Things to Do in Borrowdale Village
Borrowdale Village, Zimbabwe - Complete Travel Guide
Top Things to Do in Borrowdale Village
Borrowdale Racecourse Markets
Every weekend transforms the old racecourse. The market spreads across the grounds with hand-carved sculptures, locally-made jewelry, and traditional textiles for sale. The atmosphere gets genuinely festive with live music and friendly haggling that feels more like conversation than commerce. This is one of the best places to sample local street food and pick up authentic Zimbabwean crafts from actual local artisans.
Doon Estate Wine Tasting
This boutique winery produces surprisingly good wines. Zimbabwe isn't known for wine production. The tastings are intimate affairs, often led by the winemaker himself, and you'll learn about the challenges of wine production in this climate. The estate offers impressive views over the surrounding hills—a pleasant afternoon escape from the city.
Gallery Delta Art Collections
This contemporary gallery showcases work by established and emerging Zimbabwean artists. Real insight awaits here. The pieces range from traditional stone sculptures to modern paintings that examine Zimbabwe's complex history and identity. Even gallery skeptics will find stories here that help you understand the country in ways guidebooks can't.
Borrowdale Village Shopping and Dining
The village center offers more relaxed shopping than downtown Harare. International brands mix with local boutiques. You'll find quality leather goods, locally-designed clothing, and excellent bookshops stocking international titles and works by Zimbabwean authors. The outdoor cafes are perfect for people-watching and getting a sense of how middle-class Zimbabweans live daily.
Mukuvisi Woodlands Nature Reserve
This urban nature reserve sits just minutes from Borrowdale Village. Walking trails wind through indigenous woodland. You can spot antelope, warthogs, and over 100 bird species here—genuinely peaceful and a nice contrast to suburban Borrowdale. The reserve has a small environmental education center worth visiting to understand Zimbabwe's conservation efforts.
Getting There
Getting Around
Where to Stay
Food & Dining
Top-Rated Restaurants in Harare
Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)