Harare is Zimbabwe's capital and commercial centre, set on a high plateau in the north-east of the country. It is a city of government buildings, offices, parks and leafy residential suburbs, with a compact central business district and long-established neighbourhoods spreading out around it.
For a visitor, the practical question is whether to base yourself in or near the central business district, close to the main sights and within walking distance of the Harare Gardens, or in one of the quieter northern suburbs where guest houses and bed and breakfasts sit in large gardens. This guide covers the areas the sources identify, who each one suits, and the kinds of accommodation you will find there.
Best areas to stay in Harare
1. Central Business District and its edges
The central business district is the commercial heart of the city and puts you within reach of the Harare Gardens, Africa Unity Square and the main government and business addresses. It is the most convenient base if your visit is built around meetings, the city centre sights, or a short stay where you would rather not depend on long transfers.
Accommodation here ranges from backpacker lodges to high-end hotels, with several three to four star options on the district's edges. One practical point from the sources: the area just east of the central business district is walkable during the day but not advisable at night, so plan on taxis after dark.
2. Avondale
Avondale is a residential suburb north of the centre, named in the sources as the location of Harare's main backpacker lodge, at the corner of Ridge and Argyle. It suits budget travellers and longer-staying visitors who want a quieter, greener base with the option of camping, dorm beds or private rooms.
Because it is a suburb rather than the city centre, you will rely on transport to reach the central sights and business district, but you gain space, gardens and a calmer setting.
3. Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant lies in North Harare and is one of the suburbs that expanded outward during the city's post-war growth. It is a peaceful, low-density area where you find guest-house style accommodation set in extensive grounds, some with pools and internet.
It suits visitors who prioritise quiet and garden space, and who are comfortable being a drive away from the centre rather than in the middle of it.
4. North Harare (New Adyllin and surrounding suburbs)
The northern suburbs beyond Mount Pleasant, including New Adyllin, offer guest-house accommodation in former residential houses with large gardens and swimming pools. Some properties here have their own water supply and solar energy, and can arrange airport pickups on request.
This area suits families and larger groups, and anyone staying several nights who wants a self-contained, secure base with outdoor space. As with Mount Pleasant, you will need transport for the centre and the main sights.
5. Chitungwiza, Epworth and Ruwa
These municipalities form part of Harare Metropolitan Province alongside the city itself. They are not the obvious choice for a short visit, but they broaden the range of places to stay if you have business or family connections on that side of the metropolitan area.
Expect longer journeys into the central business district and the main visitor sights, so treat these as a base only if your plans already take you there.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: backpacker lodges with camping pitches, dorm beds and some private rooms, concentrated in the city centre and Avondale.
- Mid-range: three to four star hotels, plus guest houses and bed and breakfasts in former residential houses with extensive gardens, in the city centre and the northern suburbs.
- Splurge: a small number of high-end hotels, several backing onto parks or squares in or beside the central business district, with the full range of amenities and service.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in or on the edge of the central business district. It puts you closest to the Harare Gardens, Africa Unity Square and the main city-centre addresses, and it offers the widest choice across all price levels. If you prefer quieter surroundings, Mount Pleasant or the northern suburbs are a reasonable alternative, provided you are happy to use taxis for the centre, especially at night.
Frequently asked questions
Is the area east of the central business district safe to walk at night?
The sources describe it as walkable during the day but not advisable at night, so plan on taking a taxi after dark.
Where do backpackers tend to stay in Harare?
The main backpacker lodge is in Avondale, at the corner of Ridge and Argyle, and offers camping, dorms and some private rooms.
What kinds of places can I book outside the city centre?
Guest houses and bed and breakfasts, mostly set in former residential houses with extensive gardens, in suburbs such as Mount Pleasant and the northern areas of Harare.
Do I need a car if I stay in the northern suburbs?
The northern suburbs are a drive from the central business district and the main sights, so you will need transport or taxis for the centre.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.