A Complete Guide to Hiring a Car for ZITF 2026

The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) is the largest multi‑sector exhibition event in Southern Africa, drawing over 800 exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors to Bulawayo every year. For the 66th edition, running from 20 to 25 April 2026 at the Zimbabwe International Conference & Exhibition Smart City (ZICES) in Bulawayo, having your own transport is not just a convenience – it is a necessity. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about hiring a car for ZITF 2026, from why you need one to how to choose the right vehicle, where to have it delivered, and what to expect on Bulawayo’s roads during the busiest week of the year.

Why You Need a Rental Car for ZITF

The ZITF exhibition grounds are large, and your time there will be split between walking the halls, attending side events, and meeting people off‑site. Relying on taxis or ride‑hailing services during the fair is a gamble: demand surges, prices rise, and availability drops precisely when you need to be somewhere on time. A rental car gives you complete control over your schedule. You can move between the exhibition centre, your hotel, off‑site meetings, and evening networking events without waiting or negotiating fares.

If you are an exhibitor, a car is essential for transporting sample products, promotional materials, and last‑minute supplies from printers or sign‑makers. If you are a visitor from another city or country, a car allows you to explore Bulawayo’s restaurants, shops, and nearby attractions like Matobo National Park before or after the fair. And if you are a local resident, a car for the week means you can attend multiple events each day without relying on family or public transport.

When to Book – The Earlier, the Better

ZITF week is one of the busiest periods for car rental in Bulawayo. Vehicles start getting booked weeks in advance, especially SUVs and double cabs that are also popular with tourists heading to Hwange and Matobo. If you wait until the week before the fair, you risk being left with limited options or no car at all. For the best choice of vehicle and to secure free delivery to the airport or your hotel, book by the end of March 2026 at the latest. If you already know your travel dates, booking now will give you peace of mind.

Choosing the Right Vehicle for ZITF

Your choice of vehicle depends on how you plan to use it during the fair.

For business visitors and solo travellers – A sedan like a Toyota Corolla is ideal. It is fuel‑efficient, comfortable on the sealed roads between the airport, hotels, and the exhibition grounds, and easy to park in Bulawayo’s city centre. Most sedans seat five and have a boot that holds three suitcases, which is plenty for a week’s luggage and a few product samples.

For exhibitors carrying materials – A double cab like a Toyota Hilux gives you a covered load area separate from the passenger cabin. You can transport banners, stands, boxes of brochures, and giveaways without worrying about them taking up passenger space. The double cab still seats up to five people, so you can carry your team as well.

For groups or families attending together – An SUV like a Toyota Fortuner seats five to seven people and has a large boot. If you are bringing colleagues or family members, an SUV keeps everyone together and comfortable. The higher ground clearance also helps if you decide to drive to Matobo National Park for a morning game drive before the fair opens.

For local residents just moving around the city – A hatchback like a Toyota Auris is compact, easy to park, and very fuel‑efficient. It is perfect for short trips between your home, the exhibition grounds, and evening events.

Most vehicles available for hire in Bulawayo are automatic, which is a relief for international visitors who may not be comfortable with a manual gearbox on the left side of the road.

Where to Get Your Car – Delivery is Key

Do not waste time taking a taxi from the airport to a rental branch. The best car rental companies serving ZITF offer free delivery to Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, to any hotel in Bulawayo, or directly to the ZITF exhibition grounds. iNdlovu Car Rental and Safari, for example, meets you at the arrivals hall with a sign displaying your name, helps you with your luggage, and walks you to your vehicle parked just outside. This means you can drive straight from the airport to your hotel or to the fair – no detours, no waiting.

If you are already in Bulawayo, free delivery to your home or office is also available. Some companies even offer after‑hour deliveries for late‑night arrivals, provided you arrange it in advance.

Understanding the Roads and Parking at ZITF

The main roads in Bulawayo – including the A6 highway from the airport and the roads leading to ZICES – are sealed and in good condition. During ZITF week, traffic around the exhibition grounds can be heavy, especially in the mornings and late afternoons. However, having your own car means you can come and go as you please, avoiding the worst congestion by arriving a little earlier or leaving a little later.

Parking at ZICES is organised but fills up quickly. There are designated parking areas for exhibitors and visitors. If you are staying at a hotel near the city centre, you might also consider leaving your car there and taking a short taxi or shuttle to the fair on the busiest days, but having a car gives you the flexibility to change plans on the fly.

Insurance and What You Need to Drive

Comprehensive insurance is usually included in the daily rental rate. Make sure you understand the excess – the amount you pay if you are at fault in an accident – before you sign the agreement. Most companies will explain this clearly at booking.

If you are an international visitor, you cannot drive on your home licence alone. You need a Zimbabwean Temporary Driver’s Permit (TDP). This costs about US$10‑15 and takes ten minutes to obtain at the airport when you arrive. A good rental company will point you to the office or help you with the process. You also need to drive on the left side of the road, which is the same as in the UK, South Africa, and Australia but opposite to the US and most of Europe.

Fuel and Kilometres – Know the Policy

Two common policies matter for ZITF travel. The first is fuel: most companies use a full‑to‑full policy, meaning you receive the car with a full tank and return it full. If you return it not full, you pay for the missing fuel plus a small service fee. The second is kilometres: many rentals include a free daily allowance (for example, 200 km per day for sedans, 250 km for SUVs). Bulawayo is a compact city – driving from the airport to the city centre is about 20 km, and a trip to Matobo National Park is 35 km each way – so you are unlikely to exceed the allowance unless you take long detours.

What to Do Before You Hand the Car Back

Before you return your car, fill the tank at a reputable fuel station (ask your rental company for recommendations). Remove all your belongings, including any registration discs or documents from the glovebox. Do a quick walk‑around with the rental agent if possible, or take photos of the vehicle for your own records. Most companies allow after‑hour returns with prior arrangement – you leave the car in a pre‑agreed secure location and they collect it the next business day.

Final Tips for a Smooth ZITF Car Hire Experience

Book early, especially if you need an SUV or a double cab. Provide your flight details at least 24 hours in advance to guarantee free airport pickup. Keep the rental company’s emergency number handy – a good company offers 24‑hour roadside assistance. If you are driving yourself, download offline maps of Bulawayo because mobile data can be patchy inside large exhibition halls. And finally, enjoy the freedom that a rental car gives you: you are not tied to shuttle schedules, and you can explore Bulawayo’s restaurants, markets, and nearby attractions on your own time.

Contact iNdlovu Car Rental and Safari for ZITF 2026

iNdlovu Car Rental and Safari is a Bulawayo‑based company that delivers vehicles to any address in Zimbabwe. For ZITF 2026, they offer free delivery to Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, to your hotel, or directly to the ZICES exhibition grounds. Their self‑owned fleet includes Toyota Fortuner SUVs, Hilux double cabs, Corolla sedans, and Auris hatchbacks – most automatic – starting from US$50 per day. They operate on the philosophy of Ubuntu, treating every customer as a neighbour. To book your ZITF vehicle, contact them by phone or WhatsApp at +263 772 913 538 or +263 777 775 859, or email indlovucarandsafari@gmail.com. Their office is at Office 12, Sharon Havens Mall, corner J. Moyo Street and 14th Avenue, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Book early to secure your preferred car and drive straight into a successful fair.