Zimbabwe boasts a remarkable road landmark that many motorists might overlook while travelling between Harare and Bulawayo.
A 35-kilometre section of the A5 Highway between Chegutu and Kadoma holds an African record.
The Africa Records Institute (AFRI) recognises it as Africa’s longest uninterrupted straight stretch of road.
The World Records Union published the recognition on July 16, 2025, under its Africa Records Institute series.
The highway section stands out because motorists encounter virtually no bends along its entire length.
However, its unusual design has attracted even greater interest because of claims surrounding its original purpose.
Zimbabwe’s 35km highway has a fascinating military history
According to the World Records Union publication, the road dates back to the colonial era.
It claims engineers designed the unusually straight stretch to serve as an emergency military runway.
Its wide surface and relatively flat terrain reportedly made aircraft landings and take-offs possible during emergencies.
The road’s proximity to the former Suri Suri Air Force Base adds interest to that account.
The military installation, now called Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo Air Force Base, sits a few kilometres south of Chegutu.
However, no independently accessible military document confirms the road’s alleged runway designation.
There is also no independently verified evidence linking its construction to a specific emergency involving the airbase.
Meanwhile, the highway has faced serious road safety concerns over the years.
In March 2022, reports described the Chegutu-Kadoma route as a dangerous accident hotspot.
Chegutu Rural District Council was then completing Brunswick Clinic to improve emergency medical services.
How Zimbabwe’s road compares with other African and global records
South Africa also has a notable straight road, although its characteristics differ.
Tracks4Africa identifies the R355 between Ceres and Calvinia as South Africa’s longest uninterrupted gravel road.
The route covers approximately 250 kilometres through the Karoo, with occasional bends and rises.
Some sections reportedly offer motorists uninterrupted views stretching approximately 10 kilometres.
Globally, however, Saudi Arabia holds a much longer straight-road record.
Guinness World Records recognises a 240-kilometre section of Highway 10 as the world’s longest straight road.
Despite the difference in length, Zimbabwe’s Chegutu-Kadoma highway remains an extraordinary engineering landmark.
Its African recognition also gives Zimbabwe another fascinating geographical distinction.
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