Capital · Zimbabwe
Harare
Give Harare 1–2 nights as a gateway: galleries, markets and a garden-suburb meal, then move on to Victoria Falls or Hwange.
Harare is Zimbabwe's capital and its main international gateway, sitting at about 1,480 m on the highveld with a mild climate all year. It is a spread-out city of garden suburbs, museums and a growing gallery and food scene rather than a big-sight destination. Most travellers use it for a night or two at the start or end of a Zimbabwe trip, or as a base for a day trip to Chinhoyi Caves.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Oct (dry season)
- avoid Nov–Mar (rains, hot and humid)
- Airport
- Robert Gabriel Mugabe (HRE)
- Nights
- 1–2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…Across the subregion, plan every road leg to arrive befor…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- Southern Africa ↗A rental car may leave its home country only with the rental company's cross-border letter, the registration papers and paid road taxes at each post; driving into Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique or Angola without them ends at the border.
- Southern Africa ↗Across the subregion, plan every road leg to arrive before sunset: livestock, wildlife, pedestrians and unlit trucks make night driving the main cause of serious visitor accidents.
- Zimbabwe ↗Check visa and entry rules for your passport on official Zimbabwean government sources; if you will cross to Zambia, ask about the KAZA UniVisa and whether it is available to you.
- Zimbabwe ↗Do not photograph government buildings, police, the military or border posts.
- Zimbabwe ↗Bring enough US dollars in small, clean notes; do not rely on ATMs or foreign cards outside Victoria Falls, Harare and lodges.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Harare995 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Harare, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?US dollars are widely used; the local currency, Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG, since April 2024), trades around 26–27 per US$ in 2026 and rules change often…Zimbabwe-wide
- SIM or eSIMEconet and NetOne sell SIMs with passport registration; Econet has wider coverage.Zimbabwe-wide
- Tap waterTreated tap water in Victoria Falls hotels; elsewhere drink bottled or filtered water.Zimbabwe-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 10%.Zimbabwe-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets D/G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 240 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Zimbabwe-wide
- SafetyHarare is generally calm by day, but street crime happens in busy areas.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets at hotels and lodges; few public facilities on the road.Zimbabwe-wide
- Emergency numbers995 police · 994 ambulance · 993 fire
- Sundays & holidaysGovernment offices close on public holidays; tourist businesses at Victoria Falls stay open.Zimbabwe-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportHRE Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (About 15 km (9.3 mi) south of the centre; fixed taxi fare to town around US$25).HRE Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (About 9.3 mi (15 km) south of the centre; fixed taxi fare to town around US$25).
- Getting aroundHarare is spread out and a car or app taxi is the practical way to move. inDrive and Hwindi are the common apps…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or soft drinkUS$1–3
- Sit-down mealRestaurant dinner, mid-rangeUS$15–30
- BeerLocal beer (Castle, Lion, Zambezi)US$1–3
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)App taxi across townMore at night or to the suburbs.US$2–5
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum or gallery entryUS$5–10
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personUS$20
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$120
- High-end bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$250
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$45 · Mid US$100 · High US$220
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- HRE Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (About 15 km (9.3 mi) south of the centre; fixed taxi fare to town around US$25)HRE Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (About 9.3 mi (15 km) south of the centre; fixed taxi fare to town around US$25)
Map of Harare
Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.
- Harare
- Basic guide
Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps
Guides nearby
- Chinhoyi · 105 km straight line
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Feb
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Mar
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Apr
not flagged
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Oct
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Nov
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Dec
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Best: May–Oct. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Oct (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jun (7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C) low), wettest Jan (15 rain days), driest May (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Harare: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
15 rd
Feb
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
13 rd
Mar
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
10 rd
Apr
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
1 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1 rd
Jul
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
1 rd
Sep
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
1 rd
Oct
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
3 rd
Nov
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8 rd
Dec
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Harare is spread out and a car or app taxi is the practical way to move. inDrive and Hwindi are the common apps; short daytime hops run about US$2–3 and night rides about US$5. Minibus taxis cost about US$0.50 but are crowded and confusing for a short visit. Fuel is widely available; most stations close in the evening.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1 h 30 min each way
Drive the A1 northwest, about 115 km (71 mi)Drive the A1 northwest, about 71 mi (115 km)
Sleeping Pool and Chinhoyi Caves National Park; go early and return before dark.
