An American couple, seasoned world travelers who have visited more than 50 countries including several in Africa, have cut short their planned trip through Zimbabwe. The couple had intended to drive through the country in their camper van on their way to East Africa, but left after just 24 hours.
In a video shared online, the wife described their experience on Zimbabwe’s roads, particularly the route between Beitbridge and Masvingo, as extremely challenging. She complained about paying US$8 in toll fees only to encounter severe detours and rough road conditions, calling the journey “torture.”
The couple highlighted several issues that influenced their decision to abandon their visit, with poor infrastructure and road quality topping the list. Their short stay and critical first impressions underscore concerns about Zimbabwe’s transport network and the impact on tourism experiences.
While Zimbabwe boasts a rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes, travelers such as this couple have pointed to infrastructure challenges as a barrier to exploring the country fully.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road maintenance and traveler safety in boosting tourism and creating positive visitor experiences in Zimbabwe.
