Book a flight to Harare with Qatar Airways

Art lovers should visit the Shona Sculpture Gallery. Set in beautiful gardens, the gallery is home to a collection of sculptures showing an art form created in Zimbabwe. Here, you’ll find evocative and elegant creations from contemporary Zimbabwean artists alongside those sculpted by some of the biggest names from this unique art movement.

If you’re finding the sun a little too much, you can seek refuge in the subterranean spectacle of the Chinhoyi Caves. A series of caves connected by underground passages, these were once used as hideouts during conflicts between warring tribes. At the centre of the maze is a natural, sapphire-blue pool, housed in a roofless cavern. 

If you want your trip to Harare to have that ‘back to nature’ feel, spend some time at the Lake Chivero Recreational Park. In this serene setting you can indulge in some superb outdoor activities, such as horse riding and fishing. Bird watchers will find a kaleidoscopic array of birds to spot, while those who prefer their wildlife without wings can undertake a crocodile viewing expedition.

If horse riding isn’t your thing, you can still explore the local scenery with a visit to the Mukuvisi Woodlands. In this nature reserve, you’ll see everything from giraffe and bush pigs to civets and bush babies. Visit in the afternoon and join an e-bike tour or a guided horseback safari.

Stargazers will find the lack of light pollution gives you a chance to see the night sky like never before. Book a Harare Nights tour, where astronomy fans can be picked up from their hotel and driven into the wilderness for an awe-inspiring look up at the night skies.

Those travelling with children can help them burn off some energy with a trip to the Longcheng Amusement Park. Packed with rides and attractions for everyone from toddlers to adults, it’s an easy way to enjoy some family time together for a few hours.

Local cuisine often tells you more about a region than you might expect. The hallmarks of the British colonisation of Africa in the 19^th century are still evident in the high teas served almost everywhere you go. Savour cakes, pastries, and a variety of sandwiches, all enjoyed with a pot of traditional tea.

However, if you want to sample native specialities, look out for dishes such as Bota, which is a breakfast dish consisting of porridge, peanut butter, and milk. There are plenty of meats to enjoy, such as crocodile, ostrich, and beef. Biltong, a local speciality, is beef or game meat cut into strips and cured with spices before being dried. It’s a popular snack that you’ll find all over Zimbabwe. Adventurous eaters can try mopane worms, while those with a more particular palate might prefer mapopo candy, a sweet treat made from cooked papaya coated in sugar.

As a busy city, Harare is home to a wealth of restaurants serving cuisine from across the globe. Most tend to be situated around the Samora Machel Avenue, although you’ll find street food in the smaller roads and in the markets.

Harare is home to an eclectic range of places to discover a bargain. If you’re a fan of big brands and designer labels, check out the huge shopping malls. For the best of the best, put the Eastgate Shopping Centre at the top of your list. In addition to luxury items, it also boasts an eco-friendly cooling system that offers a welcome break from the heat. There are places to eat and, if you’ve got the kids in tow, it’s just across the road from the Fantasy Land Complex.

For leisurely Sunday shopping, it doesn’t get much better than the Avondale Flea Market. Situated on the Bath Road, it’s the perfect place to buy unique souvenirs as well as arts and crafts and is thought to have the best second-hand bookshop in the city.