MileHacker Logo
Things to Do in Harare

Things to Do in Harare

Harare Zimbabwe Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Explore Harare's natural side through various outdoor pursuits.

Hiking & Trails

Domboshawa Rocks

This site offers a relatively easy hike to the top, rewarding you with panoramic views.

Epworth Balancing Rocks

You will discover easy walks around these unique rock formations.

Haka Game Park

(East of Harare). Offers walking and cycling trails within a game park setting, providing opportunities for light game viewing.

Water Activities & Wildlife

  • Cleveland Dam / Lake Chivero: Popular recreational areas for boating, fishing, and canoeing.
  • No significant white-water rafting directly in Harare; such activities are further afield, like at Victoria Falls.
  • Mukuvisi Woodlands: Urban wildlife viewing, with animals like giraffes, zebras, and impala in a natural bush setting.
  • Wild Is Life Trust and ZEN (Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery): Offers up-close elephant and wildlife experiences by appointment.

Adventure Sports

  • Adventure sport options within Harare are limited.
  • For major adrenaline activities like bungee jumping, travel to Victoria Falls.
  • Victoria Falls is a flight or long bus journey away.

Full Safari Experiences

  • To see the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo), dedicated trips are required.
  • Visit national parks like Mana Pools, Hwange, or Gonarezhou.
  • These parks are outside Harare and typically involve multi-day trips.

Cycling & Biking

  • Dedicated cycling routes are limited in Harare.
  • Some cycling occurs in Mukuvisi Woodlands or on quiet roads in the northern suburbs.
  • Formal mountain biking trails for tourism are not established within Harare.
  • If cycling, exercise caution due to traffic.

Important Safety Note

Always check local conditions and guidance from tour operators or guides for outdoor activities and safaris. Prioritize safety, especially for adventure sports or wildlife viewing.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with Harare's arts and traditions.

Arts & Skills Workshops

  • Art Workshops: Some private studios or galleries may offer workshops, especially in stone sculpting. Inquire at Chapungu Sculpture Park.
  • Craft Classes: Opportunities to learn traditional crafts like basket weaving or pottery are more common in rural areas, but you can inquire at cultural centers.
  • Music/Dance: Formal classes for tourists are less common, but attending cultural performances offers excellent exposure to traditional Zimbabwean music and dance.
  • Language Learning: Formal short courses for tourists to learn Shona or Ndebele are limited. English is widely spoken in Harare.

Performances & Community Ties

Cultural Performances

The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe can provide information on upcoming cultural performances. Theatre in the Park sometimes hosts traditional dance or music performances.

Community-Based Tourism

Dzikwa Trust in Dzivarasekwa works to support vulnerable children. Respectful visits can be arranged with prior contact, offering insights into local life and community development efforts.

Cultural Festivals

The Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA), typically in May, is a major annual arts and culture festival. The Zimbabwe International Book Fair occurs in August. Check local calendars for these and other events.

Shona Phrases

Learning a few basic Shona phrases receives appreciation from locals, enhancing interactions.

Theatre in the Park

Offers a window into local artistry through traditional dance or music performances.

Relaxation & Wellness

Discover tranquil spaces and rejuvenate in Harare.

Spa & Serenity Spots

  • Many upscale hotels in Harare, like Meikles Hotel and Rainbow Towers, feature in-house spas.
  • Independent spas and salons are also available, notably in the northern suburbs. These offer various treatments for relaxation.
  • Yoga: Some private studios in Harare offer yoga classes. Dedicated yoga or meditation retreats within the city are rare.
  • No natural hot springs are directly in Harare. Traditional healers (n'angas) are part of Zimbabwean culture, though tourists do not typically seek these services.

Aquatic Retreats

Hotel Swimming Pools

Many hotels in Harare have swimming pools accessible to guests, offering a refreshing escape.

Private Club Access

Some private clubs may offer day passes for pool access, allowing you to relax by the water.

No Beaches

Harare is landlocked, so there are no beaches within the city limits.

Wellness Amenities

In-House Hotel Spas

Luxury hotels frequently include spas with a variety of relaxation treatments.

Independent Salons

Discover standalone spas and salons throughout the city for wellness services.

Yoga Sessions

Look for individual yoga classes or occasional workshops offered by private studios.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Harare's evening scene has diverse options, from live music to dance venues.

