwe, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you're planning to have a drink or two, get someone else to do the driving or arrange a ride-share or taxi instead.
Where to road trip in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe is easy to explore by car, with major rental hubs in Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, plus airport pickup points like Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and Victoria Falls International Airport. If you're planning car rental in Zimbabwe, these routes show how different pickup points, trip lengths and vehicle types can shape your journey.
Wildlife and the Wild Interior: Hwange and the Northwest
Pick up your car in Victoria Falls and drive southeast into one of Africa's most significant wildlife corridors in the northwest interior. This route suits wildlife-focused travellers who want to cover meaningful ground each day without rushing between game viewing stops.
Recommended car: 4x4 or high-clearance SUV.
Suggested pickup point: Victoria Falls International Airport.
Good for: Wildlife enthusiasts, couples and first-time safari drivers.
Road conditions: Paved highways, gravel access roads, unsurfaced bush tracks.
Best time to go: June to October for dry conditions and wildlife visibility.
Trip length: Five to seven days.
Key stops: Hwange, Dete.
History and Culture: Great Zimbabwe and the Southern Highlands
Start your drive in Masvingo and head into the southern interior toward a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the highland towns beyond. It's a well-paced route for history-minded travellers who prefer shorter daily drives with time to explore on foot.
Recommended car: Standard sedan or compact SUV.
Suggested pickup point: Harare city centre or Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
Good for: History buffs, cultural travellers and couples.
Road conditions: Paved main roads, some rough rural sections near heritage sites.
Best time to go: April to August for cooler, dry weather.
Trip length: Four to six days.
Key stops: Great Zimbabwe, Masvingo.
Nature and Adventure: Eastern Highlands and the Mountainous Border Region
Head east from Harare toward the dramatic mountain ranges and forest reserves that run along Zimbabwe's eastern border. The route rewards adventurous drivers willing to navigate winding highland roads to reach waterfalls, hiking trails and high-altitude scenery.
Recommended car: 4x4 or high-clearance SUV.
Suggested pickup point: Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
Good for: Hikers, nature lovers and adventure travellers.
Road conditions: Paved main roads, steep winding mountain roads, gravel forest tracks.
Best time to go: March to May for green landscapes after the rains.
Trip length: Five to seven days.
Key stops: Nyanga, Chimanimani.
Weather and driving conditions in Zimbabwe
Weather
Zimbabwe has three seasons: a warm, wet period from November through March, a cool and dry period from May through August, and a hot, dry period from September through October.
Heavy afternoon downpours are common during the rainy season, and driving in Zimbabwe means you'll want to slow down when those storms hit — wet roads lose grip fast. Heat builds significantly in low-lying areas like the Zambezi Valley, so check your coolant and carry water before heading out on long stretches.
Driving conditions
The main paved highways connecting Harare to Bulawayo and other major centres are generally drivable but carry frequent potholes, so staying alert and keeping your speed down will help you manage them. Once you head into rural areas or toward remote national parks, sealed roads give way to gravel and dirt tracks, so a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle is the smarter choice for a road trip in Zimbabwe that goes beyond the main routes.
Harare and Bulawayo see heavy congestion during morning and evening rush hours, with minibuses stopping frequently along main roads. Street lighting is limited in parts, and informal parking attendants operate in most city centres. {NS} Outside cities, roads are often single-lane in each direction with minimal signage between towns. Gas stations become scarce in remote areas, so filling up before heading into the bush is a practical habit worth keeping.
Near national parks and unfenced rural roads, you're most likely to encounter elephants, baboons, warthogs, and free-roaming livestock at dawn and dusk, so keep your speed steady and stay alert in those areas.
Complete your road trip with a hotel
Wherever your drive takes you, a solid overnight stop changes everything after a full day of driving. Once you've booked your car rental in Zimbabwe, explore hotels in Harare if you're passing by this major stop. You can also compare Victoria Falls accommodation options or check out more places to stay in Bulawayo as you plan the rest of your route.
