Nestled on the high plateau of north-eastern Zimbabwe, Harare serves as both the capital and largest city of this southern African nation. Once known as Salisbury during colonial times, modern Harare has blossomed into a vibrant metropolis that blends urban sophistication with authentic African culture. Tree-lined streets, flourishing gardens, and a year-round pleasant climate have earned it the nickname “the Sunshine City.”

As Zimbabwe’s commercial and cultural hub, Harare offers visitors an intriguing mix of historical sites, bustling markets, diverse cuisine, and access to stunning natural reserves. The city stands as a gateway to understanding Zimbabwe’s rich heritage, from its pre-colonial past through independence to its current evolution as a centre for arts, business, and culture in southern Africa.

When to Visit Harare

Climate Overview

Harare enjoys a moderate subtropical highland climate with distinct wet and dry seasons:

• Summer (November to March): Warm and rainy with afternoon thunderstorms common. Temperatures range from 20-30°C (68-86°F).
• Winter (May to August): Dry with warm days and cool nights. Daytime temperatures average 20-24°C (68-75°F), but nights can drop to 7-12°C (45-54°F).
• Spring (September to October): The hottest period before rains begin, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 30°C (86°F).

Best Time to Visit Harare

The best time to visit Harare is during the dry season from April to October. May through August offers particularly pleasant conditions with clear skies, mild temperatures, and lower humidity. This period also coincides with the blooming of the city’s famous jacaranda trees in October, coating streets in a stunning purple canopy.

Seasonal Considerations

• Rainy Season (November-March): While offering lush green landscapes, the wet season can bring travel disruptions and some attractions may be less accessible.
• Festival Season: Plan your visit around key cultural events like the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) in late April/early May and the Zimbabwe International Film Festival in August.

Getting Around Harare

From the Airport

Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport is located approximately 15km from the city centre. Transportation options include:

• Taxis: Available outside the arrivals terminal. Expect to pay $20-30 USD to the city center. Always negotiate the price before departing.
• Hotel Shuttles: Many major hotels offer pickup services, best arranged in advance.
• Rental Cars: International companies like Avis and local operators have counters at the airport.

Within the City

• Taxis: Metered taxis are rare, so agree on prices beforehand. Typical city rides cost $5-10 USD.
• Ride-sharing: Vaya Africa (a local app similar to Uber) offers reliable service throughout the city.
• Kombis (Minibuses): Economical but often crowded local transport following set routes. Fares are around $0.50-1 USD per trip.
• Car Rental: Recommended for exploring beyond the city limits. International driving permits are recognized.
• Walking: The city center is relatively compact and walkable during daylight hours, with many attractions within reasonable distance of each other.

Transportation Tips

• Traffic drives on the left side of the road
• Fuel shortages occasionally occur, so plan accordingly if self-driving
• Central Harare has a logical grid layout, making navigation relatively straightforward
• Public transport generally operates from 5am to 9pm

Where to Stay in Harare

Luxury Accommodations in Harare

• Meikles Hotel – A five-star landmark institution since 1915 offering elegant rooms, multiple restaurants, and a prime city center location.
• Rainbow Towers Hotel & Conference Centre – Modern luxury with exceptional city views, extensive business facilities, and a large outdoor pool.
• Bronte Hotel – Colonial-style charm set in lush gardens, offering a tranquil retreat despite its central location.

Mid-Range Accommodations in Harare

• Cresta Lodge Harare – Comfortable rooms set in beautiful gardens with reliable amenities and good dining options.
• Holiday Inn Harare – Consistent international standards with a central location and good value for business travellers.
• N1 Hotel – Contemporary accommodations with three convenient locations across the city.

Budget-Friendly Stays in Harare

• Small World Backpackers Lodge – Social atmosphere with dormitory and private rooms in the Avondale suburb.
• Toc H Backpackers – Simple but clean accommodations in a quiet residential area with a communal kitchen.
• Kingsmead Guest House – Family-run bed and breakfast offering affordable private rooms.

Unique Accommodations

• Amanzi Lodge – Themed rooms inspired by different African countries set in stunning gardens.
• Wild Geese Lodge – Rural escape just outside the city with cottage-style accommodations and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Where to Eat in Harare

Local Cuisine

• Gava’s Restaurant – Authentic Zimbabwean cuisine with signature dishes like sadza (maize meal staple), nyama (stewed beef), and muriwo (leafy greens).
• Garwe Restaurant – Long-standing establishment serving traditional meals in a vibrant setting with occasional live music.
• Queen of Hearts – Family-style traditional dining with generous portions and cultural performances on weekends.

