What Is The Capital of Zimbabwe?

The capital of Zimbabwe is Harare. It is a beautiful city set high on the country’s central plateau.

Harare is a modern city of new buildings, wide pedestrian walkways, and streets lined with flowering Jacaranda and Flamboyant Trees. There are also various parks and gardens in the city centre.

The residents are proud of their city’s cultural and historical heritage, with a push to preserve older buildings in the city.

How Harare Got Its Name

Long before the city was established, the area was inhabited by the Shona people.

The name “Harare” originates from Chief Neharawe (sometimes referred to as Chief Harare), a local Shona chief who built his stronghold on the prominent hill overlooking the city of today. This hill is known as the Harare Kopje.

The name reportedly translates to “He Who Does Not Sleep,” as he was well-known for his alertness against rival raids.

Harare City Attractions

Mentioned below are a few African tourist tips showcasing places of interest in Harare.

The National Gallery

The National Gallery houses not only a valuable and interesting national collection, but it also plays host to travelling international exhibitions.

There is a permanent display of Shona soft-stone carvings, which Zimbabwe is famous internationally for.

National Archives

Housed in the National Archives is the priceless collection of Rhodesiana and Africana.

These are diaries, reports, and notebooks showcasing the original works of some of the greatest names in the exploration of Africa.

One of the most famous is David Livingstone, whose statue stands overlooking the Victoria Falls waterfall.

Queen Victoria Museum And Library

Also well worth a visit are the Queen Victoria Museum and the Queen Victoria National Library. Both of these are located in the Zimbabwe capital at the Civic Centre in Rotten Row.

Shopping

Tourists will find plenty of shopping opportunities with the Mbare traditional market, the Chupungu Kraal (home of Zimbabwe’s top soapstone carvers), and various curio shops selling locally made wares.

Harare Activities

City tours
Tour of Hero’s acre
National Art Gallery
Chupungu Kraal
Domboshawa & Dombakarera
Lake Chivero & Kumba Shiri bird gardens
Lion & Cheetah Park
Snake Park

Learn some more facts and information on what the rest of Zimbabwe has to offer.

Nature And Wildlife

Wild Is Life & ZEN (Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery)

A highly-rated wildlife sanctuary and orphanage on the outskirts of Harare.

It provides a unique environment where you can see rescued elephants, giraffes, lions, and cheetahs up close, with guided afternoon tours and high tea.

Mukuvisi Woodlands

A convenient 265-hectare eco-project located just minutes from the city center.

It features indigenous woodlands where you can walk, cycle, or take a horseback safari to see giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and impalas without predators around.

Epworth Balancing Rocks

Located about 13 km southeast of the city, these world-famous geological formations are massive granite boulders stacked perfectly on top of each other by natural erosion over millions of years.

They are so iconic that they are featured on Zimbabwe’s national currency.