Harare travel guide
Mashonaland, Zimbabwe
About Harare
Harare – Zimbabwe’s “Sunshine City” on a historic high plateaux
Founded on 12 September 1890 by Cecil Rhodes’s Pioneer Column, Harare began life as the fortified outpost Fort Salisbury – the very first British foothold on the highveld of Mashonaland. That colonial spark ignited a city that would later give its name to the Shona chief Neharawa, whose nickname “he who does not sleep” perfectly captures the capital’s restless energy. On 18 April 1982, two years after Zimbabwe’s hard‑won independence, the name officially changed from Salisbury to Harare, a tribute to the local village that once stood near Harare Kopje.
A thread that runs through everyday life in Harare is the lively “kutambira baru” tradition – an informal, communal gathering where neighbours and friends share music, food, and stories beneath the shade of jacaranda trees that burst into lilac every October. This colorful social chorus is more than a weekend pastime; it’s a living showcase of Shona hospitality, a reminder that even in a city of over 1.8 million residents, the spirit of togetherness still beats like a drum in the streets of Mbare and Avondale.
No visit would be complete without stepping onto Harare Kopje, the granite outcrop that crowns the city centre. From its summit you can glimpse the sprawl of the plateau, the iconic Eastgate Centre—a termite‑inspired mall that keeps itself cool without air‑conditioning—and the historic National Gallery, where Shona stone sculptures tell ancient tales in modern form. As you stand there, breathing the crisp, subtropical‑highland air at 1 483 m, you’ll feel why travelers and locals alike call Harare a “city of sunshine, stone, and relentless hope.”
Top attractions in Harare
7 Arts
Highfield Community hall
Nazareth House
St Luke's - Anglican
Martin Luther Church
Pachisipiti (Dam)
Angels Mini Market
St. Gerard’s House
Chisipiti Spring Near Quarry Dam
Heroes Acre
As you stand here, eyes drawn to the soaring concrete slab that crowns the site, imagine that this slab—often called the Heroes Acre tower—was meant to be a beacon for a young nation. When Zimbabwe finally shook off colonial rule in 1980, the new government wanted a place that would literally and figuratively hold…
Small World Backpackers Lodge, Avondale
Exhibition Park
Methodist Church
Assembly Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses
City View Point
Robert Mugabe private residence
Salvation Army
G. P. Maira residence
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Gogo Zhanje
One-day walking route in Harare
This one-day cultural and historical tour of Harare focuses on the city's most iconic and accessible attractions, offering a mix of heritage, nature, and modern vibes. The itinerary is designed for 6-8 hours, starting in the morning from the city center, emphasizing proximity to minimize travel time (under 30 minutes between stops via taxi or rideshare). It highlights Zimbabwe's history and…
- National Archives of Zimbabwe – Head 10 minutes north by taxi to the National Archives of Zimbabwe, a key cultural site housing historical documents and photos. Spend 45 minutes browsing exhibits. Open weekdays 8 AM-4 PM; verify hours as weekends may vary. Warning: No…
Facts about Harare
- Renamed After Independence Harare was renamed from Salisbury in 1982 to honor a Shona chief nicknamed 'he who does not sleep,' marking the second anniversary of Zimbabwe's independence.
- Bio-Inspired Architecture The Eastgate Centre mimics a termite mound for natural cooling, making it a pioneering example of sustainable building design in a subtropical climate.
- Diplomatic Hub Harare hosts the second-highest number of embassies in Southern Africa and serves as the African headquarters of the World Health Organization.
- Operation Murambatsvina In 2005, the government's Operation Murambatsvina demolished urban shanties and informal markets, displacing hundreds of thousands and sparking international criticism.
- Sunshine City Nickname Known as Zimbabwe's 'Sunshine City' for its abundant parks, gardens, and jacaranda-lined streets that bloom vibrantly in spring.
- Rugby Heartland Harare is the epicenter of rugby union in Zimbabwe, home to the oldest rugby union founded in 1895 and producing international players who compete in South Africa and beyond.
Explore Harare with the GuideX app
Audio stories for every place, an interactive map and personal walking routes. Free to download on iOS and Android.