International Dining in Harare

• The Venue – Upscale dining with a diverse international menu and emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients.
• Victoria 22 – Mediterranean and European cuisine in an elegant setting with an impressive wine list.
• Coimbra – Authentic Portuguese dishes and renowned peri-peri chicken in a casual atmosphere.

Cafés & Quick Bites in Harare

• Café Nush – Artisanal bakery and café serving excellent coffee, breakfast, and light meals in multiple locations.
• Freshly Ground – Specialty coffee shop with light meals and a vibrant atmosphere popular with the local creative community.
• Sam Levy’s Food Court – Multiple casual dining options under one roof in the upscale Borrowdale shopping village.

Fine Dining

• Amanzi Restaurant – Set in a colonial homestead with beautiful gardens, offering sophisticated international cuisine and an excellent wine selection.
• Emmanuel’s – Intimate fine dining experience with a seasonal menu blending European techniques and African ingredients.

What to Do & See in Harare

Cultural Attractions

• National Gallery of Zimbabwe – Contemporary and historical African art housed in a striking modernist building.
• National Archives of Zimbabwe – Fascinating historical documents and exhibitions on the country’s past.
• Chapungu Sculpture Park – Open-air display of Zimbabwe’s renowned stone sculptures set in botanical gardens.
• Mbare Market – The city’s oldest and largest marketplace offering an authentic glimpse into local commerce and crafts.

Historical Sites

• National Heroes Acre – Monument and burial ground honoring those who fought for Zimbabwe’s independence.
• Museum of Human Sciences – Archaeological and ethnographic collections including the seven-hundred-year-old Lemba artifacts.
• Queen Victoria Museum – Natural history exhibits and colonial-era artifacts.
• Harare Gardens – Historic public park dating back to 1897 with botanical collections and peaceful walking paths.

Nature & Wildlife

• Wild Is Life Trust and ZEN – Elephant nursery and wildlife sanctuary just outside the city offering ethical animal encounters.
• Haka Game Park – Family-friendly reserve with safari opportunities just 10km from the city center.
• Mukuvisi Woodlands – 263-hectare woodland preserve with walking trails and wildlife including giraffe, zebra, and various antelope species.
• Lake Chivero Recreational Park – Bird sanctuary, game viewing, and water activities just 37km from Harare.

Shopping

• Sam Levy’s Village – Upscale shopping complex in Borrowdale with boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment.
• Doon Estate – Weekend craft market showcasing local artisans, food producers, and designers.
• Avondale Flea Market – Treasure trove of African crafts, fabrics, and souvenirs at negotiable prices.
• Eastgate Centre – Modern shopping mall with local and international retailers in the heart of the city.

Day Trips from Harare

• Domboshawa – Ancient rock formations and rock art sites approximately 30km north of the city.
• Great Zimbabwe National Monument – While a longer journey (about 4 hours), this UNESCO World Heritage Site features impressive stone ruins of a medieval city.
• Chinhoyi Caves – Limestone caves with a stunning cobalt blue pool, located 120km from Harare.
• Marondera – Charming small town with colonial architecture and the Cecil Kop Nature Reserve, just an hour’s drive away.

Practical Information for first time visitors in Harare

Visa Requirements

Most visitors require a visa to enter Zimbabwe. Options include:

• Category A (No visa required): Several countries including Singapore and Malaysia
• Category B (Visa on arrival): Most Western countries including the US, UK, and EU nations
• Category C (Visa required in advance): Apply at Zimbabwean embassies or consulates

Visa fees range from $30-70 USD depending on nationality and stay duration. Always check the latest requirements before traveling.

