Midlands

ProvinceZimbabwe, Africa

Midlands is a STATE in Zimbabwe, Africa.

The Midlands region of Zimbabwe is a hidden gem, offering a blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Known as the 'Heart of Zimbabwe,' it is home to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the ancient civilization of the Shona people. The region is also blessed with lush green hills, serene lakes, and abundant wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Midlands is a hub for agriculture, particularly tobacco and cattle farming, and its small towns exude a charming, laid-back vibe. Don’t miss the chance to explore Kwekwe, Gweru, and Zvishavane, where you can experience local markets, traditional music, and warm hospitality.

Best time to visit Midlands

The best time to visit Midlands is during the dry season, from May to October, when the weather is mild, and wildlife viewing is at its peak. Avoid the rainy season (November to April) as roads can become challenging to navigate.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather
Hot 26-34°C, dry

Travel notes

Crowds
Medium
Prices
Medium

Hot but clear skies

Know before you go

Getting there

GWE

Gweru-Thornhill Air Base

Domestic

10 km away

BUQ

Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport

International

160 km away

HRE

Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport

International

280 km away

Getting around

"Public transport in Midlands includes buses and shared taxis, but these can be unreliable. Renting a car is the most convenient option for exploring the region. Bicycle rentals are also available in some towns for shorter distances."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

15 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Available in hotels and cafes in Gweru

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Generally safe; petty crime possible in cities.

Night safety

7/10

Generally safe; petty crime possible in cities.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Midlands is generally safe, but avoid walking alone at night in urban areas. Keep valuables secure and be cautious when using public transport."

Entry and health

Health information

"Malaria is present in some parts of Midlands, so take prophylactics and use mosquito repellent. Ensure your vaccinations, including hepatitis A and typhoid, are up to date."

Culture

Local customs

"Respect for elders is highly valued in Midlands. Greetings are important, and it’s customary to shake hands when meeting someone. Traditional ceremonies, such as the Mbira music performances, are a significant part of the culture, and visitors are often welcomed to join in."
ShonaNdebeleEnglish

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

Midlands is affordable; luxury options limited.

Timezone

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

More facts

Population

1,600,000

Area

49,166 km²

ISO code

ZW-MI

Type

Province

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Midlands Province, Provincia de Midlands, ミッドランズ州, 미들랜즈주, Midlandsi provints, محافظة ميدلاندز, Midlands, ZW-MI, Provincia Midlands, Midlandsas, استان میدلندز, Мидландс, მიდლენდსი, مڈلینڈز صوبہ, Provincia delle Midland, Midlands Séng, Мидлендс, Dunhu reMidlands, Мідлендс, Provinz Midlands, 中部省, إقليم ميدلاندس, MI, Мідлэндс, Midlands (prowincja), Provinsi Midlands, Mutare, Mutareh, Mutarė, Nyautare, UTA, Umtali, mu ta lei, mutale, mutare, mwtarh, mwtary, Мутаре, Мутарэ, موتاره, موتاري, موتاری, मुटारे, মুটারে, ਮੁਟਾਰੇ, ሙታሬ, ムタレ, 穆塔雷, 무타레

Capital CityMajor HubHistoric TownWildlifeHikingCulturalOff the Beaten PathMountains