On 1 Jan 2007 08:53:20 -0800, "riverman" wrote:
>I drove from Joberg to Zambia, across Zam to Vic Falls and back through
>Bots to SA a year ago. Zim was completely fine.
SNIP
>--riverman
Riverman said it all really... I thought I'd add a few points though:
1) Crossing from SA into Zim at Beit Bridge is not too much of a
hassle but you MUST have the registration papers of the vehicle. If
the vehicle is not yours, or if it is yours but is financed by another
institution you MUST have a letter of authority (a Cross-Border
letter) from the financial institution or the owner.
2) Never change money with guys on the street in Zim, unless you are
with someone you trust. There is a high likelihood of losing half your
money.
3) I have worked out a good strategy for dealing with situations like
Riverman mentioned where an official insists that you are missing some
paperwork and is obviously angling for a bribe... They will almost
always ask you for the "missing" paperwork in a way that other
co-workers can't hear. I feign ignorance and start to (politely, but
with mock frustration) raise my voive and I say something like "I
don't understand. The last time I came through here I didn't need this
paper. I'll be happy to comply, but I don't understand what you want
from me." Say it loud enough for other border officials to hear, but
not loud enough to be shouting or impolite. It works everytime, and
the guy will wave you on.
4) I wouldn't worry about driving through Zim to Vic Falls. The roads
are generally good, and the drive through via Bulawayo is very pretty.
Beit Bridge to Vic Falls can be done in one day, but you might want to
break in Bulawayo which is a very pleasant (albeit a bit run down
lately) town.
Regards,
Marc |