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Mutare, Zimbabwe - Things to Do in Mutare

Things to Do in Mutare

Mutare, Zimbabwe - Complete Travel Guide

Mutare, Zimbabwe's fourth-largest city, sits majestically in the eastern highlands near the Mozambique border, surrounded by rolling mountains and lush landscapes. Known as the gateway to the Eastern Highlands, this charming city serves as a perfect base for exploring some of Zimbabwe's most spectacular natural attractions, including the nearby Nyanga and Chimanimani national parks. The city's pleasant climate, colonial architecture, and vibrant local culture make it a refreshing contrast to Zimbabwe's larger urban centers. With its strategic location along ancient trade routes, Mutare has evolved into a bustling commercial hub while maintaining its small-town charm. The city offers visitors a unique blend of urban amenities and easy access to pristine wilderness areas, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. From its bustling markets and historic buildings to the dramatic mountain vistas that surround it, Mutare provides an authentic taste of eastern Zimbabwe's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Top Things to Do in Mutare

Explore Nyanga National Park

Venture into Zimbabwe's oldest national park, home to the country's highest peak, Mount Nyangani, and stunning waterfalls like Mutarazi Falls. The park offers excellent hiking trails, trout fishing opportunities, and breathtaking highland scenery with rolling hills and indigenous forests. Wildlife viewing includes eland, zebra, and various bird species in this pristine mountain environment.

Booking Tip: Park entry fees are around $15-20 USD per person. Best visited during dry season (May-October) for clearer hiking conditions. Book accommodation in advance during peak season and consider hiring local guides for mountain hikes at $20-30 per day.

Visit Chimanimani National Park

Discover this rugged mountain wilderness known for its dramatic granite peaks, crystal-clear mountain pools, and endemic plant species. The park offers some of Zimbabwe's best hiking and rock climbing opportunities, with trails ranging from gentle walks to challenging multi-day treks. The area is also famous for its unique quartzite formations and pristine mountain streams.

Booking Tip: Entry costs $10-15 USD per person with camping fees around $10 per night. Best accessed with 4WD vehicle during rainy season. Local guides available for $25-35 per day - essential for longer hikes and navigation.

Tour Mutare Museum and Cross Kopje

Learn about the region's rich history and cultural heritage at the Mutare Museum, which houses excellent displays on local archaeology, natural history, and traditional crafts. Climb nearby Cross Kopje for panoramic views over the city and surrounding mountains, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset. The museum also features exhibits on the area's mining history and colonial past.

Booking Tip: Museum entry is typically $3-5 USD. Open Tuesday-Sunday, best visited in morning hours. Cross Kopje is free to access but go with local guide for safety ($10-15) and bring water for the 30-minute climb.

Experience Local Markets and Craft Centers

Immerse yourself in local culture at Mutare's vibrant Sakubva Market and various craft centers where artisans create traditional pottery, basketry, and wood carvings. These bustling markets offer fresh produce, local textiles, and handmade souvenirs while providing authentic interactions with friendly locals. The craft centers often allow visitors to watch artisans at work and learn about traditional techniques.

Booking Tip: Markets are free to explore but bring small denominations for purchases. Best visited in morning hours (8-11 AM) for freshest produce and cooler temperatures. Bargaining is expected - start at 50% of asking price.

Explore Burma Valley and Tea Estates

Journey through the scenic Burma Valley to visit working tea estates and learn about Zimbabwe's tea production industry. The valley offers stunning mountain scenery, cool highland climate, and opportunities to tour tea processing facilities. Many estates offer guided walks through tea plantations and tastings of locally produced teas in beautiful garden settings.

Booking Tip: Estate tours cost $10-20 USD including tastings. Best visited during harvest season (October-April) for active processing demonstrations. Book directly with estates or through local tour operators for $40-60 per person including transport.

Getting There

Mutare is accessible by road from Harare via the A2 highway, a scenic 4-5 hour drive through changing landscapes from highveld to eastern highlands. Regular bus services operate from Harare and other major cities, with luxury coaches taking about 5 hours and costing $15-25 USD. The city has a small airport that occasionally handles charter flights, but most visitors arrive by road. For those coming from Mozambique, Mutare serves as a convenient border crossing point with the Machipanda border post just 12km away.

Getting Around

Local transportation in Mutare includes shared taxis (kombis) that cost $0.50-1 USD for short trips within the city, and regular taxis that charge $5-15 USD depending on distance. Many attractions are within walking distance of the city center, though the hilly terrain can be challenging. For visiting national parks and remote attractions, renting a vehicle is recommended, with 4WD vehicles available for $50-80 USD per day. Local tour operators also offer day trips and transfers to major attractions.

Where to Stay

City Center
Murambi Gardens
Dangamvura
Chikanga
Palmerston
Christmas Pass

Food & Dining

Mutare's dining scene reflects both local Zimbabwean cuisine and international influences, with several restaurants serving traditional dishes like sadza, nyama, and fresh trout from highland streams. The city center offers various eateries ranging from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants, many featuring locally grown produce and regional specialties. Street food vendors provide affordable local snacks and meals, while some hotels offer buffet-style dining with both African and continental options. Don't miss trying locally grown tea and coffee, as well as fresh mountain vegetables and fruits that thrive in the highland climate.

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

The best time to visit Mutare is during the dry season from May to October when temperatures are mild (15-25°C), rainfall is minimal, and hiking conditions are optimal. This period offers clear mountain views, accessible roads to national parks, and comfortable weather for outdoor activities. The wet season (November-April) brings lush green landscapes and spectacular waterfalls but can make some roads impassable and hiking trails muddy. However, this is also when the region is at its most beautiful, with wildflowers blooming and wildlife more active.

Insider Tips

Carry cash in USD as card payments are limited and ATMs may be unreliable
Pack warm clothing as highland temperatures can drop significantly at night even in summer
Book accommodation and tours through established operators due to limited tourist infrastructure

Explore Activities in Mutare