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Places / Africa / Zimbabwe

Harare

Visited in August 2019

At a glance

Country
Zimbabwe
Region
Harare Province
Population
2.1 million
Best time to go
May to October
Main airport
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International (HRE)
Coordinates
17.80°S, 31.03°E

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Overview

Zimbabwe's capital is a leafy, high-altitude city of wide avenues, gardens and jacaranda trees that turn the streets purple in spring. The climate is mild for much of the year.

It's a good place to discover Zimbabwe's celebrated stone sculpture and contemporary art, and to get a sense of everyday life before heading off to the national parks. Granite hills and dams within an hour's drive make easy escapes.

Things to see

  • National Gallery of Zimbabwe
    Photo: Awinda, CC BY-SA 3.0

    National Gallery of Zimbabwe

    Contemporary Zimbabwean and African art, including the stone sculpture the country is known for.

    Tickets and tours
  • Chapungu Sculpture Park
    Photo: Lyn Mushakwe, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Chapungu Sculpture Park

    Large stone sculptures by Zimbabwe's leading artists, set out in gardens east of the centre.

  • Mukuvisi Woodlands
    Photo: i_c_riddell, CC BY 4.0

    Mukuvisi Woodlands

    Woodland on the edge of the city where you can walk or ride among zebra, giraffe and antelope.

    Tickets and tours
  • National Heroes' Acre
    Photo: ilf_, CC BY-SA 2.0

    National Heroes' Acre

    A monumental burial ground and memorial on a hill west of the city.

Things to do

  • Domboshava
    Photo: jwild, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Domboshava

    Climb a granite whaleback for sunset views and ancient rock paintings, around 30 minutes north.

    Find tours
  • Mbare Musika
    Photo: Samwise Gamgee, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Mbare Musika

    The city's huge, chaotic market and bus terminus, best visited with a local guide.

  • Lake Chivero
    Photo: Gyron, Public domain

    Lake Chivero

    A reservoir and recreational park south-west of the city, with game and birdlife.

Where to stay

Getting around

Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the easiest way to get around; the city is spread out and walking between suburbs is not practical.

The airport is south-east of the centre, around 20 to 30 minutes by taxi.

When to go

The dry season from May to October is sunny, with cool winter nights. Jacarandas bloom around September and October. The rainy season from November to March brings afternoon storms.

Plan your trip to Harare

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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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