Harare is the capital of Zimbabwe and has much to offer visitors, including a gateway to marveling wildlife, beautiful parks and a thriving cultural scene. Don’t rush off to your safari just yet as we offer some insight to make the best out of your time in the city. From the museums and gardens to the markets, read on to discover what to do, where to go, of course, what to eat when you’re in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Visit the museums and galleries
Explore Harare’s fascinating culture and art scene with a visit to one of its museums and art galleries. The Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences and the National Art Gallery take visitors through the city and nation’s history. Art lovers will appreciate visiting these spots and appreciating the collections and exhibitions. And sculpture lovers will appreciate the Shona Sculpture Gallery, which has good and cultural crafts, nice for home decor.
?Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences, Burnett Way, Harare, Zimbabwe
?National Art Gallery, Park Lane, Harare, Zimbabwe
? Shona Sculpture Gallery, Airport Road Hatfield, Harare, Zimbabwe
Discover Chapungu Sculpture Park
In East Harare, you’ll find Chapungu Sculpture Park, a beautiful art park dedicated to promoting Zimbabwean famous stone sculptures (Shona Sculpture) as well as others from other African countries. Founded in 1970 by Roy Guthrie, the permanent collection of works here are considered the most important in existence. Sculptures here are exhibited all over the world. It is located in East Harare. Visitors can purchase charming stone souvenirs at the premises.
Spend time on National Heroes Acre
National Heroes Acre is a national monument and burial ground in the Zimbabwean captial. A shrine beautifully built with lots of history for liberation war fighters. Mesmerizing artworks. The monument is designed to resemble two AK-47’s lying back to back and the graves to look like magazines for the gun. At the National Heroes Acre, you will find The Tomb of the ZanuPH soldiers, The Eternal Flame, Wall Murals, and a museum that houses artefact, photographs, documents and the burial site of about 76 Zimbabwean national heroes. This National edifice is located at 107 Rotten Row, Harare. There’s lots of Zimbabwean history to learn from this place. The environment is so serene, and offers visitors the city’s skyline view from the top.
Head to the Harare markets
From weekdays to weekends, locals and tourists pour into the city’s markets for fresh produce, local items, freshly baked treats, and artisanal crafts. If you’re in the bustling Zimbabwean capital, check out the Maasdorp Avenue Market. This farmers’ market in Harare, is only open on This is a great Wednesday and Saturday, and there is always a hive of activities, with vendors selling everything from range of gourmet food, fresh vegetables, arts and handicrafts and some luxury goodies. It caters for everyone! Then head down and browse the Magaba Market, one of the best markets in Harare, there’s nothing you cannot find there, parking is always a nightmare. If you like flea markets, and want to buy all sorts, Gerald kadonzvo arts@Avondale Flea Market, offers beautiful artwork, at good pricing too.
? Maasdorp Avenue Market, 11 Maasdorp Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe
? Magaba Market, Harare, Zimbabwe
? Gerald kadonzvo arts@Avondale Flea Market, Harare, Zimbabwe
Harare public gardens
Located right in the north of the capital city, the Harare Botanical Gardens are a beautiful spot to spend a couple of hours relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Check the Africa Unity Square, a historically valued park and garden in Harare, quite popular with the locals and tourists. The flower market onsite is fabulous!
Harare Botanical Gardens, 30 Sandringham Dr, Harare, Zimbabwe
Africa Unity Square, Jason Moyo Ave, Harare, Zimbabwe
Take a nature and wildlife tour
There’s nothing quite like a touch of the wild, and this is an experience not to be missed when visiting Harare. For wildlife and safari park in Harare, head down to the Mukuvisi Woodlands, an animal viewing deck where visitors can get a glimpse of African wildlife featuring zebras, giraffes, impalas, crocodiles, etc. At the Mukuvisi Woodlands Nature Reserve, and you’ll find numerous activities, from animal watching and fauna and flora to bird walks and horse-riding games. If you want a guide pony rides, it but needs to be booked in advance.
Contact: www.mukuvisiwoodland.co.zw
Enjoy food and drink
There’s always tons going on in the capital, and even just a stroll from end to end is an experience. Simply explore the best the best of bars and eating places in Harare, stop for a drink at the Jam Tree, or grab lunch at one of the many restaurants in the city. The Queen of Hearts has great a menu of seafood, always fun to visit as there are nice shops around and entertainment. For great music, check out Tin Roof Bucket Bar and Bistro, offers one of the best nightout experience in the city; Pariah State Avondale, got in-house DJ playing great music all evening. For grills, ribs and burgers; Gavas, Paula’s Place, RocoMamas and Chop Chop Brazillian SteakHouse.
?The Jam Tree, Harare, Zimbabwe, +263 78 263 7855
? Queen of Hearts, Harare, Zimbabwe, +263 77 192 9914
? Tin Roof Bucket Bar and Bistro, A2, Harare, Zimbabwe, +263 77 821 8990
? Gavas, Belgravia Sports Club, 2nd St Ext, Zimbabwe, +263 77 238 1863
? Chop Chop Brazillian SteakHouse, Avenues, Harare, Zimbabwe, +263 8677 160879