Mukuvisi Woodlands
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Car or taxi to Hillside Road, Glenara Avenue South
Walkable trails of 3–10 km (1.9–6.2 mi) with giraffe, zebra and impala; open daily 08:00–17:00, adult US$5.Walkable trails of 3–10 km (1.9–6.2 mi) with giraffe, zebra and impala; open daily 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, adult US$5.Walkable trails of 1.9–6.2 mi (3–10 km) with giraffe, zebra and impala; open daily 08:00–17:00, adult US$5.Walkable trails of 1.9–6.2 mi (3–10 km) with giraffe, zebra and impala; open daily 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, adult US$5.
National Heroes Acre
cautionDoor to door: About 30 min
Car or taxi on the Bulawayo road, southwest of the centre
Monument about 1 km (0.6 mi) past the ticket office; entry US$10 per person.Monument about 0.6 mi (1 km) past the ticket office; entry US$10 per person.
Epworth Balancing Rocks
cautionDoor to door: About 25 min
Car or taxi on Chiremba Road, about 10 km (6.2 mi) southeastCar or taxi on Chiremba Road, about 6.2 mi (10 km) southeast
Open 10:00–17:00, entry US$2–10; keep valuables close inside the park.Open 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, entry US$2–10; keep valuables close inside the park.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
City centre (CBD)
Walkable to the National Gallery, Eastgate and Joina City; quiet at night, use app taxis after dark.
Avondale
Cafés, the market and guesthouses in old gardens; 10–15 min by car from the centre.
Borrowdale and Mount Pleasant
Upmarket malls, lodges and restaurants; best if you have a car or driver.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- US$40–70 excl. bed
- Mid
- US$70–140 excl. bed
- High
- US$140+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse or hotel double room1 × 2 nights × US$120 | US$240 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$100 | US$400 |
| Airport taxi, one way1 × US$25 | US$25 |
| App taxi around town, one day1 × US$15 | US$15 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$71 |
| Trip total≈ US$195 per person per day, bed included | US$781 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; flights and safari lodges excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or soft drink | US$1–3 |
| Sadza and meat main | US$6–15 |
| Restaurant dinner, mid-range | US$15–30 |
| Local beer (Castle, Lion, Zambezi) | US$1–3 |
| App taxi across townMore at night or to the suburbs. | US$2–5 |
| Minibus fare | About US$0.50 |
| Museum or gallery entry | US$5–10 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Agree the taxi fare before you get in if you are not using an app.
- Keep bags out of sight and avoid walking in the CBD after dark.
- Carry small US dollar notes; change is often short.
- Police roadblocks are common on intercity roads: keep your licence and papers handy.
- Card payment is patchy outside big hotels and malls: carry cash.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 995
- Ambulance
- 994
- Fire
- 993
- From some mobiles
- 999
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
HarareHarare
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Kune iyi adhiresi, ndapotaTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police995
- Ambulance994
- Fire993
Embassy
The US embassy is in Harare; most other countries keep embassies here too. Check your own embassy's address and hours before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → city centre, taxi: about US$25 fixed
- App taxi across town: US$2–5
- Minibus fare: about US$0.50
Say or show
- Mhoro — Hello (mhoro)
- Ndatenda — Thank you (ndatenda)
- Imarii? — How much is it? (imarii)
- Chimbuzi chiri kupi? — Where is the toilet? (chimbuzi chiri kupi)
- Ndinoda iyi — I would like this one (ndinoda iyi)
- Ndinogona kubhadhara nekadhi here? — Can I pay by card? (ndinogona kubhadhara nekadhi here)
US dollars are used in practice; Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) is the local currency. Carry small notes.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Harare. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Oct (dry season) · avoid Nov–Mar (rains, hot and humid) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for HRE: fixed taxi fare, app-taxi fallback, late-arrival rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: CBD and Eastgate, Avondale, Borrowdale.
- Place pages with verified hours and entry fees for the National Gallery, Mukuvisi Woodlands and the Balancing Rocks.
- Hostile-arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialHarare City Council
- officialZimbabwe Tourism Authority
- secondaryWikivoyage: Harare, revision 5310005 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Harare
Loading…
Was this useful?