Harare
Each September and October the avenues of Harare turn purple as thousands of jacaranda trees bloom. Zimbabwe's capital sits on the highveld at about 1,490 metres, giving it a mild climate, a thriving art scene and busy markets – an urban counterpoint to the wild Zimbabwe tourist attractions.
The city was founded in 1890 as Fort Salisbury and was renamed Harare in 1982, two years after independence, after the Shona chief Neharawa. Today it is a sprawling, green city of wide avenues, colonial-era buildings and modern office blocks, among them the Eastgate Centre, whose ventilation system was inspired by termite mounds and has become a celebrated example of sustainable architecture.
Why visit Harare?
The National Gallery of Zimbabwe is famous for Shona stone sculpture, and the city has lively music venues, craft markets and restaurants. It is also the gateway to Mana Pools, Lake Kariba, the Eastern Highlands and Great Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwean stone sculpture, carved from serpentine and springstone, gained international recognition in the 1960s, and many artists still work in and around the city. Harare is also the heart of the country's music scene, from the mbira, an ancient thumb piano central to Shona culture, to the guitar-driven sounds of sungura and Chimurenga music.
Getting there and around
The international airport, 15 kilometres from the centre, has flights from Johannesburg, Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Dubai, plus domestic links to Victoria Falls. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are easiest for getting around.
The city centre is compact and can be explored on foot during the day, while the leafy northern suburbs, home to many hotels, restaurants and galleries, are best reached by car. Long-distance buses connect Harare with Bulawayo, Mutare and Masvingo.
Highlights not to miss
- National Gallery: Contemporary African art and Shona sculpture, with regular temporary exhibitions.
- Mbare Musika: Crafts, fabrics and fresh produce in the city's oldest and busiest market.
- Mukuvisi Woodlands: Walking trails with giraffe and zebra, just minutes from the centre.
- Domboshava: Granite hills with San rock paintings, 30 kilometres north.
- Epworth Balancing Rocks: Precarious granite formations once pictured on Zimbabwe's banknotes.
Practical tips
Small US dollar notes are widely accepted; keep valuables discreet in crowded markets.
Avoid walking in the city centre after dark, and use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps at night. Photographing government buildings and the presidential residence is not allowed, so put your camera away near official sites.
Best time to visit
Any month suits a city break, but jacaranda season is the most beautiful. Evenings from May to August are cool.
The rainy season from November to March brings afternoon thunderstorms, usually followed by clear evenings, and the city's parks and gardens are at their greenest.
Accommodation and food
Garden lodges in leafy Borrowdale contrast with international city hotels. Try sadza, the maize staple, with stewed relish.
The city's restaurant scene is surprisingly diverse, with steakhouses serving local beef, Portuguese and Indian influences, and garden cafés ideal for a relaxed breakfast.
How does it compare to other Zimbabwe tourist attractions?
Harare shows modern Zimbabwean life and culture, complementing safaris in Hwange; the Chinhoyi Caves are an easy stop on the road north.
Lake Chivero, about 30 kilometres south-west of the city, offers game viewing and boating for those with a spare day.
In summary
A friendly, green and creative capital – worth a day of galleries and markets before heading to the parks. Round trips such as the 22-day tour of Zimbabwe from Harare or the 14-day Zimbabwe expedition show how the city fits into a longer journey.
