At a Glance
- Discover Harare’s mix of wildlife, parks, and cultural landmarks in one city.
- December is ideal for exploring Harare’s museums, gardens, and outdoor leisure spaces.
- Family-friendly hotspots and upscale shopping blend with history and natural attractions.
Harare, Zimbabwe’s bustling capital, is a top travel destination this December. From cultural landmarks to wildlife sanctuaries and scenic parks, travel to Zimbabwe continues to pick up, supported by improved air connectivity, diaspora travel and regional tourism.
Harare’s appeal lies in its balance of nature and city life: art galleries within minutes of wildlife reserves, contemporary shopping streets next to historic monuments, and a climate that makes outdoor spaces enjoyable year-round.
Whether visiting for leisure, business or a family holiday, the city delivers a calm but engaging mix of culture, nature and modern experiences, making December one of the best times to explore Zimbabwe’s capital.
We have combed Harare city and highlighted 15 must-visit attractions. Whether you’re a family exploring the city, a returning diasporan, or a business visitor seeking leisure, Harare offers a perfect mix of nature, history, and modern experiences.
As the holiday season approaches, these 15 hotspots chronicled by Shore Africa stand out for visitors looking to explore Harare’s depth, character and evolving appeal.
2. Epworth Balancing Rocks
Located just outside Harare, the balancing rocks, iconic enough to feature on the country’s old banknotes, remain one of Zimbabwe’s most striking natural formations. The granite towers attract photographers, hikers and geology enthusiasts.
3. Wild Is Life & ZEN
A leading wildlife sanctuary and elephant nursery, Wild Is Life offers close-up encounters with rescued animals. The centre’s conservation work, particularly with elephants, has made it one of Harare’s highest-rated visitor experiences.
4. Mukuvisi Woodlands
Minutes from the city centre, this woodland reserve is home to giraffes, zebras, elands and impalas. Visitors can take guided walks, bike trails or game drives—an accessible taste of wildlife without leaving Harare.
5. Harare Botanical Gardens
Spread across more than 58 hectares, the gardens host over 900 species of plants, some rare and indigenous. It remains a favourite for picnics, photography and quiet outdoor afternoons.
6. National Heroes Acre
The national monument and burial site honours Zimbabwe’s liberation heroes. Its museum, murals and sweeping views of Harare make it both a historical and architectural landmark.
7. Harare Gardens
One of the city’s oldest public parks, Harare Gardens offers well-kept lawns, calm walkways and family-friendly recreational spaces. It is particularly busy during December festivities and open-air events.
8. Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences
For visitors seeking context about Zimbabwe’s cultural and archaeological heritage, the museum provides curated exhibits on early stone tools, fossils, traditional art and ethnography.
9. Haka Game Park
Situated near Cleveland Dam, Haka offers a quieter wildlife setting with giraffes, zebras, wildebeests and diverse bird species. It’s a go-to for cycling, fishing and braai spots.
10. Africa Unity Square
Located near parliament and major city hotels, the square remains a small but charming urban stop, known for its palms, fountains and lunch-hour crowds.
11. Chapungu Sculpture Park
Zimbabwe’s stone sculpture movement is globally recognised, and Chapungu is one of its most significant outdoor galleries. The park displays large Shona artworks set among landscaped gardens.
12. Kuimba Shiri Bird Park
An hour from central Harare, this bird sanctuary houses raptors, parrots and waterbirds. Daily bird shows and lakeside restaurants make it ideal for families.
13. Lake Chivero Recreational Park
A major weekend escape for Harare residents, Lake Chivero offers boating, fishing, horse riding and lake-side lodges. The surrounding game reserve hosts rhinos, zebras and kudu.
14. Domboshava Rocks
A short drive from the city, Domboshava features large granite domes, ancient rock paintings and panoramic sunset views, a magnet for hikers and photographers.
15. Sam Levy’s Village
Borrowing from European-style outdoor malls, Sam Levy’s Village remains Harare’s most upscale retail district. It offers restaurants, cinemas, boutique stores and nightlife options.
