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Harare, Zimbabwe - Things to Do in Harare

Things to Do in Harare

Harare, Zimbabwe - Complete Travel Guide

Harare, Zimbabwe's vibrant capital city, is a fascinating blend of modern urban life and rich African culture set against the backdrop of beautiful jacaranda-lined streets. Known as the 'Sunshine City' for its year-round pleasant climate, Harare serves as the country's economic and cultural hub, offering visitors a unique glimpse into contemporary Zimbabwe while maintaining strong connections to its heritage and traditions. The city boasts impressive architecture ranging from colonial-era buildings to modern skyscrapers, bustling markets filled with local crafts and produce, and a thriving arts scene. Harare's location on the Zimbabwean plateau at 1,483 meters above sea level provides it with a temperate climate and serves as an excellent base for exploring the country's renowned attractions, including nearby Domboshava rock paintings and the scenic Mukuvisi Woodlands.

Top Things to Do in Harare

Explore National Gallery of Zimbabwe

Discover Zimbabwe's rich artistic heritage at this premier cultural institution showcasing contemporary African art, traditional sculptures, and rotating exhibitions. The gallery features works by renowned Zimbabwean artists and provides insight into the country's cultural evolution. The sculpture garden is particularly impressive, displaying pieces that represent the famous Shona sculpture movement.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are typically around $5-10 USD. Visit during weekday mornings for a quieter experience and better interaction with staff. Look for guided tour options that provide deeper cultural context.

Visit Mbare Musika Market

Experience the authentic pulse of Harare at this bustling traditional market, one of Africa's largest. Browse through stalls selling everything from fresh produce and traditional medicines to colorful fabrics and handcrafted souvenirs. The market offers an unfiltered look at daily Zimbabwean life and commerce.

Booking Tip: Best visited in the morning when it's cooler and vendors are setting up. Bring small denomination USD notes for purchases and consider hiring a local guide for $10-15 to navigate safely and get better prices.

Mukuvisi Woodlands Nature Experience

Escape the city bustle at this urban nature reserve featuring indigenous flora, wildlife, and walking trails just minutes from downtown. The woodlands offer game viewing opportunities including zebras, wildebeest, and various antelope species. Educational programs and guided walks provide insights into Zimbabwe's natural heritage.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around $15-20 USD for adults. Book guided nature walks in advance for $25-30 per person. Early morning visits offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities and cooler temperatures.

Domboshava Rock Art Site

Journey to this UNESCO-recognized site featuring ancient San rock paintings dating back thousands of years. Located about 30km from Harare, these well-preserved artworks offer a window into prehistoric life in Zimbabwe. The site combines historical significance with scenic granite formations and hiking opportunities.

Booking Tip: Plan for a half-day trip costing $40-60 including transport and guide. Best visited during dry season (May-October) when paths are more accessible. Arrange through reputable tour operators who provide knowledgeable guides.

Harare Gardens and City Center Walking Tour

Stroll through the heart of Harare exploring the beautiful Harare Gardens, colonial architecture, and vibrant street life. The walk includes stops at significant landmarks, local cafes, and provides opportunities to interact with friendly locals. Experience the city's famous jacaranda trees when in bloom.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks are free, but organized tours cost $20-30 per person and provide valuable historical context. Best done in late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. Peak jacaranda season is September-November.

Getting There

Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, located about 15km southeast of the city center, serves as the main gateway to Harare with connections to major African cities, Dubai, and London. Several regional airlines operate flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nairobi, and other regional hubs. Overland travel is possible via bus services from South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia, though border crossing procedures can be time-consuming. The airport offers taxi services, car rentals, and shuttle buses to reach the city center, with journey times typically 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.

Getting Around

Harare's transportation options include official taxis, ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt, and the ubiquitous 'kombis' (shared minibus taxis) that serve as the primary public transport. For comfort and safety, visitors typically prefer registered taxis or ride-hailing apps, especially after dark. Car rental is available and driving is on the left side, though traffic can be congested during peak hours. Walking is pleasant in the city center during daylight hours, particularly around the central business district and Harare Gardens area. Many hotels offer shuttle services to popular destinations and can arrange reliable transport for day trips.

Where to Stay

City Center
Avondale
Mount Pleasant
Borrowdale
Newlands
Highlands

Food & Dining

Harare's dining scene reflects its multicultural heritage, offering everything from traditional Zimbabwean cuisine to international fare. Local specialties include sadza (cornmeal staple), game meats, and fresh vegetables, often served at traditional restaurants and hotel dining rooms. The city features numerous cafes, steakhouses, and restaurants serving Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisine. Popular dining areas include Borrowdale Village, Sam Levy's Village, and the city center, where you'll find both upscale establishments and casual eateries. Street food and local markets provide authentic experiences, though visitors should choose vendors carefully for food safety.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Zimbabwe

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

The Lookout Cafe - Wild Horizons

4.6 /5
(2048 reviews) 2
bar cafe store

Dusty Road Township Experience

4.6 /5
(313 reviews) 2

KwaTerry The traditional restaurant

4.6 /5
(297 reviews)

Baines Restaurant

4.8 /5
(261 reviews)
bar cafe

MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant

4.6 /5
(252 reviews)

Khaya Nyama Wombles

4.7 /5
(210 reviews)

When to Visit

Harare enjoys a pleasant subtropical highland climate year-round, making it suitable for visits in any season. The dry season (May to October) offers the most comfortable weather with clear skies, minimal rainfall, and temperatures ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F). This period is ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. The wet season (November to April) brings afternoon thunderstorms and higher humidity, but also transforms the city into a lush green landscape with blooming jacarandas in September-November. The rainy season can make some rural excursions more challenging but offers fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates.

Insider Tips

Always carry US dollars in small denominations as it's the preferred currency, and credit card acceptance is limited outside major hotels and restaurants
Negotiate taxi fares in advance or use ride-hailing apps to avoid overcharging, and always use registered operators for safety
Visit local craft markets like Mbare or the weekend markets at Doon Estate for authentic souvenirs and better prices than hotel shops

Explore Activities in Harare