Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe - Things to Do in Harare Sports Club

Things to Do in Harare Sports Club

Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe - Complete Travel Guide

Harare sits on a high plateau that keeps temperatures surprisingly mild year-round. Zimbabwe's capital mixes colonial architecture, modern high-rises, and busy markets in something uniquely Zimbabwean. Total chaos that works. You'll find wide, tree-lined avenues in the city center alongside townships where daily life pulses strongest. Harare Sports Club sits right downtown. The venue has hosted international cricket since the 1990s and feels like the kind of place where sport becomes social fabric—locals gather for atmosphere and community, not just matches.

Top Things to Do in Harare Sports Club

National Gallery of Zimbabwe

This gallery houses one of Africa's most impressive collections of contemporary art, with works spanning traditional stone sculptures to modern paintings. The building mixes colonial and modern architecture. Somehow captures Zimbabwe's complex history. You'll likely spend two hours here if you're genuinely interested in the art scene.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around $2-3 USD and the gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday. Visit in the morning when the light is better for viewing artwork, and consider hiring a local guide for $10-15 who can provide context about the artists and cultural significance.

Mbare Musika Market

This is one of the largest markets in southern Africa and definitely not for the faint-hearted. Chaotic, loud, and absolutely authentic. You can find everything from fresh produce to traditional crafts, though the real draw is experiencing the energy of daily Zimbabwean commerce. You'll see things here you won't see anywhere else.

Booking Tip: Go with a local guide for safety and navigation - expect to pay $20-30 for a half-day tour including transport. Early morning (8-10am) tends to be less crowded and cooler. Keep valuables secure and bring small bills for purchases.

Mukuvisi Woodlands

Just outside the city center, this nature reserve has a surprising escape from urban life with walking trails and wildlife viewing. You might spot zebras and giraffes. Feels like a completely different world from downtown Harare. The birdwatching is quite good here too.

Booking Tip: Entry is around $5 USD and guided walks cost an additional $10-15. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best wildlife viewing. The reserve is open daily but call ahead during rainy season as some trails may be closed.

Domboshava Rock Paintings

These ancient San rock paintings are about 30km northeast of Harare and offer a glimpse into Zimbabwe's prehistoric past. The paintings are thousands of years old. They depict hunting scenes, animals, and spiritual ceremonies in remarkable detail. The hike to reach them is moderate but worth it for the historical significance and views.

Booking Tip: Most operators charge $40-60 for a half-day trip including transport and guide. The site requires a moderate 20-minute hike, so wear proper shoes. Afternoon visits can be hot, so morning trips are preferable, especially during summer months.

Avondale Flea Market

Every Saturday, this upscale suburb transforms into a market selling everything from Shona stone sculptures to vintage clothing and local food. Much more relaxed than Mbare. Tends to attract both locals and expats, creating an interesting cultural mix. The quality of crafts here is higher, though so are the prices.

Booking Tip: The market runs from 8am to 4pm on Saturdays only. No booking needed - just show up with cash (USD preferred). Prices are negotiable but more fixed than at other markets. Parking can be challenging, so consider taking a taxi.

Getting There

Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport sits about 15km southeast of downtown and handles most international flights. Options are limited compared to other regional capitals. Ethiopian Airlines and South African Airways provide the most reliable connections through Addis Ababa and Johannesburg. From the airport, official taxis cost around $25-30 to reach central Harare, while ride-sharing apps like Uber operate but can be inconsistent. Hotel transfers are worth arranging. Local transport can be unpredictable.

Getting Around

Harare's public transport relies heavily on commuter omnibuses and conventional buses, though these can be crowded and confusing for visitors. Taxis are widely available and relatively affordable. Expect to pay $10-15 for trips within the city center. Uber operates in Harare and tends to be more reliable than street taxis—plus you'll know the fare upfront. Some visitors rent cars for longer stays. Traffic can be chaotic and parking downtown is often challenging. Walking works in certain areas like the city center during daylight hours, but ask locals about current safety conditions for specific neighborhoods.

Where to Stay

City Center
Borrowdale
Mount Pleasant
Avondale
Newlands
Highlands

Food & Dining

Harare's dining scene reflects both international influences and local Zimbabwean traditions, though finding consistently good restaurants takes trial and error. Several decent hotels downtown have reliable restaurants. Suburbs like Borrowdale and Mount Pleasant offer more upscale dining options. For authentic local food, try sadza (cornmeal staple) with meat or vegetables at smaller establishments, though these might not always meet international hygiene standards. Indian and Chinese restaurants are surprisingly common and often quite good. The restaurant scene can be inconsistent due to economic challenges—ask locals for current recommendations.

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

Harare's high altitude keeps temperatures moderate year-round, but the dry season from April to October is most comfortable for visitors. You'll have clear skies and minimal rainfall. Pleasant temperatures rarely exceed 25°C (77°F). The rainy season from November to March brings afternoon thunderstorms and higher humidity, though mornings are often clear. This is when the city looks best. Everything is green and blooming. Winter months (June-August) can be surprisingly cool, especially at night when temperatures might drop to 5°C (41°F)—pack accordingly.

Insider Tips

US dollars are widely accepted and often preferred over local currency, but carry small bills as change can be an issue
Power outages are common, so always keep devices charged and consider bringing a portable battery pack
Many restaurants and shops close early or have irregular hours, so don't assume places will be open after 7pm without checking first

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