I noticed on a recent hunt report they drove directly too the Sengwe communal area from joburg. I think this option could save me 2 days travel time. Instead of spending a whole day flying to Harare and spending the night each way, then driving 5 hours south.

How long would the trip be? How would the cost compare to flying to Harare?

It would be interesting to know what the procedure for rifle Permits is like at that corrupt Border Post.

Check with that duct-tape landrover fellah, Aubrey aka aubs458

Good evening Thunder Head

I've been to Zim a number of times this year and drive via Beit Bridge every time. I take it you will fly in to Joburg?

From Joburg to Beit Bridge is 5,5 hours depending on who is driving. It takes about 2 hours to cross both border posts (has been quicker, has been longer). Make sure your paper work is in order: have a Zim invitation letter and an SA invitation letter. The Zim import form is filled out 4 times so I would suggest carbon paper as they never have any. Make sure you have US$ in small bills. Your visa is US$55-00 and is issued on the spot. They also never have the correct change.

The import permit for the rifle(s) on the Zim side are issued on the spot. Make sure at all times you have your paper work handy because you will encounter a cops road block just outside of Beit Bridge before you take a right to Harare. I have not encountered any problems with passing through any of those road blocks except once when I was fined US$5-00 per passenger for not having white reflectors on the front of my truck!

From there it should be about 8 hours to Harare but that road is rather busy so add an extra hour. However, driving 5 hours back from Harare would leave you with about 3 hours from the Bridge. I know of no-one who would gladly drive you there so I have no idea on the cost involved for a transfer of that magnitude.

Hope this helps.

Aubs can help you with any and all the details. he also has a vip service for permits in RSA(when he's not hunting) check with him. he might even know where you could get a deal on a charter flight if you want one