Harare
ZimbabweCwa
© OpenStreetMap, CARTO
Welcome to Harare | Mhoroi (English | Shona)
Why visit
Harare is mostly a transit and access point for Zimbabwe's wildlife and Victoria Falls, but rewards a day or two, the National Gallery, the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences, and the leafy Avondale and Borrowdale neighborhoods with their craft markets and restaurants. Spring (September to November) brings spectacular jacaranda blooms turning whole avenues purple. Use as base for Mana Pools National Park, Great Zimbabwe (4 hours south), and Victoria Falls (flight). May through September is dry season.
When to avoid
Zimbabwe has serious economic challenges, cash shortages, fuel scarcity, and unreliable electricity (load-shedding can last 18 hours). Bring USD cash. Cards rarely work. Some neighborhoods have rising crime. Stick to Borrowdale, Avondale, and central by day, taxis at night. Don't take photos of government buildings or the President's residence. Political demonstrations can flare unexpectedly. Check current advisories. Tap water isn't safe. Drink bottled.
