Transport in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is strategically positioned as a gateway to markets in the region.
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country; the road and railway transport network of Zimbabwe been developed to provide good connectivity with all the main seaports of Southern Africa and all the neighbouring countries.
Rail:
Rail transport plays a significant role in the movement of bulk cargo, especially in the carriage of such minerals as coal, chrome and iron ore and also the movement of grain.
Road:
The road network is also used extensively in freighting manufactured goods and unlike rail it covers all corners of the country and has extensive reach to other countries of the sub-region. Zimbabwe’s road freight industry is sophisticated, the most competitive in the transport sector and is well placed to move products throughout Southern Africa. In recent years road freight has experienced considerable growth and now carries in excess of 60% of all imports and exports.
Air:
Air transport is a mode used for the movement of people, imports and exports mainly perishable horticultural goods. There are varied airline players operating in the country that range from international airlines to private airlines. The national flag carrier is Air Zimbabwe; the national airliner services international, regional and domestic airports like Victoria Falls airport, Joshua Nkomo airport as well as Harare International airport.
Public transport
The majority of the citizens commute by kombis ( emergency taxis) which have set routes to the city centre, usually along the main road. Most places are charged $0.50 or a dollar cash if it’s in the same city. Since the cash crises illumed in 2017, there have been talks of introducing swiping machines. Travelling via kombi between cities can cost you from $5 to about $15.
Middle class individuals who value comfort tend to use the luxury coaches which costs between $20-30. While the elite take flights. The train is the cheapest mode of transport but became unpopular when they removed classes. It has a reputation of having extremely uncomfortable seats for long distance travelling and only to be taken out of desperation.
