Plizio Visual Lab

Harare International Conference Centre

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°
Harare International Conference Centre (Zimbabwe)

Weather…

The Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) is a premier facility for large-scale events and part of the iconic Rainbow Towers hotel complex in Zimbabwe's capital. Opened in 1985, the center was designed to establish Zimbabwe as a major destination for international diplomatic and economic exchange. The architecture of the center is unique, having been inspired by the conical structures of Great Zimbabwe, which gives it deep cultural symbolism. With a seating capacity of up to 4,500 in the main auditorium, it is the largest venue of its kind in the country. Over the decades, the HICC has hosted significant international summits, including conferences for the Non-Aligned Movement and the Commonwealth. The golden glass facade of the adjacent hotel and the vast conference halls make it a prominent landmark in the Harare skyline. Besides diplomatic meetings, the center is regularly used for concerts, religious gatherings, and national celebrations. It features state-of-the-art simultaneous interpretation equipment and several smaller meeting rooms for specialized delegations.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212120191614141620222322
Rain mm18013394317319252594195

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The conference centre is open to the public during major events. On other days, access is usually limited to authorized personnel.
🕒
Typical hours
Opening hours depend on the event calendar and are not uniform. Check the event schedule in advance for a visit.
📷
Photography
During public events, photography is typically allowed. In conference rooms, restrictions may apply to protect privacy.
⏱️
Time needed
A visit often lasts as long as the event you attend. For a quick architecture tour, allow 20-30 minutes.
Combine with
The centre is near the Harare Gardens, offering a pleasant walk. The National Sports Stadium is also close by.
🧭
Getting there
The conference centre is in the city centre, easily reached by taxi or private car. Sufficient parking is available, though limited during large events.
💡
Insider tip
Inquire in advance about public guided tours - sometimes available. Arrive early to avoid crowds before the event starts.

Geography

Coordinates
-17.82830, 31.03190

Facts

  • The main auditorium can seat up to 4,500 people.
  • The center was opened in 1985 for the eighth Non-Aligned Movement summit.
  • The architectural inspiration came from the ruins of Great Zimbabwe.
  • It is directly connected to the 5-star Rainbow Towers Hotel.
  • The building features simultaneous interpretation facilities for 6 languages.
  • HICC hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 1991.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the Internationales Konferenzzentrum Harare open to the public?
It is primarily a conference venue; access is usually granted only during scheduled events.
Are there guided tours of the conference centre?
Unfortunately, regular public guided tours are not offered.
Can the building be hired for events?
Yes, it is one of the premier venues for business events in Harare.
Where can one park nearby?
There is a large, guarded car park directly on the premises.
How long does a visit here take?
For just viewing the exterior, 15 minutes is sufficient.
Harare International Conference Centre: where is it located?
Harare International Conference Centre is located in Zimbabwe.
Harare International Conference Centre: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Oct.
Harare International Conference Centre: why is it worth visiting?
The Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) is a premier facility for large-scale events and part of the iconic Rainbow Towers hotel complex in Zimbabwe's capital.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Zimbabwe →

Nearby cities

History & landmarks

Nature

More places