Every quote we send is governed by our full Terms and Conditions. Most clients never need to read all eleven sections line by line, so here is the plain-language version — the rules that most often shape how a trip gets planned, especially our night driving policy.
No Night Driving — Plan Around This
This is the one policy that most affects how you should plan your trip, so it comes first.
Chigutiro does not permit vehicle travel between sunset and sunrise (approximately 18:00–06:00), for any reason. This is a safety policy, not a preference, and it has no exceptions — not for driver discretion, not for a surcharge, not for “just this once.”
What this means for your itinerary:
- Departure times must leave enough daylight to arrive before dark. For long routes (Harare to Bulawayo, Harare to Victoria Falls, and similar), this usually means an early morning departure.
- Return trips must be timed the same way. An event that runs late into the evening may need the bus to depart before the event actually ends, or an overnight stop arranged in advance.
- If a route genuinely cannot be completed within daylight hours, an overnight stop is required. Per our terms, the client provides the driver with secure accommodation and a meal allowance for overnight trips, unless otherwise stated in the quote.
Tell us your full itinerary — including the event’s actual end time, not just when you’d like to leave — when you request a quote. We will flag it immediately if the timing doesn’t work within this policy, so you can adjust before it becomes a problem on the day.
Deposit and Payment
- A 50% non-refundable deposit secures your booking. No vehicle is held or guaranteed until the deposit clears.
- The remaining balance is due no less than 48 hours before travel.
- We accept USD bank transfer, EcoCash, or cash.
- Excess mileage charges are settled immediately once the vehicle returns to base.
Cancellations and No-Shows
- More than 7 days before the trip: you lose the deposit only.
- Within 7 days of the trip: full contract value is charged.
- No-show at pickup time: charged at full price.
Plan your dates with some confidence before booking — the deposit is what locks the vehicle in for you, and it isn’t refundable once paid.
Code of Conduct on Board
- No full meals on board — light, dry snacks only.
- Zero tolerance for alcohol, tobacco, vaping, or illegal substances, at any time. Any breach ends the trip immediately, with no refund, and law enforcement is notified where relevant.
- Passenger numbers are strictly limited to the vehicle’s stated seating capacity — standing passengers are not permitted by law.
- Aggressive or non-compliant behaviour toward the driver also ends the hire immediately, without refund.
Damages and Cleaning
You’re liable for damage to the vehicle during your hire. Cleaning penalties are fixed so there’s no ambiguity afterward:
- Vomit or biohazard cleaning: $300
- Smoking in the vehicle: $400, plus immediate trip termination
- Upholstery tears or burns: $500 plus repair costs
- Excessive mess, chewing gum, or litter: $150
- Spilled drinks on flooring: $100
Significant physical damage is professionally assessed after the trip, and repair costs are passed on in full.
Overtime, Tolls, and Extras
- Overtime beyond your booked hours is charged at a flat hourly rate, as specified in your quote — ask up front if you think the day might run long.
- ZINARA tollgate and parking fees are the client’s responsibility, paid in cash or added to the final invoice by arrangement.
Read the Full Terms
This page covers what comes up most often. For the complete legal picture — liability, roadworthiness, jurisdiction, and everything in between — read the full Terms and Conditions. Payment of the deposit or boarding the vehicle counts as full acceptance of these terms.
Questions about how any of this applies to your trip? WhatsApp us before you book, not after.
WhatsApp: +263 716 173 840
Email: bookings@chigutiro.co.zw
Zimbabwe’s Bus Hire People.