Live Performances

  • The Book Café: Historically significant for promoting local arts and music (check for current status/location).
  • Alliance Française/Goethe-Institut: Cultural centers often host local and international musicians.
  • Local Pubs and Bars: Many feature live bands, specifically on weekends, creating a lively atmosphere.
  • Theatre in the Park & Rep Theatre: These venues stage a variety of plays and performances.

Dancing & Evening Socials

Nightclubs

Several nightclubs operate in Harare, mainly in the Central Business District (CBD) and the northern suburbs. Popular spots change frequently, so ask locals for current recommendations.

Bar Districts

The northern suburbs (e.g., Sam Levy's Village area, Borrowdale Road) present a concentration of upscale bars and restaurants, for a more relaxed evening.

Late-Night Options

Some hotels in Harare include casinos. Late-night bars and nightclubs remain open into the early hours, offering dancing and socializing.

Casino Gaming

Many hotels offer in-house casino options for evening entertainment.

Social Lounges

Upscale bars in the northern suburbs for a relaxed and sophisticated evening.

CBD Pubs

The CBD hosts numerous local pubs and bars, providing a different, often more energetic, experience.

Nightlife Caution

Exercise caution when visiting nightclubs and bars, specifically in unfamiliar areas. Staying aware of your surroundings and traveling with trusted companions is recommended.

Shopping & Markets

Discover local crafts, souvenirs, and modern shopping experiences in Harare.

Traditional & Artisan Goods

  • Mbare Musika: The largest market in Harare, selling fresh produce, clothing, household goods, and some crafts. An intense, authentic experience of local commerce.
  • Avondale Flea Market: A smaller, more tourist-friendly market with crafts, clothing, and souvenirs. It offers a relaxed shopping environment.
  • Artisan Workshops: Chapungu Sculpture Park features a gallery and workshop where you can see artists at work and purchase their sculptures directly.
  • Doongue Arts and Crafts Centre: A collection of small shops selling various Zimbabwean crafts.

Modern Retail & Souvenirs

Luxury Shopping

Sam Levy's Village (Borrowdale): An upscale shopping mall in the northern suburbs. It features boutique stores, international brands, cafes, and restaurants.

Modern Shopping

Joina City: A modern shopping mall in the CBD, offering various shops and services.

Souvenir Ideas

Stone sculptures (Shona stone art), handicrafts (basketry, wood carvings, traditional fabrics, pottery), and curios (small animal carvings, keychains).

Shona Stone Art

  • Comes in various sizes and styles.
  • From small curios to large statement pieces.
  • A unique and internationally recognized art form.
  • Purchase directly from artists at Chapungu Sculpture Park.

Handicrafts & Curios

  • Beautiful basketry and intricate wood carvings.
  • Traditional fabrics and pottery.
  • Small animal carvings and keychains make good gifts.
  • Available at markets and craft centers.

Ethical Shopping

  • Support local artisans directly at markets.
  • This practice secures fair wages.
  • Direct purchases benefit local communities.
  • Polite bargaining is common in informal markets.

Shipping & Customs

International Shipping
  • Many art galleries or larger craft shops can arrange international shipping for larger items like stone sculptures.
  • Be aware of CITES regulations if purchasing certain animal products, as these may have export restrictions.
  • Confirm shipping costs and delivery times prior to purchase.
Customs Regulations
  • Check your home country's customs regulations regarding importing art, animal products, or other goods before you travel.
  • This prevents unexpected issues upon your return.
  • Keep receipts and any necessary documentation for customs declarations.

Shopping Insights

Shopping in Harare can present a rewarding experience, whether you seek authentic local crafts or modern retail goods. Remember to engage respectfully with vendors and be mindful of your belongings in crowded market areas.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor Explorations

  • Hike Domboshawa Rocks for panoramic views.
  • Enjoy boating or fishing at Lake Chivero.
  • Experience urban wildlife at Mukuvisi Woodlands.
  • Capture unique geological formations at Epworth.

Cultural & Leisure Pursuits

  • Attend live music at local venues.
  • Explore traditional crafts at Mbare Musika.
  • Relax at a hotel spa or independent salon.
  • Discover the city's nightlife and dining options.