Where to Stay in Harare
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
Find Hotels Across Harare
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Regions of Harare
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
The most sought-after accommodation area, featuring leafy, secure neighborhoods with boutique hotels, luxury lodges, and upscale guesthouses. Properties here offer excellent security, beautiful gardens, swimming pools, and proximity to shopping centers, restaurants, and business districts. This is where most international visitors and business travelers choose to stay.
A balanced area offering good-value accommodation with a mix of mid-range guesthouses and small hotels. These neighborhoods provide reasonable security, local atmosphere, and convenient access to both the city center and northern suburbs, making them popular with budget-conscious travelers who still want comfort.
The historic heart of Harare with a handful of older hotels and budget options. While offering proximity to museums, markets, and government offices, this area requires careful selection due to varying property standards and security considerations. Best suited for budget travelers and those needing central business district access.
Emerging accommodation area with newer guesthouses and small hotels catering primarily to regional visitors and business travelers. Less developed for tourism than northern areas but offering authentic local experiences and competitive pricing with improving standards.
Practical accommodation zone along the road to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, featuring properties designed for transit passengers and early morning departures. Convenient for connecting flights but removed from city attractions and dining options.
Quieter residential areas with scattered guesthouse options, primarily serving local business needs rather than international tourism. Limited tourist infrastructure but can offer good value for extended stays and those with local connections.
Just outside Harare proper, this area offers nature-focused lodges and resorts near Lake Chivero Recreational Park. Provides a bush experience within easy reach of the capital, popular for weekend getaways and travelers wanting to combine city access with wildlife encounters.
High-security area near embassies and diplomatic residences with select upscale accommodation options. Extremely secure with excellent infrastructure but limited in number of properties and often requiring advance booking. Premium pricing reflects enhanced security measures.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Harare
Harare has limited international hotel chain presence, with Meikles Hotel being the most established luxury property and a few regional African chains represented. The Rainbow Tourism Group operates several properties across different price points. Most 'chain' accommodation consists of small local groups operating 2-4 properties. International brands like Cresta and African Sun have had varying presence over the years due to economic conditions.
The accommodation scene is dominated by locally-owned guesthouses, boutique lodges, and small hotels, often family-run operations offering personalized service. These range from simple B&Bs to sophisticated boutique properties with high standards. Many are set in converted residential properties with gardens, pools, and intimate atmospheres. This local ownership creates authentic experiences but means standards can vary significantly, making reviews and recommendations important for selection.
Harare offers several unique accommodation experiences reflecting Zimbabwean culture and history. Colonial-era homes converted into boutique guesthouses provide historical ambiance with modern comforts. Safari-style lodges within city limits offer thatched accommodations with African décor and outdoor bomas for dining. Some properties feature traditional Zimbabwean architecture incorporating local stone and thatch. Urban farm stays on the city's periphery combine agricultural experiences with accommodation, while art-focused guesthouses showcase local artists' work throughout the property.
Booking Tips for Harare
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Most accommodation is quoted in US dollars, though payment can involve complex arrangements including USD cash, mobile money, bank transfers, or local currency at varying rates. Confirm exact payment methods accepted before booking, as credit card facilities are limited and may incur high surcharges (10-15%). Many properties prefer cash payment and offer discounts for USD cash, so plan your payment strategy carefully and carry sufficient cash.
Given the limited online booking infrastructure, contacting properties directly via WhatsApp or email often yields better rates and more flexible arrangements than third-party platforms. Direct booking also allows you to verify current standards, confirm payment methods, and arrange airport transfers. Many smaller properties aren't listed on international booking sites, so local recommendations and direct research can uncover excellent options.
Security should be a primary consideration when selecting accommodation in Harare. Properties in northern suburbs generally offer better security infrastructure including perimeter walls, guards, and secure parking. Verify security measures directly with properties, especially if arriving late or departing early. Location within secure areas is often more important than specific amenities, and spending slightly more for northern suburb properties typically provides better overall experience.
Zimbabwe's economic challenges mean property standards can change rapidly, and online information may be outdated. Recent reviews (within 6 months) are essential, and contacting properties directly to verify facilities, confirm they're operational, and check recent photos is highly recommended. Power outages and water interruptions occur, so ask about backup generators and water storage systems.
Most reputable accommodation offers airport transfer services, which are highly recommended over unofficial taxis, especially for first-time visitors. Arrange and confirm transfers in advance with clear pricing (typically $20-40 USD one-way). This provides safe arrival, helps with currency exchange advice, and establishes a relationship with your hosts who can provide valuable local guidance.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Harare
Book 2-3 months in advance for May through October travel, especially for June-August peak season. Quality properties in northern suburbs fill quickly during this period, and last-minute options may be limited to less desirable areas or significantly more expensive. Easter and Christmas holidays require even earlier booking, ideally 3-4 months ahead.
April and November offer more flexibility, with 3-6 weeks advance booking usually sufficient for good selection and reasonable rates. This timing allows you to secure preferred properties while potentially negotiating slightly better rates than peak season, especially for extended stays.
December through March (excluding Christmas/New Year) sees lowest demand and best rates, with last-minute booking often possible and walk-in rates negotiable. However, book at least 1-2 weeks ahead to ensure your preferred area and property type, as some smaller properties may close for maintenance during quieter periods.
For Harare, booking 4-8 weeks in advance provides good balance of selection and value across most of the year. Direct contact with properties 2-3 weeks before arrival can sometimes yield better rates than initial booking platform prices, especially for longer stays. Flexibility with exact dates can help secure better deals, as occupancy-based pricing is common.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Harare