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Harare

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State capital
—°1
Harare (Zimbabwe)
ℹ️

Practical info — Harare

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Use ride-hailing apps or officially marked taxis for safe and reliable transport around the city.
  • Power outages (load shedding) are common; ensure your accommodation has a backup generator.
  • US Dollars are widely accepted, but carry small denominations for easier transactions.
  • Visit the National Gallery of Zimbabwe for an excellent overview of contemporary African art.
  • Avoid walking in unlit areas or central parks after dark.

🍽 Food

🍽
Sadza and Relish

The national staple of maize meal served with meat or greens, found in any traditional restaurant.

🍽
Biltong

Dried, cured meat available in supermarkets and specialized butcheries.

🍽
Craft Coffee

Harare has a growing cafe culture; explore the coffee shops in the northern suburbs like Avondale.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Avondale Flea Market

Great for local crafts, textiles, and souvenirs; bargaining is expected.

🛍
Sam Levy's Village

A modern, open-air shopping mall in Borrowdale with boutiques and restaurants.

🧘
Harare Botanical Gardens

A massive, peaceful park featuring diverse Zimbabwean flora, great for a relaxing walk.

🧘
Domboshava Rocks

Located just outside the city, offering easy hikes and remarkable sunset views over the granite hills.

Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, is a sophisticated metropolis known for its wide, tree-lined avenues and moderate climate. Situated on a high plateau at an elevation of 1,483 meters, the city enjoys a subtropical highland climate that makes its numerous parks and gardens flourish. It is world-renowned for its beautiful jacaranda trees, which bloom in late September, painting the streets in bustling shades of purple. Originally founded in 1890 as Fort Salisbury, the city has evolved into the political and economic heart of the nation, hosting major international organizations and the country's primary financial district. Harare is also the global epicenter of the Zimbabwean tobacco trade, with its large auction floors attracting buyers from across the world. Cultural highlights include the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, home to a memorable collection of Shona stone sculptures, and the Kopje hill, which gives panoramic views of the modern skyline and historical landmarks.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212120191614141620222322
Rain mm18013394317319252594195

Geography

Population
1,542,813 (2025)
Coordinates
-17.82160, 31.05300

Facts

  • Founded: 1890 as Fort Salisbury.
  • Elevation: Approximately 1,483 meters.
  • Population: Over 2 million in the metropolitan area.
  • Key landmark: National Heroes Acre monument.
  • Climate: Subtropical highland climate.
  • Governance: Seat of the Zimbabwean Parliament.

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.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Harare (1)

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart⛪ religious

The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is a stately Catholic worship structure situated amidst the modern metropolis of Harare.

🕒 Su 07:00-07:45, 08:00-09:45, 10:00-11:15, 11:30-13:00,17:30-

Frequently asked questions

How many days should you stay in Harare?
Two to three days are sufficient to explore the city and key sights.
What is the best time to visit?
The period between April and September is pleasantly mild and dry.
Are there family-friendly parks?
Yes, the Harare Gardens offer plenty of space for playing and relaxing.
What is the best way to get around the city?
Taxis or private rental cars are the safest and most convenient choice.
What local specialty must you try?
Sadza with a meat or vegetable stew is an absolute must.
Harare: where is it located?
Harare is located in Zimbabwe.
Harare: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Oct.
Harare: why is it worth visiting?
Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, is a sophisticated metropolis known for its wide, tree-lined avenues and moderate climate.
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