Harare Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Harare.
Healthcare System
Zimbabwe's healthcare system faces significant challenges due to economic constraints, resulting in shortages of medical supplies, equipment, and qualified staff. Public hospitals often lack basic resources, while private medical facilities offer better standards but require immediate cash payment or proof of insurance coverage.
Hospitals
Recommended private facilities include Avenues Clinic, Borrowdale Trauma Centre, and Westend Hospital. These cater to international patients and accept some insurance. Public hospitals like Parirenyatwa and Harare Central Hospital should be avoided except in absolute emergencies due to resource constraints.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are available throughout Harare but often face stock shortages. Bring adequate supplies of prescription medications with proper documentation. Major pharmacies include Healthpoint Pharmacy and TM Supermarket pharmacies. Some medications require prescriptions; others are available over the counter.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential and strongly recommended. Many medical facilities require upfront payment in US dollars and will not treat patients without payment guarantee.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first aid kit and sufficient supplies of any prescription medications
- Carry US dollars in cash for medical payments as card facilities may be unreliable
- Ensure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage to South Africa or your home country
- Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses
- Consider vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and ensure routine vaccinations are current
- Keep copies of prescriptions and medical records with you
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles are common, particularly in crowded areas, markets, and the city center. Thieves often work in groups to distract victims.
Muggings can occur, particularly after dark and in isolated areas. Some incidents involve weapons. Carjackings, while less common, do occur, especially at traffic lights after dark.
Zimbabwe uses multiple currencies including US dollars, and currency exchange scams are prevalent. Black market money changers may use counterfeit notes, short-change victims, or switch bills.
Theft from parked vehicles, smash-and-grab incidents at traffic lights, and carjackings pose risks. Items left visible in cars are frequently targeted.
Road conditions vary from good to poor, with potholes common. Driving standards can be erratic, and poorly maintained vehicles, unlit vehicles at night, and pedestrians on roads pose hazards. Police roadblocks are frequent.
Political demonstrations, protests, and gatherings occur periodically and can turn confrontational. Security forces may use tear gas or other crowd control measures.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Street money changers approach tourists offering better exchange rates than banks. They may use sleight of hand to short-change you, provide counterfeit notes, or work with accomplices who pose as police to confiscate your money.
Individuals posing as police officers stop tourists, claim there's a problem with documentation or that they need to check for counterfeit money, then demand fines or confiscate cash.
Unlicensed taxi drivers quote one price then demand much more at the destination, or take unnecessarily long routes to increase the fare. Some work with accomplices who rob passengers.
Individuals approach tourists with emotional stories about orphanages or sick children, requesting donations. The money rarely reaches legitimate causes.
Sellers offer 'authentic' gemstones, gold, or valuable artifacts at attractive prices. Items are often fake or worth far less than claimed. Some involve pressure tactics or claims of needing quick cash.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something on you, asking for directions, dropping items) while an accomplice steals your belongings.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Always carry copies of your passport and visa, keeping originals in hotel safe
- Register with your embassy upon arrival
- Keep emergency contacts and hotel address written down in case phone is lost
- Carry a charged power bank as electricity outages are common
- Have US dollars in small denominations for emergencies
- Learn basic Shona or Ndebele greetings to show respect
- Be aware that photography of government buildings, military installations, and officials is prohibited
Transportation Safety
- Use reputable taxi services like Rixi or approved hotel taxis rather than street taxis
- Avoid public minibus taxis (kombis) which are often overcrowded and poorly maintained
- If renting a car, use a reputable company and ensure comprehensive insurance
- Keep fuel tank above half-full as fuel shortages can occur
- Have a local SIM card for navigation and emergency calls
- Don't drive after dark unless absolutely necessary
Money and Valuables
- Carry minimal cash and use a money belt or concealed pouch
- Bring sufficient US dollars as ATMs are often unreliable or out of cash
- Use credit cards only at established hotels and restaurants
- Don't display expensive jewelry, watches, or electronics
- Keep emergency cash separate from your main wallet
- Be discreet when accessing money or checking valuables
Accommodation Safety
- Stay in reputable hotels or lodges with security measures
- Ensure your room has working locks and use additional security devices if available
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors; verify identity through hotel reception
- Keep windows and doors locked, especially at night
- Store valuables in room safe or hotel security box
- Know emergency exits and evacuation procedures
Health Precautions
- Bring a comprehensive first aid kit including anti-diarrheal medication
- Use hand sanitizer frequently, especially before eating
- Avoid street food unless from busy, reputable vendors with cooked-to-order items
- Peel fruits yourself and avoid salads that may have been washed in tap water
- Be current on routine vaccinations and consider hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies vaccines
- Avoid contact with animals, including dogs and monkeys
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card (Econet or NetOne) for reliable communication
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Keep your embassy's contact information easily accessible
- Download offline maps before arriving as internet can be unreliable
- Learn emergency phrases in local languages
- Be aware that internet censorship and monitoring may occur
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers can visit Harare safely but should take additional precautions. While violent attacks against female tourists are uncommon, harassment, unwanted attention, and petty crime targeting women do occur. Solo female travelers may receive more attention, particularly from men offering unsolicited help or companionship. Conservative dress and behavior are advisable, though Harare is more cosmopolitan than rural areas. Many women travel to Harare without incident by staying alert and following safety guidelines.
- Avoid walking alone after dark; use reputable taxis even for short distances
- Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention; cover shoulders and avoid revealing clothing
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted attention or offers of help
- Consider wearing a fake wedding ring to deter advances
- Don't share accommodation details or travel plans with strangers
- Trust your instincts; remove yourself from uncomfortable situations immediately
- Keep hotel room numbers private and meet people in public areas
- Avoid accepting drinks from strangers and watch your drink being prepared
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers safely
- Have your phone charged and easily accessible for emergencies
- Research and book accommodation with good security and reviews from female travelers
- Be aware that gender-based harassment can occur in crowded places like markets
- Consider staying in women-friendly accommodations or those with female staff
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Zimbabwe under colonial-era laws, though prosecutions are rare. There are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Same-sex marriage is not recognized and is constitutionally banned.
- Exercise extreme discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity
- Avoid public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Do not discuss LGBTQ+ topics openly with strangers or in public
- Be cautious about using dating apps; meetings should be in safe, private locations
- Book hotel rooms as 'friends' or request separate beds if concerned about discrimination
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance through trusted sources
- Be aware that some hotels may refuse service to same-sex couples
- Don't wear clothing or accessories that might identify you as LGBTQ+
- Have contact information for your embassy in case of issues
- Consider travel insurance that covers LGBTQ+-related incidents
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations discreetly if support is needed
- Be prepared to remain closeted throughout your visit for safety
- Consider whether Zimbabwe is the right destination given the risks
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential for visiting Harare and Zimbabwe. The country's healthcare system faces significant challenges, and private medical facilities require upfront payment in US dollars. Medical evacuation to South Africa or beyond may be necessary for serious conditions, costing tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, the risk of petty crime, political instability, and infrastructure challenges makes insurance crucial for trip cancellations, theft, and emergency situations.
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