Things to do in Zimbabwe
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Doon Estate
Has a number of shops, including Art Mart, which is stocked with the work of dozens of local artisans and crofters. The Cocoa Tree (more commonly known as the Belgian chocolate shop), also here, has to be experienced to be believed. Eat and drink in or takeaway - its novelty chocolates make great presents.
reviewed
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Amanzi's
Set in a stunning former colonial house with African décor and an even more amazing garden, Amanzi's has the tastiest food from around the world and a great vibe. You can also buy a painting from a local artist on the way out. A must.
reviewed
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Victoria 22
Yet another restaurant set in what was once a colonial house, this is a favourite of well-heeled locals. It is pretty formal (for Harare standards), with choices within a set menu of four courses, and probably has the best food in town.
reviewed
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Patrick Mavros
At the end of Haslemere Lane, 1km off the Umwinsedale Rd, is this place; it is signposted. It's set atop a spectacular hill, overlooking a picture-perfect valley complete with giraffes and buffalo - a visit is a must. The studio and gallery sells designer silverware from jewellery to tableware and whimsical paperweights (collector items or presents for the person who has everything). Mavros's signature style in his jewellery is the ndoro shell, the original currency of Zimbabwe. He also has a shop in Knightsbridge, London, though this one is cheaper!
reviewed
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A
Harare Gardens
Harare Gardens, the city's largest park, is a haven from the city bustle just a few blocks south, and a favourite spot for wedding photos and canoodling couples. Look for the island-like stand of rainforest with its miniature Victoria Falls and Zambezi Gorge.
Despite its peaceful atmosphere, Harare Gardens is notorious for crime, so always avoid short-cutting through the park at night and watch your belongings carefully by day. No cycling is allowed.
reviewed
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Shop Café
Most perfect for brunch and lunch any day except Sunday, the Shop Café serves some of the yummiest food in Zimbabwe, from its amazing homemade muesli, yogurt and stewed fruit to vegetable moussakas and fish curries. The food here will put you in the right mood for shopping in the attached shop for hand-printed textiles, hand-painted ceramics and cane and teak furniture - double yum.
reviewed
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B
Sopranos
Named after the long-running American TV series, Sopranos caters for the whole family, with food and an indoor climbing gym for kids, and steak, fish and vegetarian meals for grown-ups.
reviewed
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C
Ster-Kinekor Cinema Complex
Cinemas offering recent films, and cheap and comfortable seats (around US$3), include the Ster-Kinekor Cinema complex, opposite the Eastgate Centre.
reviewed
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D
Avondale Markets
Visit the Avondale markets on top of the old car park at Avondale Shopping Centre for carvings, beaded jewellery and other crafts.
reviewed
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Nyanga National Park
Scenic and secluded, beautiful Nyanga National Park is 100km (60mi) north of the Bvumba, the central mountains of the Eastern Highlands. Some parts may remind you of Scotland while others are reminiscent of Arizona. Nyanga has Africa's second highest waterfall and breathtaking views over the lush Honde Valley, into Mozambique.
Nyanga National Park has its headquarters at Nyanga (Rhodes) Dam. Most people come here to hike on Mt Nyangani, Zimbabwe's highest peak: we're not talking Kilimanjaro - it takes one and a half to three hours to reach the summit from the car park east of Nyanga Dam. For something more substantial, a three- to four-day walk continues from Mt Nyangani…
reviewed
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Southern Africa Explorer
21 days (Cape Town)
A classic overland journey through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,690 -
African Wilderness in Comfort
21 days (Cape Town)
A diverse accommodated overland traverse through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls).
Not LP reviewed
from USD$4,190 -
Zanzibar To Victoria Falls
19 days (Dar es Salaam)
by Intrepid
Try the legendary Dabaga chilli sauce in Iringa, Travel through the vast, rolling African plains, Witness the awesome power of Victoria Falls, Canoe down the…Not LP reviewed
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Falls, Delta & Cape
24 days (Victoria Falls)
by Intrepid
Feel the rumble of Victoria Falls, Learn about Namibia’s German heritage, Climb the dunes of the Namib desert, Cruise to a cafe in Cape Town, Watch a sunset…Not LP reviewed
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Kenya To Cape In Depth
51 days (Nairobi)
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Watch a sunrise over the sand dunes at Sesriem, Visit Namibia’s lively capital, Windhoek, Enjoy a glass of the local wine in Cape Town, Take in the views over…Not LP reviewed
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28 days (Nairobi)
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Stay on the shores of the vast Lake Malawi, Canoe along the Lower Zambezi River, Marvel at the stunning Victoria Falls, Try and spot Africa's Big Five in the…Not LP reviewed
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Gorillas To Cape Adventure
71 days (Nairobi)
by Intrepid
Soak up the atmosphere in Nairobi city, Visit the Kariandusi School Trust project, Explore Lake Nakuru National Park, Spot the Big Five in Queen Elizabeth…Not LP reviewed
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E
Mukuvisi Woodlands
The nearest thing to a zoo in Harare is the Mukuvisi Woodlands, also given the trendy title of 'environmental centre'. Two-thirds of this 265-hectare woodland reserve, 7km east of the city centre, is natural msasa parkland, ideal for picnics, walking and bird-watching. The remaining area is a wildlife park where antelopes, zebras, giraffes and warthogs roam free.
Mukuvisi is at its best when there are special events on such as lectures or family days, which are advertised via banners around town.
reviewed
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Cape, Delta & Falls
24 days (Cape Town)
by Intrepid
Feel the rumble of Victoria Falls, Learn about Namibia’s German heritage, Climb the dunes of the Namib desert, Cruise to a cafe in Cape Town, Watch a sunset…Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,625 -
Victoria Falls To Zanzibar
19 days (Victoria Falls)
by Intrepid
Try the legendary Dabaga chilli sauce in Iringa, Travel through the vast, rolling African plains, Witness the awesome power of Victoria Falls, Canoe down the…Not LP reviewed
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F
Parliament
The Parliament was originally built as a hotel in 1895, but was soon commandeered for army barracks. It has undergone several renovations since and is now used by the senate and legislative assembly. It's not normally open to the public, but requests to sit in the gallery during the fiery political debates can be arranged by ringing the Chief Information Officer (700181). You may also be lucky enough to join a free weekly tour.
reviewed
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Gorillas To Zanzibar In Depth
34 days (Nairobi)
by Intrepid
Soak up the atmosphere in Nairobi city, Visit the Kariandusi School Trust project, Explore Lake Nakuru National Park, Spot the Big Five in Queen Elizabeth…Not LP reviewed
from USD$5,490 -
Cape To Gorillas Adventure
71 days (Cape Town)
by Intrepid
Soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Nairobi city, Visit the Kariandusi School Trust project, Explore Lake Nakuru National Park, Spot the Big Five in Queen…Not LP reviewed
from USD$9,090 -
Vic Falls To Gorillas In Depth
48 days (Victoria Falls)
by Intrepid
Soak up the atmosphere in Nairobi city, Visit the Kariandusi School Trust project, Explore Lake Nakuru National Park, Spot the Big Five in Queen Elizabeth…Not LP reviewed
from USD$7,075