Home › Destinations › Mutare
Mutare, Zimbabwe - Things to Do in Mutare

Mutare

Mutare, Zimbabwe - Complete Travel Guide

Mutare, Zimbabwe's fourth-largest city, serves as the gateway to the country's impressive Eastern Highlands. located in a valley surrounded by granite mountains and lush forests, this charming city offers visitors a perfect blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. The city's colonial architecture, busy markets, and proximity to some of Zimbabwe's most spectacular landscapes make it an ideal base for exploring the region. As the capital of Manicaland Province, Mutare sits just 15 kilometers from the Mozambican border, giving it a unique cross-cultural atmosphere. The city is renowned for its pleasant climate, friendly locals, and access to world-class hiking, birdwatching, and scenic drives through the misty mountains. From exploring ancient rock art sites to discovering cascading waterfalls and pristine forests, Mutare offers an authentic African experience away from the typical tourist crowds.

Top Mutare

the Eastern Highlands Mountains

Venture into the impressive Eastern Highlands, where mist-covered peaks, indigenous forests, and spectacular viewpoints await. The region offers some of Zimbabwe's best hiking opportunities, with trails leading to waterfalls, ancient rock formations, and panoramic vistas. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot unique bird species and endemic flora found nowhere else in the country.

Booking Tip: Best visited during dry season (April-October) when trails are accessible. Local guides cost $15-25 per day and are recommended for safety and wildlife spotting. Book accommodation in advance during peak season (May-September).

Nyanga National Park

Discover Zimbabwe's highest national park, featuring Mount Nyangani (the country's tallest peak), pristine trout fishing waters, and ancient archaeological sites. The park offers excellent hiking trails, horseback riding opportunities, and the chance to explore traditional stone structures dating back centuries. The cool mountain climate provides a refreshing escape from Zimbabwe's typical heat.

Booking Tip: Park entry fees are $10 for international visitors. Guided hikes to Mount Nyangani cost $20-30. Best visited April-September for clear weather. Book park accommodation well in advance as it fills up quickly during holidays.

Bvumba Botanical Gardens

Wander through these spectacular Botanical Gardens set in the misty Bvumba Mountains, featuring exotic plants, colorful flowers, and well-maintained walking trails. The gardens showcase both indigenous and exotic species in a naturally beautiful setting with impressive mountain views. It's a perfect spot for photography, picnicking, and peaceful contemplation.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is $5 per person. Open daily 8am-5pm, but morning visits (8-10am) offer the best lighting and fewer crowds. Bring warm clothing as mountain weather can be unpredictable. No advance booking required.

Mutare Museum and Gallery

spend time in the region's rich history and culture at this complete museum featuring archaeological artifacts, traditional crafts, and contemporary Zimbabwean art. The museum houses an impressive collection of Shona sculptures, historical exhibits about the Eastern Highlands, and rotating displays of local artists' work. It's an excellent introduction to Zimbabwe's cultural heritage.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is $3 for adults. Open Tuesday-Sunday 9am-4pm, closed Mondays. Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit. Photography may require additional fee. Best to visit mid-morning when lighting is optimal for viewing exhibits.

Shop at Sakubva Market

Experience authentic Zimbabwean culture at this bustling Male, where vendors sell everything from fresh produce and traditional crafts to colorful fabrics and handmade jewelry. The market provides an excellent opportunity to interact with locals, practice bargaining skills, and discover unique souvenirs. It's also a great place to sample local street food and observe daily life in Mutare.

Booking Tip: Best visited early morning (7-10am) for freshest produce and cooler temperatures. Bring small bills for easier transactions and be prepared to bargain. Consider hiring a local guide ($10-15) for first-time visitors to navigate safely and get better prices.

Getting There

Mutare is accessible by road from Harare via the A3 highway, a scenic 4-5 hour drive through changing landscapes. Regular bus services operate between major cities, with luxury coaches like Pathfinder and intercity buses providing comfortable options for $15-25. The city has a small airport (Grand Reef Airport) with limited domestic flights, though most international visitors fly into Harare and drive or take ground transport. For those coming from Mozambique, Mutare serves as a convenient border crossing point at Forbes/Machipanda.

Getting Around

Mutare is a compact city best explored on foot in the central areas, with most attractions, restaurants, and shops within walking distance. Local taxis and ride-hailing services are available for longer distances, while rental cars can be arranged for exploring the surrounding Eastern Highlands. Commuter omnibuses (combis) provide affordable local transport for $0.50-1 per trip, though they can be crowded. For visiting national parks and mountain areas, a 4WD vehicle is recommended due to steep, winding roads.

Where to Stay

City Center
Murambi Gardens
Fairbridge Park
Tiger's Kloof
Dangamvura
Christmas Pass

Food & Dining

Mutare's dining scene reflects its position as a regional hub, offering everything from traditional Zimbabwean cuisine to international dishes. Local restaurants serve hearty meals featuring sadza (cornmeal staple), grilled meats, and fresh vegetables, often at very reasonable prices ($5-10 per meal). The city center has several cafes and bistros popular with both locals and visitors, while hotel restaurants offer more upscale dining experiences. Don't miss trying local specialties like matemba (small dried fish), road runner chicken, and fresh trout from the Eastern Highlands streams.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Zimbabwe

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

View all food guides →

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)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Mutare is during the dry season from April to October, when temperatures are mild, rainfall is minimal, and mountain trails are accessible. May through August offers the coolest and driest conditions, perfect for hiking and outdoor activities, though nights can be quite cold in the mountains. The wet season (November-March) brings lush green landscapes and fewer tourists, but heavy rains can make some roads impassable and hiking dangerous. September and October offer warm days and clear skies, ideal for photography and wildlife viewing.

Insider Tips

Pack warm clothing even in summer as mountain temperatures drop significantly at night and early morning mist can be chilly
Exchange money at banks or authorized dealers in the city center for better rates than hotels or informal markets
Book accommodation during Zimbabwean school holidays (April, August, December) well in advance as domestic tourism peaks during these periods

Activities in Mutare