Borrowdale Village, Zimbabwe - Things to Do in Borrowdale Village

Things to Do in Borrowdale Village

Borrowdale Village, Zimbabwe - Complete Travel Guide

Borrowdale Village sits where colonial mansions meet modern shopping centers in one of Harare's wealthiest areas. Jacaranda trees line the streets. The quiet residential neighborhood has become a busy hub that feels like a small town rather than part of Zimbabwe's capital—you can walk from luxury boutiques to craft markets in minutes. Borrowdale Village blends Zimbabwe's colonial past with contemporary African culture, creating space where expat families, local professionals, and visitors all find their groove.

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.

Booking Tip: Entry is usually around $2-3 USD, and the market runs Saturday and Sunday from early morning until late afternoon. Bring cash in small denominations and don't be afraid to negotiate - vendors expect it and often enjoy the interaction.

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.

Booking Tip: Tastings cost around $15-20 USD and should be booked in advance, especially on weekends. The best time is late afternoon when the light is perfect for photos and the temperature is cooler.

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.

Booking Tip: Entry is free, though donations are appreciated. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, and if you're interested in purchasing pieces, they can arrange international shipping for around $50-100 depending on size.

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.

Booking Tip: Most shops accept both USD and local currency, though USD often gets better prices. The area is busiest on weekends, so visit weekday mornings for a more relaxed experience and better service.

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.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are around $5-8 USD for adults, and the reserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Early morning visits offer the best wildlife viewing, and guided walks can be arranged for an additional $10-15.

Getting There

Borrowdale Village sits ~20 minutes north of central Harare by car via the main A1 highway toward Bindura. Most visitors take taxis or private transfers from Robert Mugabe International Airport. That journey runs ~45 minutes depending on traffic. Local buses run regularly along Borrowdale Road from downtown Harare, though they get packed during rush hours. Bolt operates here but coverage gets spotty during quiet periods.

Getting Around

The village is walkable. Most shops, restaurants, and attractions cluster within a few blocks of each other. You'll need transport for outlying wine estates or nature reserves, though. Taxis cost around $10-15 for trips within greater Borrowdale and they're easy to find. Many visitors rent cars for flexibility—just prepare for aggressive local drivers and occasional roadblocks.

Where to Stay

Borrowdale Village Center
Borrowdale Brooke
Mount Pleasant
Avondale
Greystone Park
Chisipite

Food & Dining

The dining scene balances international cuisine with local flavors well. You'll find excellent Indian restaurants run by families who've lived in Zimbabwe for generations alongside contemporary cafes serving fusion dishes that blend African ingredients with European techniques. The village center has several outdoor restaurants perfect for people-watching. For authentic Zimbabwean food, look for places serving sadza with various relishes, or try kapenta if you're feeling bold. Most restaurants accept US dollars and local currency—service runs leisurely by international standards.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Harare

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

The Three Monkeys Harare

4.5 /5
(746 reviews) 2

Café de Paris

4.5 /5
(406 reviews)
bakery cafe store

NoodleBox Harare

4.8 /5
(332 reviews)

The Kitchen

4.6 /5
(343 reviews)

Ocean Basket Highland Park

4.6 /5
(328 reviews)

Oak Tree

4.5 /5
(296 reviews) 2

When to Visit

Zimbabwe's high altitude keeps Borrowdale Village pleasant year-round. The dry season from April to October offers the most comfortable weather for walking and outdoor dining. The rainy season from November to March gets quite wet, though temperatures warm up and the landscape turns lush and green. Combine your visit with wildlife viewing at nearby reserves during the dry winter months from May to September when animals gather around water sources. July and August can get surprisingly cool in the evenings—pack accordingly.

Insider Tips

Many shops and restaurants prefer US dollars over local currency. Come prepared. Bring small bills for easier transactions.
Weekend markets get busy by mid-morning. Arrive early if you want to browse without crowds and get first pick of the best items.
Ask vendors about stories behind their art and crafts if you're buying local pieces. Many have fascinating backgrounds. The artists often have compelling personal histories worth hearing.

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