Top 5 Harare Outdoor Escapes: Nature & Adventure Await
Harare, that lively capital of Zimbabwe, offers surprisingly easy escapes into nature and excitement. very close by. you can get a hefty dose of adventure that is sure to please. From getting close to wildlife to marveling at geology that defies logic, there are, quite a few, things right outside the city that will surprise you. I will take you through five top outdoor spots, that could be right up your alley. These are the kind of places that give you a taste for Zimbabwe’s natural gifts without requiring too much driving, or advanced planning. So, if you’re after a bit of fresh air, some sunshine, and sights you won’t forget, read on; outdoor adventure probably awaits!
1. Lion and Cheetah Park: A Wild Encounter Close to the City
Imagine being just a short drive from the city center and coming face-to-face with majestic lions or graceful cheetahs! The Lion and Cheetah Park really offers that kind of rush. I guess it’s almost one of the more, actually pretty cool, destinations, in Harare for a family outing. Beyond just the big cats, there is a variety of other wildlife to see, so there is something for everyone. too, it’s a totally worthwhile trip. That’s probably for someone who appreciates conservation efforts too because the park sometimes plays a really crucial role in wildlife preservation.
One of the cooler parts, that’s always stuck with me, is how the park provides educational insights, that are easily accessible. They really aim to educate on wildlife and their habitats, which is absolutely cool. Actually, this really makes a visit not just enjoyable, but informative, you know? you come away feeling that you know that tiny bit more, in some respects. Getting there from Harare city center is pretty straight forward. you just drive along the A5 towards Chinhoyi. so it is a pretty short drive. you definitely shouldn’t miss a turn.
Here are some tips to sort of make the trip the best it is able to be, right: Go early in the morning or late afternoon; I would really recommend that because it is probably when the animals are most active and the light is right. I’d say allow at least three to four hours to explore; I guess you could do with taking your time to really get around the grounds. As well, definitely bring your camera because you are able to be really, really grateful for that when you want to capture the animals close up.
Read our full review: Lion and Cheetah Park Harare Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Lion and Cheetah Park)
2. Balancing Rocks of Epworth: A Geological Wonder
For a completely different, possibly even, stunning outdoor activity, the Balancing Rocks of Epworth offer something, really unlike anything else. That’s something I totally appreciate. So it goes without saying, the rocks are strangely balanced formations; there’s just something so striking about them. The history goes a long way back; for example, they were formed something like millions of years ago, and for Zimbabwe, in a way they ended up becoming a significant symbol, and you probably see it cropping up from time to time.
Basically, I found it really, very easy to spend hours there; just marveling at how these rocks seem to defy gravity, I really enjoyed that. You know, there’s something, I guess deeply contemplative about them? In addition to just taking in the sights, there’s so too, it turns out, the chance to explore the surrounding areas with some really easy hikes that will take you close by. They are located in Epworth, that is just outside Harare, and basically, there is a signposting that’s going to lead the way.
Read our full review: Balancing Rocks Epworth Zimbabwe Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Balancing Rocks)
3. Lake Chivero Recreational Park: Lakeside Fun and Relaxation
I want you to imagine a great space, so you might appreciate this more. It’s got rolling hills, is pretty packed with things to look at, and it has shimmering waters. Actually, Lake Chivero Recreational Park gives all of that. it’s not so far away from the city. Lake Chivero, so I think it’s almost one of Harare’s main water sources. the locals go there; the visitors like your are drawn there too. really.
Anyway you can expect a bit of peace and relaxation and fun times! I would have said bird watchers will think they’re in their natural environment, given that there’s so much, variety; basically all kinds. Water sports, though; people that, like your kayaking and canoeing; you have all of that to look forward to. If fishing’s your thing, there are some spots too, it appears. I would just probably have told you already, about how nice it is just to sit on the banks; watching the water; breathing the air. I think the best time to visit there would probably be between March and May; then in August to October. When you travel there, drive the Bulawayo Road. it’s definitely easy. just get onto the A5!
Read our full review: Lake Chivero Recreational Park Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Lake Chivero)
4. Mukuvisi Woodlands: A Natural Sanctuary in Harare
You get green spaces from time to time, around a city. Harare has its own. It’s the Mukuvisi Woodlands! I’ve gone on plenty about just how enjoyable a decent bit of nature, in all its green glory, really is. Anyway it is, genuinely speaking, actually quite important for just the animals; that range about; especially the giraffes, the zebras; all the sorts. The locals use it too. They like your jog; maybe cycle through from time to time.
If you fancy going for a wander; I really will definitely mention those, that guide you round on foot. Mukuvisi Woodlnds lies basically in the east. You just literally head out onto Hillside Road. Don’t take too long, basically. get there between half eight and five; there you go. So the word for any tips; put plenty of time aside to stroll around the greenary!
Read our full review: Mukuvisi Woodlands Harare Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Mukuvisi Woodlands)
5. Domboshava National Monument: History and Views
If I was talking about what has some, just maybe some geological importance, alongside some Zimbabwean significance, then you, like your Balancing Rocks could do much worse, than the Domboshava National Monument. The site itself rests on a rocky outcrop; like you could see, there, thousands of years before. You find loads, or it seems so, in this place of cave paintings!
Just when you’re thinking about geology though; really put it in the context, the whole place. What might interest you is the view, if I mention anything at all! I always thought this was worth telling, because I always thought of Zimbabwe being really kind of fairly, very warm! that, alongside what else there is, that is well documented, with the caves of Domboshava and paintings, you have one or two other historical, details for that matter, in the small museum for your benefit.
So to clarify some bits, I’d start with, what I mentioned way before; actually it is in Domboshava, to start with. Then I’d go through that process, where you have to just start heading out onto the Borrowdale Road, towards it. It seems that these people, are only ever ready, at like ten. Then I would advise you just to get yourselves prepped for heat in general; very likely it seems it’s just what it will be doing!
Read our full review: Domboshava National Monument Harare Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Domboshava)