Things to Do in Harare

About Harare

Jacaranda trees drop purple blossoms over Harare's boulevards most of the year, turning wide streets into natural tunnels of color. Zimbabwe's capital runs on its own clock. Locals share stories under msasa trees the way other cities gather in coffee shops—though Harare has plenty of those too now. The smell of sadza, the staple cornmeal dish, drifts from street vendors and mixes with espresso from new cafés that opened in the past few years. Markets sell bright fabrics and stone sculptures. You'll hear Shona and Ndebele spoken in equal measure, sometimes in the same conversation. Mbare's streets hold good art if you know where to look. The National Botanic Gardens offer quiet. Both matter. Ubuntu—the idea that we're all connected—plays out here in practice, not theory. Strangers share meals. Conversations at sunset run late into the night, sometimes until the stars come out. The city has weathered hard years and came through with something like grace. Cultural heritage sits next to modern ambition without much fuss, creating a mix that feels distinctly African and distinctly forward-looking at once.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Use reputable taxi services like Vaya or Hwindi rather than public transport for safety. Negotiate fares beforehand or insist on metered rides. For longer distances, consider organized tours or rental cars with local drivers who know current road conditions.

Money: Carry US dollars in small denominations ($1, $5, $10 bills) as Zimbabwe primarily uses foreign currency. Credit cards work in upscale hotels and restaurants, but cash is essential for markets, tips, and local transport.

Cultural Respect: Greet elders first and use both hands when receiving gifts or business cards. Avoid photographing people without permission, especially in markets. Dress modestly when visiting rural areas or religious sites, covering shoulders and knees.

Food Safety: Stick to bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Try local specialties like sadza, nyama, and matemba at established restaurants. Street food can be safe if freshly prepared and hot—look for busy stalls with high turnover.

When to Visit

Harare enjoys a subtropical highland climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The ideal time to visit is during the dry season (May-October) when temperatures range from 15-25°C (59-77°F), humidity is low, and rainfall minimal. May and June offer perfect weather with sunny days and cool nights, while July-August can be chilly (10-23°C/50-73°F) requiring warm clothing. September-October see temperatures rising to 25-30°C (77-86°F) but remain comfortable with low humidity. The wet season (November-April) brings higher temperatures (20-30°C/68-86°F), afternoon thunderstorms, and 600-900mm annual rainfall, mostly between December-February. While landscape turns lush and green, some rural roads become impassable. Peak season pricing (May-October) sees accommodation rates 30-40% higher than wet season rates. Key festivals include the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) in May, featuring excellent performances, and the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in August. Adventure travelers might prefer the wet season for dramatic landscapes and 25% lower costs, while first-time visitors should stick to the dry months for optimal accessibility and weather conditions.