Top 17 Exhilarating Things to Do in Harare, Zimbabwe

Wild Is Life & ZEN is a delightful oasis in Harare where you can get up close to orphaned and rescued wildlife such as giraffes, lions and elephants. Nearby, the Zen Elephant Nursery is teeming with adorable baby elephants. This great experience has a serious goal: to reintroduce these animals to their natural habitat. After your safari escapade, treat your taste buds at the on-site gourmet café. Just around the corner, adrenaline addicts can enjoy rock climbing at Cleveland Quarry. A must for animal lovers and adventure seekers!

Visit Lake Chivero Recreational Park and experience African wildlife up close. The park is home to over 170 species of birds, making it a birdwatcher's paradise. Watch zebras, giraffes and white rhinos up close! Indulge in water sports or tranquil sunset boat rides.

A visit to Kuimba Shiri Bird Park is an absolute adventure! It is known as Zimbabwe's "Bird Paradise" and is home to over 460 species, all in a tranquil garden setting. Delight in the birdsong and take part in exciting bird shows! Don't miss a peaceful boat ride on Lake Chivero, located directly across the street from the park. Just minutes away, you can satisfy your cultural curiosity at the enchanting Heritage Rock Art Gallery!

Immerse yourself in the tranquil side of Zimbabwe at Mukuvisi Woodlands, an urban oasis in Harare. On 263 acres of pure serenity, you can get up close and personal with fascinating wildlife. Watch zebras, giraffes and birds or simply enjoy the beautiful flora. Spice up your visit with a heartwarming horseback ride. Are you a lover of cultural insights? Then don't miss the famous Shona village. Just a stone's throw from The Woodlands is The Kopje, an ancient granite mound with fascinating stories to tell. Experience Harare like a local!

Immerse yourself in African art by visiting the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare. It offers a captivating collection of paintings, carvings and sculptures that reflect the soul of Zimbabwean culture. This underrated gem also hosts regular exhibitions, so there's always something new to discover. The museum is just a stone's throw from the leafy Harare Gardens, a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon stroll. Don't overlook the craft store inside - it's full of unique souvenirs!

Venture beyond the city limits of Harare and enjoy the serene beauty of Ngomakurira Mountain. As you hike the well-trodden trails, you'll marvel at impressive granite formations, abundant birdlife, and ancient rock paintings of the San people. Breathe in the tranquility of nature and take in the view of the city in the distance. And as a special treat, sample fresh organic honey produced by local beekeepers. Experience the nearby Domboshava Rocks, another jewel of the Zimbabwean landscape known for its fantastic sunsets.

Discover Harare Gardens, the largest park and green oasis in the heart of Harare. It is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, offering tranquil picnic areas, fascinating botanical displays, and an enchanting sculpture garden. Several events are held in the gardens each year, a great opportunity to mingle with the locals. Nearby is the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, which houses an extensive collection of African art. A wonderful combination of culture and nature.

Travel into the heart of Mother Nature's kingdom at Twala Trust Animal Sanctuary. Experience a variety of wildlife up close, from playful monkeys to majestic lions. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feed a turtle or pet a rescued cat. In addition to the exotic wildlife, you can also enjoy a refreshing picnic. Thanks to expert guides, your excursion will be a comprehensive educational experience. Just a stone's throw away, you can explore the magnificent Thetford Game Reserve for an intense safari experience.

Embark on an enchanting safari experience at the Lion & Cheetah Park in Harare. Get up close to the king of the jungle and the fastest big cat in the world on a guided tour. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to take breathtaking wildlife photos. Try not to miss the feeding to experience an exciting spectacle! Just 5 km away, you can enjoy the tranquility of beautiful Lake Chivero on a picnic or boat tour, where calm waters combine with a truly wild experience. An enchanting day of adventure and relaxation awaits you!

Tamba Tamba Children's Play Centre is a true children's paradise in Harare. Packed with imaginative playgrounds, climbing frames and colorful slides, it is perfect for little adventurers. The huge ball pool and various educational games cater to the different interests of children. Watch their eyes light up in the virtual reality section! Nearby is the LongCheng Plaza shopping center, a shopper's paradise with a mix of local and international brands.

Haka Game Park, an emerald green wildlife sanctuary in bustling Harare, offers an authentic African safari experience. Here you can get up close and personal with more than 100 species of birds, antelope and other native wildlife. Active vacationers can go mountain biking or horseback riding - but watch out for the free-roaming zebras! Just 10 minutes further east are the extraordinary Epworth Balancing Rocks, a natural geological formation worth stopping at for incredible photos. An unforgettable journey into Zimbabwe's biodiversity awaits.

Immerse yourself in the tranquil oasis of Harare Botanical Gardens, home to countless native and exotic plant species. Relax by the lily-covered ponds, stroll under towering eucalyptus trees, or picnic under a blooming jacaranda. Uniquely, the gardens also feature plant species from Zimbabwe's ecological regions - a true botanical journey through the country. Just minutes away, the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences, showcasing Zimbabwe's historical and cultural heritage, awaits you for a captivating visit.

You must visit the Museum of Humanities in Harare! This prominent attraction houses the seven hundred year old Lemba artifact, believed to be a replica of the Ark of the Covenant. It is the only piece of its kind still in existence. It's also just a stone's throw from Harare Gardens, so you can admire the lush greenery and wildlife after soaking up Zimbabwe's anthropological history. Experience how the ancient and the modern blend seamlessly in this incredible city.

Venture off the beaten path to "Greenwood," an idyllic park in Harare where life pulses. Discover verdant greenery with stone and metal sculptures, a fascinating testament to Zimbabwean artistry. This hidden gem is an ideal spot for a quiet picnic or nature walk, offering a refreshing escape from city life. The stunning Borrowdale Racecourse, known for its fast-paced horse racing, is just a stone's throw away and makes for an exciting day out.

Kingfisher Park in Harare promises a delightful combination of tranquility, outdoor activities and amazing birdlife. While you lose yourself in the park's unspoiled nature, you can go fishing, canoeing or simply relax on the lakeshore. It is a lesser known place, populated by locals on weekends, and offers a perfect glimpse into everyday life in Zimbabwe. Other attractions such as the Mukuvisi Woodlands, a treasure trove of wildlife, are also just a short drive from here. Don't miss the cultural exhibitions and traditional dance performances there!

A visit to the Epworth Balancing Rocks is an opportunity to experience nature's unique artistry. These precariously balanced, giant granite boulders are mysterious and illustrate the amazing balancing acts of erosion. Located on the outskirts of Harare, the rocks provide a great picnic spot with a fascinating backdrop. Observe local wildlife, watch locals carefully craft sculptures, or experience a mesmerizing sunset that paints the sky. Nearby is the Kubatana Community Library, which offers a glimpse into Zimbabwean literature and art. This is nature, culture and art all rolled into one trip!

Immerse yourself in the spiritual heart of Harare, the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, an impressive piece of neo-Gothic architecture. Admire the colossal stained-glass windows that cast a multitude of colors into the sanctuary, or attend an emotional Mass. A stone's throw away is the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, where you can admire incredible African art and exhibitions by international artists. Combine the two for a day of spiritual and artistic enrichment in Zimbabwe's capital city.