Harare is Zimbabwe's capital and largest city, a surprisingly leafy metropolis of jacaranda-lined avenues and colonial-era buildings set at a pleasant 1,483 meters above sea level. With a population of roughly 1.5 million in the city proper and 2.8 million in the greater metropolitan area, Harare is not a traditional tourist destination. Most visitors pass through on their way to Mana Pools or the Eastern Highlands. But those who pause will find a city with genuine character: a thriving arts scene centered on the National Gallery, craft markets selling superb Shona stone sculpture, and green spaces like Mukuvisi Woodland where you can walk among zebra and giraffe within the city limits. The restaurant scene has improved significantly, and Harare's people are among the friendliest you will meet anywhere in Africa. As Zimbabwe's main international gateway, the city serves as the natural starting point for safaris heading north to the Zambezi Valley.
Things to Do in Harare
National Gallery of Zimbabwe
Art GalleryOutstanding collection of Shona stone sculpture and contemporary Zimbabwean art. One of the best art galleries in sub-Saharan Africa. Regular exhibitions and a sculpture garden.
Duration: ~2 hours
Mukuvisi Woodland
Urban Nature ReserveA 263-hectare woodland reserve inside the city where you can walk or cycle among giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and various antelope. A peaceful escape from urban Harare.
Duration: ~2 hours
Chapungu Sculpture Park
Sculpture GardenOpen-air gallery showcasing Zimbabwe's world-famous Shona stone sculptures in a beautiful garden setting. A great place to buy directly from artists.
Duration: ~1.5 hours
Mbare Market
MarketHarare's largest and most vibrant market. A sensory experience of fresh produce, crafts, second-hand goods, and local life. Go with a local guide for the best experience.
Duration: ~1.5 hours
Harare Neighborhoods
Where to stay and explore
City Center
Safe during the day. Exercise caution with belongings in crowded areas.Busy, commercial, slightly worn
The commercial and administrative heart of Harare with government buildings, banks, the National Gallery, and busy streets. More functional than atmospheric.
Price level: $$
Borrowdale
SafeUpscale, green, suburban
Upscale northern suburb with the best restaurants, shopping malls (Sam Levy's Village), and embassy residences. Harare's most pleasant area for visitors.
Price level: $$$
Avondale
SafeRelaxed, arty, cafe culture
Mid-range residential area with good restaurants, cafes, and a relaxed atmosphere. Popular with expats and young professionals.
Price level: $$
Food & Restaurants
Harare's food scene is more diverse than expected, with good restaurants in Borrowdale and Avondale serving international and Zimbabwean cuisine. Sadza (thick maize porridge served with meat or vegetable relish) is the national staple. Indian and Portuguese-influenced food is widely available. Street food includes maputi (roasted maize) and boerewors rolls.
Must-Try Dishes
Sadza ne nyama
Zimbabwe's staple: thick maize porridge served with beef, chicken, or goat stew
Matemba
Dried kapenta (small fish from Lake Kariba), fried and served as a protein-rich snack or side dish
Dovi (peanut butter stew)
A rich, savory stew made with peanut butter, vegetables, and often chicken. A Shona comfort food.
Top Restaurants
Amanzi Restaurant
$$$International/Zimbabwean • Borrowdale
Fine dining with African-inspired cuisine. One of Harare's best restaurants.
Paula's Place
$$Cafe/Brunch • Avondale
Popular brunch spot with excellent coffee and relaxed garden setting.
Harare Nightlife
Harare has a lively music scene, particularly on weekends. Live bands play Zimbabwean music genres including chimurenga, sungura, and jit. The city is less of a nightlife hub than Johannesburg or Nairobi, but there are good bars and live music venues.
Best areas: Borrowdale, Avondale, City Center
Book Cafe
Live Music VenueCity Center
Harare's most famous live music venue. Regular performances of Zimbabwean music, poetry, and comedy.
Sam Levy's Village
Shopping and Dining ComplexBorrowdale
Open-air mall with restaurants, bars, and a relaxed evening atmosphere.
Shopping in Harare
Harare is the best place in Zimbabwe to buy Shona stone sculpture, one of the most important contemporary art forms in Africa. Craft markets and galleries sell directly from artists at reasonable prices.
Malls
- Sam Levy's Village (Borrowdale)
- Eastgate Centre (City Center)
Markets
- Mbare Market - Daily market
- Doon Estate Craft Market - Craft market
What to Buy
Safety in Harare
Harare is generally safe for visitors who take basic precautions. Petty theft and bag-snatching can occur in crowded areas and markets. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon. The Borrowdale and Avondale suburbs are safe and pleasant. Avoid walking alone at night in the city center.
Safe Areas
- ✓ Borrowdale
- ✓ Avondale
- ✓ Sam Levy's Village area
- ✓ Hotels and lodges
Avoid
- ✗ City center at night
- ✗ Mbare after dark
- ✗ Isolated areas on foot
Safety Tips
- • Use hotel-arranged taxis or established services
- • Keep valuables out of sight, especially phones
- • Carry small USD denominations for daily purchases
- • Mbare Market is best visited with a local guide
Getting Around Harare
Hotel taxis / Private taxis
RecommendedThe safest and most convenient transport option. Hotels can arrange trusted drivers. Negotiate the fare before departure.
$5-20 per trip within the city
Kombis (minibus taxis)
Cheap shared minibuses running fixed routes through the city. Crowded and not recommended for tourists unfamiliar with the routes.
$0.50-1 per trip
Car rental
RecommendedAvailable from agencies at the airport and in the city. Useful if driving onward to Mana Pools or the Eastern Highlands. Traffic in Harare is manageable.
$40-80 per day
Harare Weather
Subtropical highland (warm, rainy summers; cool, dry winters)
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| december | 27°C | 16°C | 180mm | Warm, wet. Afternoon thunderstorms. |
| january | 27°C | 16°C | 190mm | Hottest, wettest month. |
| february | 26°C | 16°C | 160mm | Warm, still rainy. |
| march | 26°C | 15°C | 100mm | Rains easing. |
| april | 25°C | 13°C | 40mm | Cooling, drier. |
| may | 23°C | 9°C | 10mm | Cool, dry. Pleasant. |
| june | 21°C | 7°C | 3mm | Cool and dry. Cold mornings. |
| july | 21°C | 6°C | 2mm | Coolest month. Dry. |
| august | 24°C | 8°C | 2mm | Warming, still dry. |
| september | 27°C | 11°C | 5mm | Warm, dry. |
| october | 29°C | 14°C | 30mm | Hot. Jacarandas bloom. First storms. |
| november | 28°C | 16°C | 100mm | Warm, wet season starting. |
How Many Days in Harare?
1
Minimum
1
Recommended
2
Ideal