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Norton

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City
—°3
Norton (Zimbabwe)
ℹ️

Practical info — Norton

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit Lake Chivero for a relaxed afternoon of boating or fishing.
  • Plan a stopover here if you are traveling on the main road between Harare and Bulawayo.
  • The nearby Lion and Cheetah Park is handy for a quick safari excursion.
  • Make use of the local sports clubs if you are interested in tennis or squash.

🍽 Food

🍽
Fresh Lake Bream

Best eaten grilled in the small restaurants near the lakeshore.

🍽
Meat Pies

A popular quick snack in the town center bakeries.

🍽
Sadza with Beef Stew

The standard hearty meal served in almost every local eating house.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Norton Mall

The central spot for groceries and general retail shopping.

🛍
Open-Air Fruit Market

Near the station, find fresh fruit and vegetables directly from local farms.

🧘
Darwendale Dam Shoreline

Even quieter than Chivero, good for a peaceful nature walk.

🧘
Galloway Residential Area

A leafy suburb with quiet streets for a relaxing evening stroll.

Norton is a thriving industrial and residential town located in the Mashonaland West province of Zimbabwe, situated about 40 kilometers west of the capital city, Harare. Originally established as a small railway siding in the late 19th century and named after a farming family, it has grown significantly as a satellite city to Harare. Today, Norton is a major economic hub, home to several large-scale industries specializing in paper manufacturing, plastics, and agricultural processing. Its strategic location along the main highway and railway line connecting Harare and Bulawayo has been central to its industrial success. For locals and visitors, the town’s primary attraction is its proximity to Lake Manyame (formerly Lake McIlwaine), a vital water source and a popular recreational spot for fishing, boating, and weekend picnics. The surrounding Manyame Recreational Park features a natural escape from the urban environment. With ongoing infrastructure improvements, Norton continues to attract professionals seeking affordable housing within commuting distance of the capital while enjoying the benefits of a growing, self-sufficient community.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C222221201715151821242423
Rain mm1801429430522042391185

Geography

Population
87,039 (2024)
Coordinates
-17.88330, 30.70000

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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 Norton (3)

Norton, Zimbabwe📍 landmark

Norton is a town in Mashonaland West province, Zimbabwe, serving as a transport hub.

RAF Norton (Zimbabwe)📍 landmark

RAF Norton was a former British Royal Air Force base in Zimbabwe, now an industrial area.

Pakare Paye Arts Centre📍 landmark

Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton is a cultural venue hosting music, theatre, and visual arts events.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of town is Norton?
It is a growing town near Harare, known as an agricultural and industrial center.
How long is the drive from Harare?
About 45 minutes depending on traffic.
Are there nature parks there?
There are no major national parks, but the surroundings are scenic.
Is it worth a visit?
It is more suitable as a residential area or for business, less for sightseeing.
What infrastructure is there?
There are basic shops, schools, and medical services.
Norton: where is it located?
Norton is located in Zimbabwe.
Norton: what is there to see?
Highlights include Norton, Zimbabwe, RAF Norton (Zimbabwe), Pakare Paye Arts Centre.
Norton: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Aug, Sep.
Norton: why is it worth visiting?
Norton is a thriving industrial and residential town located in the Mashonaland West province of Zimbabwe, situated about 40 kilometers west of the capital city, Harare.
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