Harare

ProvinceZimbabwe, Africa

Harare is a STATE in Zimbabwe, Africa.

Harare, the vibrant capital of Zimbabwe, is a city brimming with energy, culture, and natural beauty. Known as the 'Sunshine City,' Harare boasts a pleasant climate, lush gardens, and a mix of modern and colonial architecture. The city is a hub for art and culture, with galleries like the National Gallery of Zimbabwe showcasing contemporary African art. Mbare Musika, the largest market in Harare, offers a sensory overload of local crafts, fresh produce, and lively music. For nature lovers, the Harare Botanical Gardens and Lake Chivero provide serene escapes. The city's dining scene is a delightful blend of traditional Zimbabwean cuisine and international flavors, with local delicacies like sadza and game meat taking center stage. Harare is also a gateway to exploring Zimbabwe's rich history and wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler.

Best time to visit Harare

The best time to visit Harare is during the dry season, from May to October, when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities. This period also coincides with Zimbabwe's winter, offering clear skies and comfortable temperatures.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather
Hot 25-32°C, dry

Travel notes

Crowds
High
Prices
Peak

Pre-rain heat

Know before you go

Getting there

HRE

Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport

International

12 km away

Getting around

"Harare has a variety of transportation options, including taxis, ride-hailing services like Uber, and combis (minibuses) for budget travelers. Walking is a great way to explore the city center, but renting a car is recommended for venturing further afield."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

20 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in hotels and cafes

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Stay safe

Overall

7/10

Petty crime is a concern; avoid isolated areas at night.

Night safety

6/10

Petty crime is a concern; avoid isolated areas at night.

Transport

8/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Harare is generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and avoid walking alone at night. Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings."

Entry and health

Health information

"Ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines. Malaria is low risk in Harare, but consult your doctor for advice. Drink bottled or boiled water to avoid waterborne illnesses."

Culture

Local customs

"Greetings are important in Harare; always greet people politely before engaging in conversation. Handshakes are common, and it's customary to use your right hand. When visiting someone's home, bringing a small gift is appreciated. Respect for elders is deeply ingrained in the culture."
EnglishShonaNdebele

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$5 | a cheap local meal costs around $5

Hotels

$40-80 | budget hotels range $40-80/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Harare is affordable for budget travelers; mid-range options available.

Timezone

Africa/Harare +02:00 (GMT+2)

More facts

Population

2,100,000

Area

872 km²

ISO code

ZW-10

Type

Province

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: هارارى, هراره, ھەراری, Harare District, Provincia de Harare, הארארה, ฮาราเร, Հարարե, Harare, ཧ་ར་རི།, ஹராரே, Harare Province, ਹਰਾਰੇ, Ḥarare, ہرارے, هراري, HA, ဟာရာ့ရီမြို့, 哈拉雷, ሀራሬ, हरारे, Χαράρε, ハラレ, Province d'Harare, Харарэ, হারারে, ZW-HA, Хараре, ഹരാരെ, ھارارې, ჰარარე, Xarare, Harare Provinz, הארארע, Arare, Hararė, ହାରାରେ, 하라레, Hararo (Zimbabvo), IHarare

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