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Eastgate Centre, Zimbabwe - Things to Do in Eastgate Centre

Things to Do in Eastgate Centre

Eastgate Centre, Zimbabwe - Complete Travel Guide

Eastgate Centre is not actually a city, but rather Zimbabwe's most famous shopping mall and architectural marvel located in Harare, the country's capital. This innovative complex, opened in 1996, has gained international recognition for its groundbreaking biomimetic design inspired by termite mounds, which naturally regulates temperature without conventional air conditioning. The centre serves as both a premier shopping destination and a fascinating example of sustainable architecture that attracts visitors from around the world. While visiting Eastgate Centre, you'll be exploring Harare, Zimbabwe's vibrant capital city that blends modern urban development with rich African culture. Harare offers visitors a gateway to understanding Zimbabwe's complex history, from its colonial past to its contemporary challenges and triumphs. The city serves as an excellent base for exploring the country's natural wonders, including nearby national parks, while providing urban amenities, cultural attractions, and insights into daily Zimbabwean life.

Top Things to Do in Eastgate Centre

Explore Eastgate Centre's Biomimetic Architecture

Tour this revolutionary shopping complex that mimics termite mound ventilation systems to maintain comfortable temperatures year-round without air conditioning. The building's innovative design has influenced sustainable architecture worldwide and offers guided tours explaining its unique cooling system. Beyond the architecture, enjoy shopping for local crafts, international brands, and dining at various restaurants.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided exploration is possible during mall hours (9 AM - 6 PM), but architectural tours can be arranged through local tour operators for $15-25 per person. Best visited in the morning when lighting is optimal for photography and before crowds arrive.

Visit National Gallery of Zimbabwe

Discover Zimbabwe's premier art institution showcasing contemporary African art, traditional sculptures, and rotating exhibitions featuring both local and international artists. The gallery houses an impressive collection of Shona sculpture, paintings, and cultural artifacts that provide deep insights into Zimbabwean artistic heritage. Regular workshops and cultural events make this a dynamic cultural hub.

Booking Tip: Entry costs $3-5 USD for international visitors, open Tuesday-Sunday 9 AM-5 PM. Visit on weekdays for quieter viewing and better interaction with staff who can provide detailed artwork explanations.

Explore Mbare Musika Market

Experience Zimbabwe's largest and most vibrant traditional market, where locals shop for everything from fresh produce to traditional crafts and clothing. This bustling marketplace offers authentic cultural immersion, opportunities to practice bargaining skills, and chances to sample local street food. The market provides genuine insights into daily Zimbabwean life and commerce.

Booking Tip: Go with a local guide for safety and cultural context ($20-30 for half-day tour). Best visited in the morning (7-10 AM) when produce is freshest and crowds are manageable. Bring small US dollar bills for purchases.

Day Trip to Mukuvisi Woodlands

Escape the city at this 263-hectare nature reserve featuring indigenous woodland, walking trails, and wildlife including zebras, giraffes, and various antelope species. The reserve offers horseback riding, guided nature walks, and environmental education programs. It's an excellent introduction to Zimbabwean wildlife without traveling far from the capital.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are $5-10 USD, with guided walks costing additional $15-20. Best visited early morning or late afternoon for wildlife viewing and cooler temperatures. Book horseback riding in advance through their website.

Discover Harare's Food Scene

Sample traditional Zimbabwean cuisine including sadza (staple corn meal), nyama (grilled meat), and local vegetables at authentic restaurants and street food stalls. Experience the fusion of African, British, and Indian influences that characterize Harare's diverse culinary landscape. Visit local breweries producing traditional beer and modern craft beverages.

Booking Tip: Food tours with local guides cost $30-50 per person for half-day experiences. Try restaurants in Borrowdale or Avondale areas for upscale dining, or explore township eateries with guides for authentic local experiences.

Getting There

Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, located 15 kilometers southeast of Harare, serves as the main entry point with connections to regional African cities and some international destinations. Most international visitors connect through Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, or Dubai. From the airport, official taxis cost $25-40 to reach central Harare, while ride-sharing services and hotel shuttles are also available. Overland travel from neighboring countries like South Africa, Botswana, or Zambia is possible via bus or private vehicle, though border crossings can be time-consuming.

Getting Around

Harare's public transportation consists mainly of commuter omnibuses (kombis) and conventional buses, though these can be crowded and challenging for tourists to navigate. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt operate throughout the city and are recommended for visitors, with typical fares ranging $3-10 for city center trips. Car rental is available but requires careful consideration of road conditions and local driving practices. Many hotels and tour operators provide transportation services, and walking is feasible in certain areas like central business district during daylight hours.

Where to Stay

City Center (near Eastgate Centre)
Borrowdale (upscale northern suburbs)
Mount Pleasant (diplomatic area)
Newlands (quiet residential)
Avondale (trendy neighborhood)
Belgravia (historic area)

Food & Dining

Harare's dining scene ranges from upscale restaurants in Borrowdale and Avondale serving international cuisine and refined Zimbabwean dishes, to authentic local eateries in townships offering traditional sadza, grilled meats, and local vegetables. The city center features numerous cafes and casual dining spots, while areas like Sam Levy's Village provide modern shopping and dining complexes. Street food is widely available but best experienced with local guidance. Many restaurants accept US dollars, and the city's diverse population ensures varied culinary influences including Indian, Chinese, and Portuguese options alongside traditional African cuisine.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Harare

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

View all food guides →

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

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Harare is during the dry season from April to October, when temperatures are mild, rainfall is minimal, and humidity is low. May through August offers the coolest temperatures (15-25°C) but can be quite dry and dusty. September and October provide warm, pleasant weather before the rainy season begins. The wet season (November-March) brings higher temperatures, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms, though the landscape becomes lush and green. This period can be challenging for travel due to road conditions but offers fewer tourists and lower accommodation rates.

Insider Tips

Always carry US dollars in small denominations as local currency can be unstable and many businesses prefer USD
Respect photography restrictions around government buildings and always ask permission before photographing people
Power outages (load shedding) are common, so choose accommodations with backup generators and keep devices charged

Explore Activities in Eastgate Centre