Harare is Zimbabwe’s capital city, making it the best place where tourists can both experience city life and adventures in the country. Activities vary depending on what you want to do in the city, from its numerous national parks that your adventurous self will surely enjoy to exploring the art and history of the country in its galleries and museums. Harare is a bustling place yet full of hidden gems! No wonder this place is at the top of the list of destinations for travelers, especially those who love to experience the adventures that nature can offer while being near the city establishments at the same time. Keep reading to learn about the things to do in Harare, Zimbabwe.
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1. Pay homeage to the liberation war fighters at the National Heroes’ Acre
Are you a big fan of brave hero stories? Then you will surely love this place! The National Heroes’ Acre is a significant place for the people of Zimbabwe. This place served as a memorial of the patriotic heroes who died during the Second Chimurenga. Here, you will see the site where the National heroes are buried. You will also see the tomb of the unknown soldiers, who are the unknown brave heroes that gave their lives during the bush war. On top of the tower, you’ll see the Eternal Flame, which represents Zimbabwean independence, and it is also the highest point in National Heroes’ Acre.
National Heroes' Acre
Address: Harare, Zimbabwe
Website: National Heroes’ Acre
Opening hours: 9am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
2. Go wildlife spotting at Thetford Game Reserve
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you want to see the animals in their natural habitat, going to Thetford Game Reserve would be the best choice to make! It is just a few minutes’ drive away from the crowded city, making it a popular attraction for those who do not have enough time to go to the far side of the country to explore natural reserves. You’ll see various wild animals, such as giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and many more! The most popular animal that people want to see is the rhino. Tours usually include snacks and drinks to refresh you during this delightful adventure.
Thetford Game Reserve
Address: Mazowe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Website: Thetford Game Reserve
Price: 60 USD
3. Learn about native plants at the Harare Botanical Gardens
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you are looking for a relaxing place to enjoy the beauty of nature in Harare, then visiting Harare Botanical Gardens should be on your list! With an area of 7 square kilometers (2.7 square miles), you’ll enjoy the sight of different species of plants that can be found in Zimbabwe, and other endangered plant species found on the African continent.
Harare Botanical Gardens
Address: 30 Sandringham Dr, Harare, Zimbabwe
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 2 USD
4. Admire Zimbabwe's contemporary art at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Visit the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, which is the home for the arts and culture in Zimbabwe. It is where locals and tourists go to see and appreciate the country’s majestic art pieces made by talented Zimbabwean artists. They provide workshops for both kids and adults at their National Gallery Visual Arts Studios (NGVAS). They also offer different educational lectures, which is a great way to learn more about the country’s culture. Arts and culture enthusiasts will surely love this place, and if you are one, you should not miss visiting this gallery.
National Gallery of Zimbabwe
Address: Main Gallery: 20 Julius Nyerere Way, Harare, ZW
Website: National Gallery of Zimbabwe
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 1 USD
5. Interact with the locals at The Book Café
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by The Book Cafe, Harare on Saturday, August 11, 2018
Visiting another country would be a more exciting experience if you became acquainted with the locals. The Book Cafe is known to be one of the best places for this in Harare! Almost every night, this cafe gives the audience a lively musical performance by artists from the country, allowing you to interact more with the people living there.
The Book Café
Address: Sixth St, Harare, Zimbabwe
Website: The Book Café
6. Try go-karting at Country Club Karts
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Are you a car lover and want to experience the thrill of racing in Zimbabwe? Country Club Karts has got you! Here, you’ll have the opportunity to race on a 200 to 400m track, and the Country Club Karts will provide everything. What if you don’t have any experience in driving or racing? Worry no more! They will guide and teach you the needed basic skills to get your exciting adventure on track!
Country Club Karts
Address: Harare, Zimbabwe
Website: Country Club Karts
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 12pm - 4:30pm
Price: 10 USD
7. Go bird watching at the Kuimba Shiri Bird Sanctuary
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Hearing the birds sing, especially the ones you’ll only find in Zimbabwe, is a treasured moment! They also have educational activities for both adults and children to enjoy. If you want a more memorable experience, you can camp in the sanctuary with the beautiful view of the lake in front of you. How amazing is that?
Kuimba Shiri Bird Sanctuary
Address: Lake Chivero, Norton, Zimbabwe
Website: Kuimba Shiri Bird Sanctuary
Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 5 USD
8. Go camping inLake Chivero Recreational Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you’re looking for an escape from the city and want to stay for a night in nature, camp in Lake Chivero Recreational Park! This park is only a few kilometers away from the bustling city, and here you’ll see a lot of animals like rhinos, zebras, giraffes, as well as other bird species. Once the sun rises, you can do many activities like horse riding, hiking, and boating!
Lake Chivero Recreational Park
Address: Seke, Zimbabwe, Harare
Website: Lake Chivero Recreational Park
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
9. Admire the beautiful sculptures at Chapungu Sculpture Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
See the sculptures made by the talented local sculptors in the country! This park was explicitly made for Zimbabwean sculptors to promote their artwork throughout the world. They do workshops, exhibitions, and seminars to give awareness regarding the art of traditional African cultures. This activity is a fascinating one, especially if you are into art and culture and want to learn about the culture of Zimbabwe.
Chapungu Sculpture Park
Address: Msasa, Zimbabwe
Website: Chapungu Sculpture Park
Opening hours: 9am - 4:30pm (daily)
10. Visit Avondale Flea Market for a true tourist experience
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Veggies never looked so good! A big thank you to Market Lane for the fresh veggies and to our talented arts & crafts...
Posted by Avondale Flea Market on Monday, February 8, 2021
If you are looking for a place to buy local foods and souvenirs, don’t miss visiting Avondale Flea Market. Here, you’ll get to choose from many different products from local sellers and get to experience shopping the Zimbabwean way! If you’re worried about missing the chance to shop here, the market is open every day!
Avondale Flea Market
Address: Bath Rd Harare, Zimbabwe
Website: Avondale Flea Market
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
11. Sample local food at Amanzi Restaurant
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
3 different sections of seating, as well as outside
Posted by Amanzi Lodge on Saturday, February 13, 2021
Take dining in Zimbabwe to a new level! This stylish restaurant is housed in an old farmhouse, seated on a lush garden. You can try the local food at Amanzi Restaurant, or some international delicacies served here as well. They also have a bar where you can chill and listen to live music with your family or newly found friends. This is indeed an experience to never miss in Harare!
Amanzi Restaurant
Address: 149 A2, Harare, Zimbabwe
Website: Amanzi Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 10pm (closed on Sun)
Release your adventurous spirit
A trip to Harare, Zimbabwe could be the best experience you’ll have in your life, not only because of their culture and tasty delicacies but also because of the adventure that will be waiting for you at this destination. Make sure to try all of these things that you can do in Harare on your visit there!
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