Location: Harare
Top Things to do in Harare
What to do and see in Harare, Zimbabwe: The Best Places and Tips
Harare (/həˈrɑːreɪ/; officially called Salisbury until 1982) is the capital and most populous city of Zimbabwe. Situated in the northeast of the country in the heart of historic Mashonaland, the city has an estimated population of 1,606,000 (2009), with 2,800,000 in its metropolitan area (2006). Administratively, Harare is a metropolitan province, which also incorporates Chitungwiza town and Epworth. It is situated at an elevation of 1,483 metres (4,865 feet) above sea level and its climate falls into the subtropical highland category.
Restaurants in Harare
1. Wild Is Life Trust and ZEN
Overall Ratings
5 based on 361 reviews
Wild is Life is a genuine wildlife orphanage and rehabilitation rescue centre.Guests are invited to visit the Sanctuary for trully memorable personal encounters with wildlife orphans. Bookings are essential and visits are limited to afternoons only. All proceeds from the guest visits are used for the running and maintenance of the Sanctuary.
Reviewed By NCBetts - Holly Ridge, North Carolina
We visited while on Christmas holiday to Zimbabwe, and will make sure we return every time we go back! The experience for our children, and ourselves, was over the top. In addition to seeing the young elephants up close, the giraffe experience, and the interaction with the pangolin was incredible.
2. Kuimba Shiri Bird Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 169 reviews
Reviewed By Nyasha M - Harare Province, Zimbabwe
Until then i did not know that there was such a lovely place where one can spend a lazy weekend as a couple or as a family.I had an amazing experience first with the bird view,the affordable food.There are indeed hidden jems in Harare yet to be discovered and Kuimba was one such place for me.A great view of the lake.Our day ended with a great display of the birds by Garry the owner of the place and abit of history with his birds.Keep up the great work.Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a quite refreshing place from all the city buzz.
3. Mukuvisi Woodlands
Overall Ratings
4 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By May M
I loved the fact that the safari is riding on a horse. For me this made half of the safari. I never ride a horse before, but these horses are very used to people and they're calm, everything went good. We were a group of 8 and none of us did ride horses before.
You get to see some animals and they take you to spots where they can take photographs of you on your horse with the animals behind.
It's a nice hour in which you're surrounded by nature.
Go with long pants and closed shoes.
4. Thetford Game Reserve
Overall Ratings
5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By Bee T - Malaysia
We had a pleasant afternoon game drive surprisingly only 40 minutes out of the city. Being so close to civilisation I had no real expectation but was pleasantly surprised at the number of animals there were. The highlight was the feeding of the 10 rhinos which included 2 babies. What with poachers everywhere it was such a privilege to be up close and personal with so many of these magical beasts. Felt like I was in Jurassic park. Lovely tea culminated the drive. Nicely curated.
5. Lion and Cheetah Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 155 reviews
Reviewed By Rabin A
The lions are awesome, specially there is a couple of white lions... Beautifull.
However there is no maintenance in the park, many places looked abandoned. It s a shame because the site is beautiful and the staff very nice. There are no more baboons or cheetahs... Was very disappointed by that...
6. The Shona Sculpture Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 30 reviews
Harare's newest gallery specialising in Shona sculpture. Beautiful garden setting, an oasis of calm just minutes from the airport. See works by the best of the contemporary sculptors alongside the most famous names in the art movement. Secure parking, friendly knowledgeable staff, wifi.
Reviewed By wmw25 - Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
We visited this lovely garden with a sculpture gallery on the way from the airport. A great place to relax following a flight, The sculptures were beautiful as was the garden and Emma and Tim were delightful. We visited with the intention of buying a sculpture and the attention and service we have received has been exemplary. A great place to visit whether as a buyer or just to view and relax.
7. Raintree Venue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Raintree is a true paradise hidden away in the Umwinsidale Valley. The property has been developed into a unique up market venue providing an ideal setting for any event, from weddings to corporate and private functions. This breathtaking venue maximizes on the best that any venue has to offer with pine Forests, landscaped Gardens and sweeping lawns that roll down to meet the Umwinsi River which is a clear water stream that cascades over a granite rock waterfall to settle in an idyllic pool below.
Reviewed By Dan I - Harare, Zimbabwe
On Saturday the 27th August I had the joy and privelage of conducting a wedding at Raintree.
The venue is stunning, typical riverbank trees & well rounded rocks in the stream, the lawns were well trimmed & the shrubs cared for. A great venue for multiple types of events.
The only thing that could be a problem is the number of toilets, but otherwise the tent was decorated lovely & the Seating was great, I never felt crowded.
I think the catering was done by an outside caterer.
I've no idea if there are activities to do other than the venue.
I recommend Raintree as a great place with a great bush atmosphere yet well rounded off for a very sophisticated event.
8. Lake Chivero Recreational Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By southcoastexpress - Sussex
We were taken here by my partner's family.There were baboons,monkeys keen to share our braii,fish eagle,river monitor,wildebeestes,ostriches,zebras,impala,duikers and other creatures.There are areas for braiiswhich was enjoyable.The weeds are encroaching the lakeshore which is a shame.The dirt roads in the park have even more ruts and potholes than the main roads so a 4x4 vehicle is necessary to get around.
9. National Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By Chiremba_Makoni - Bulawayo
The botanical grounds in Harare, is a refreshing experience. The grounds and the trees are well kept and visiting them gives you a refreshing experience. But some areas need more touch ups to improve their appearance and aesthetic value.
10. Doon Estate
Overall Ratings
4 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By Carol K - Calgary, Canada
Fairly large shopping area with many small shops (15+ ?)scattered around a central courtyard. Some shops contain the usual tourist gak, but others have some more unusual items that are interesting. There is one gallery on the site which is stellar - some old items, masks, nice jewellery, etc. A couple of other shops had good quality ceramics, textiles and some art items. Prices are very good, much lower than the shops in other tourist places in the country - much less expensive than Victoria Falls for instance. Power outages meant you were shopping in the dark a lot of the time, but that didn't deter us much. There were also a few stone sculpture vendors around the outside of the complex. Some excellent quality sculptures at good prices, and some of the artists on site which made for interesting conversations, although they didn't have the packing and shipping expertise of some of the more commercial areas -- it would be a little more work to get one home, but not impossible.
TAGS
