5 Things To Do On Your Next Stay In Harare
Harare has a way of surprising travelers. Many visitors arrive here before venturing toward Zimbabwe’s major wilderness regions, often pausing in the capital before following safari routes that trace the Zambezi or continuing toward the waterfall landscapes that have made this part of Southern Africa so iconic.
It is common for travelers planning a wider African safari to touch down in Harare before spreading out across the region.
Yet the city itself offers small moments worth noticing. Wide avenues, jacaranda blossoms in spring, and a growing creative energy give Harare a character that stands gently apart from the usual rush of a major capital.
Although it does not compete with the size or tempo of places like Cape Town or Johannesburg, Harare offers a quieter, steadier rhythm that suits travelers who enjoy exploring cities at their own pace.
It is also a natural starting point for journeys deeper into Zimbabwe, especially for those heading toward well-known attractions like Victoria Falls or the country’s national parks. But even with so much waiting beyond the city limits, Harare has enough on its own list to fill a day or two.
Below are five standout experiences that give a more rounded sense of this city and its creative spirit.
1. Visit Wild Is Life Trust and ZEN
Just outside the city center, a short drive from the airport, sits Wild Is Life Trust and ZEN, a sanctuary that gives travelers a close look at Zimbabwe’s wildlife without requiring a long journey into a national park.
The facility focuses on the rehabilitation and long-term care of rescued and endangered animals from different protected regions around the country.
Visitors walk through a peaceful environment where animals are treated with dignity and patience. It is not a zoo or a staged experience. Instead, the sanctuary offers a window into the ongoing work required to protect vulnerable species.
The staff share insight into each animal’s background and the wider challenges facing conservation work in Zimbabwe. For travelers who want an introduction to the country’s wildlife before heading into the bush, this is one of the most meaningful places to start.
2. Experience the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA).
For those who time their visit well, the Harare International Festival of the Arts can be a highlight of the year. Since 1999, HIFA has offered a dedicated platform for Zimbabwean artists while also welcoming performers from across Africa and around the world.
It takes place over six full days and brings the city to life through theater, dance, music, fashion, circus acts, spoken-word events, and large-scale visual performances.
The festival draws students, families, and international travelers into the same lively spaces. Even if a visitor only attends for one evening, the experience offers a sense of the city’s creative heartbeat and the resilience of Zimbabwe’s artistic community.
For many travelers, HIFA ends up being the moment that reshapes their impression of Harare as more than a transit city.
3. Explore the Shona Sculpture Gallery
Zimbabwe has a long and respected tradition of stone sculpture, particularly among the Shona people, whose work has been recognized globally for its fluid lines, emotional depth, and connection to ancestry.
The Shona Sculpture Gallery, a relatively new space in Harare, celebrates this tradition by exhibiting pieces from established sculptors along with work from emerging artists.
The gallery feels more like a quiet courtyard than a conventional museum. Sculptures stand among trees and pathways, inviting slow wandering rather than rushed viewing.
Many visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage, and some choose to take home a small piece of art as a lasting reminder of their journey. Even those who are unfamiliar with sculpture often find themselves drawn to the textures and shapes that define the Shona style.
4. Visit Kiki’s Artist Retreat and Curio Shop
Tucked away on the outskirts of Harare, Kiki’s Artist Retreat and Curio Shop is often described as a hidden oasis for creative work. Located in Umwinsidale, the space was built to support artists across multiple disciplines, from furniture design and interior décor to locally made accessories, books, ornaments, and toys.
The retreat offers a calm, leafy setting that feels far removed from the busier parts of the city.
Travelers browse handmade items, chat with artists who work on-site, and gain a sense of the craftsmanship that exists beyond Zimbabwe’s well-known tourist markets. Many visitors consider it one of the most rewarding places to pick up a personal memento or gift, especially if they prefer items with a story attached.
5. Watch A Cricket Match At Harare Sports Club
For something entirely different, the Harare Sports Club offers an experience rooted in the city’s sporting culture. The stadium has hosted cricket matches since 1910 and remains the heart of the sport in Zimbabwe.
Major teams from around the world regularly play here, and the atmosphere during match days is warm, relaxed, and friendly, even for those who are new to cricket.
Visitors sit under shaded stands, listen to the crowd’s gentle rise and fall, and get a sense of how deeply cricket is woven into Zimbabwe’s identity. For some travelers, attending a match becomes one of the most unexpectedly enjoyable parts of their visit. The stadium’s long history also adds depth to the experience, especially for fans who appreciate iconic venues.
Conclusion
Harare may not shout for attention the way other African cities do, but that is part of its appeal. It offers space to breathe, learn, and settle into the rhythm of Zimbabwe before moving onward to the country’s more famous landscapes.
Whether travelers begin their journey here or simply pause on their way to the wider wilderness, Harare adds a layer of texture that makes the rest of the trip feel richer.
Planning a visit with a mix of wildlife, art, culture, and history gives the city the chance to leave its quiet mark. If a traveler is mapping out a route through Zimbabwe or across Southern Africa, Harare makes a thoughtful place to start.