Currency & Money

• The official currency is now the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL), reintroduced in 2019
• US Dollars are widely accepted and sometimes preferred, especially for tourist services
• Major credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger establishments, but cash is essential for smaller vendors
• ATMs are available but may have withdrawal limits or cash shortages
• Bring smaller USD denominations as finding change can be challenging

Safety Tips

• Harare is relatively safe compared to many African capitals, but standard precautions apply
• Avoid displaying valuables or large amounts of cash
• Use registered taxis or ride-sharing services, especially at night
• Keep photocopies of important documents separate from originals
• Stay informed about local conditions, as economic situations can change

Health Considerations

• Malaria risk is low in Harare due to its elevation, but precautions may be needed when traveling to lower-lying areas
• Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from endemic countries
• Tap water in major hotels is generally safe, but bottled water is recommended elsewhere
• Medical facilities are limited, and comprehensive travel insurance is essential

Cultural Etiquette

• Zimbabweans are generally warm and hospitable
• Greetings are important; a handshake and inquiry about well-being are customary
• Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas
• Ask permission before photographing people or government buildings
• Tipping (10-15%) is appreciated for good service

Unique Experiences in Harare

Hidden Gems

• Thetford Game Reserve – Lesser-known wildlife viewing just 20km from the city center.
• Kuimba Shiri Bird Park – Africa’s largest bird park featuring eagles, owls, and other diverse species.
• Lion & Cheetah Park – Close encounters with big cats in a conservation-focused environment.
• Greenwood Park – Beautiful botanical gardens with specialty areas including a Japanese garden.

Local Experiences

• Mbira Music Lessons – Learn to play Zimbabwe’s traditional thumb piano at the Mbira Centre.
• Cooking Classes – Several guesthouses offer lessons in preparing traditional Zimbabwean dishes.
• First Fridays – Monthly art walk showcasing galleries and studios in the Mbare district.
• Borrowdale Farmers Market – Saturday morning market with local produce, crafts, and food stalls.

Sustainable Travel in Harare

Eco-Friendly Options

• Mukuvisi Woodlands Environmental Education Centre – Conservation programs and guided nature walks.
• Sustainable City Tours – Bicycle tours showcasing urban farming and community initiatives.
• Community Tourism Projects – Village visits that directly benefit local communities through the Zimbabwe Community Tourism Association.

Responsible Travel Tips

• Support establishments that employ local staff and source locally
• Choose operators with clear environmental policies
• Minimize plastic waste by carrying a reusable water bottle
• Respect wildlife and maintain appropriate distances when viewing animals
• Consider carbon offset programs for your flights

Itinerary Suggestions for Harare

24 Hours in Harare

• Morning: Explore the National Gallery followed by coffee at Café Nush
• Afternoon: Visit Chapungu Sculpture Park and shop at Doon Estate
• Evening: Dinner at Amanzi Restaurant with its beautiful garden setting

Weekend Trip (3 Days)

• Day 1: City center exploration including museums and gardens
• Day 2: Wildlife viewing at Mukuvisi Woodlands and shopping at craft markets
• Day 3: Day trip to Domboshawa for hiking and ancient rock art

Extended Stay (5-7 Days)

• Cover Harare’s highlights plus day trips to Chinhoyi Caves and Lake Chivero
• Include a visit to Wild Is Life elephant sanctuary
• Allow time for immersive experiences like cooking classes or music lessons
• Consider an overnight trip to Great Zimbabwe or Nyanga National Park

Seasonal Events & Festivals

• Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) – Late April/early May – Premier cultural event with music, theater, and visual arts
• Zimbabwe International Film Festival – August – Showcasing African and international cinema
• Shoko Festival – September – Urban culture celebration featuring hip-hop, spoken word, and street art
• Jacaranda Music Festival – October – Coinciding with the blooming of jacaranda trees
• Zimbabwe Agricultural Show – August – Long-running exhibition of agricultural products and rural life

Local Insights

• The best sunset views can be found from the terrace at Rainbow Towers Hotel
• Sunday afternoon jazz sessions at local venues like Jazz 105 are a favorite among residents
• Harare’s jacaranda-lined First Street is most photogenic in October during full bloom
• Early mornings offer the best wildlife viewing at Mukuvisi Woodlands
• Book tables at popular restaurants in advance, especially on weekends

Final Tips

• Learn a few basic Shona phrases like “Makadii” (Hello) and “Ndatenda” (Thank you)
• Electricity outages can occur, so pack a portable power bank and flashlight
• Internet connectivity is generally good in central Harare but may be limited elsewhere
• Carry a hat and sunscreen as the African sun can be intense, even on cloudy days
• Foreign exchange regulations change frequently, so research current rules before arrival

Harare may not be on every traveller’s radar, but those who visit discover a welcoming city with unique cultural offerings, surprising green spaces, and a gateway to understanding Zimbabwe’s complex history and bright future. Whether you’re stopping through on your way to Victoria Falls or making it a destination in its own right, the “Sunshine City” rewards visitors with authentic experiences beyond the typical tourist trail.