Car Rental in Harare - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Harare can be worthwhile for tourists planning to explore Zimbabwe's attractions beyond the capital, such as Victoria Falls, Great Zimbabwe, or Eastern Highlands. The city drives on the left side of the road (British system), which may require adjustment for visitors from right-hand driving countries. Within Harare itself, car rental is less essential due to manageable city size and available taxis, though public transport options are limited. However, a rental car provides significant flexibility for countryside excursions and road trips where public transportation is sparse or non-existent. Road conditions vary considerably - main highways connecting major cities are generally acceptable, but secondary roads can be poorly maintained with potholes. Rural areas may have unpaved roads requiring careful navigation. Fuel availability can be inconsistent outside major centers, so plan accordingly. Tourists should be prepared for challenging driving conditions including aggressive local driving styles, poorly marked roads, and occasional police checkpoints. An international driving permit is typically required alongside your home license. Consider your comfort level with left-side driving and variable road conditions before committing to a rental. For Harare city exploration alone, taxis or ride-hailing services may prove more practical and less stressful.

International Driving Permit

Generally required for foreign visitors driving in Zimbabwe. Obtain an IDP from your home country before traveling to Harare.

Valid Home Country License

You must present a valid driver's license from your home country along with your IDP when renting a vehicle in Harare.

Minimum Age

Most rental agencies in Harare require drivers to be at least 23-25 years old. Check specific age requirements with your chosen rental company.

Credit Card for Deposit

A valid credit card in the driver's name is typically required for the security deposit. Debit cards are often not accepted for deposits.

Comprehensive Insurance

Basic insurance is usually included, but comprehensive coverage with collision damage waiver (CDW) is strongly recommended due to local road conditions.

Driving Experience

Some rental agencies may require drivers to have held their license for a minimum period, typically 1-2 years. Verify requirements when booking.

International car rental agencies at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport offer the most reliable service with comprehensive insurance options - book in advance as availability can be limited, especially during peak travel periods.

Before driving off, thoroughly document any existing damage with photos, verify the spare tire and jack are present, and confirm the fuel policy (typically full-to-full) - road conditions outside the city can be challenging, so check the vehicle's condition carefully.

GPS coverage in Harare can be unreliable in some areas - download offline maps before your trip and consider asking your rental agency for local navigation recommendations or a physical map as backup for traveling outside the city center.

Fuel stations are readily available in Harare but can have occasional shortages - fill up when you see stations and keep the tank above half when planning trips outside the city; for parking, use secured lots at shopping centers and hotels rather than street parking.

Plan to return your vehicle with a full tank and allow extra time for the inspection process - take photos of the returned vehicle's condition and fuel level, and keep all receipts until the final charges are confirmed on your credit card.

Road conditions in Harare vary significantly, with potholes common even on main routes - drive cautiously and watch for sudden road damage that can appear after heavy rains.

Traffic congestion is heavy during morning (7-9 AM) and evening (4-7 PM) rush hours, particularly on routes into the city center - allow extra travel time during these periods.

Police checkpoints are frequent throughout Harare and Zimbabwe - always carry your driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance documents, and be prepared to stop when signaled.

During the rainy season (November-March), roads can flood quickly and visibility may be severely reduced - avoid driving through standing water as depth is often difficult to assess.