Harare might be the place where everything happens but it’s great to get out of the capital once in a while. Nothing says ‘escape’ like weekend trips from Harare that remind us of how beautiful Zimbabwe’s dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife really are. Check out these reviewers’ picks of the top weekend trips from Harare.
1. Umfurudzi Park
Time for a getaway? Escape into the wilderness and enjoy the safari atmosphere at Umfurudzi Park. Umfurudzi Park is located in Mashonaland Central, Shamva district in Madziwa. Activities include game drives, swimming in the rivers, canoeing, fishing, climbing, viewing bushman cave paintings, mountain biking or walking in this beautiful park that holds a variety of plains game.
Located approx. 140 km from Harare, off the Shamva Rd and is accessible using a sedan
2. Chengeta Safari Lodge
Chengeta Safari Lodge lies in the midst of a 13,000-acre private game reserve approximately an hour-thirty minute drive from Harare and the International Airport. In the evenings, a crackling fire is provided in the TV room or the trophy room to take the chill out of the air and provide a cosy atmosphere.
Enjoy a swim and a refreshing drink at the pool bar, browse the curio shop for souvenirs to take home to the family, or take part in one of the many optional activities on offer. Horse riding, canoeing, game drive, game walks and Chengeta school tour.
Located approx. 65 km from Harare off the Bulawayo Highway
3. Imire Game Park
The Imire Lodge offers family-style hospitality, fine home cooking and spectacular game viewing. Four of the big five guaranteed! Experience unique close encounters with some of the world’s most intriguing and endangered animals. Imire Lodge offers day trips and overnight stays.
A day trip visit includes a full game drive and lunch served in the conservancy with a visit from the elephants or rhino as a highlight of the day. Overnight trips include feeding the rhino and elephant, followed by sundowners at the lookout and a gourmet three-course dinner.
The ranch is 125 km out of Harare off Mutare Road.
4. Bushman Rock
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy one of the amazing day trip options on offer at the unique Bushman Rock. Located a mere 40minute drive from the centre of Harare on one of the few working wineries in Zimbabwe.
We offer guests the possibility of combining locally sourced sumptuous cuisine and magnificent views. Furthermore, guests will also get to experience the local Estate wines, a 450-hectare wildlife reserve in addition to picturesque lakes.
Bushman Rock is part winery, part game reserve, part polo field, part boutique lodge, it has a number of facilities. The vineyard was established in the 1930s by an Italian immigrant and today is one of the few vineyards remaining in what was Zimbabwe’s primary wine-growing region.
Wine tasting is available with prior notice, as are three-course lunches where you taste the estate wines before going on a game drive. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Harare. If you’re coming by bus, get off at the Jamaica Inn and call for a lift.
Located approx. 40 min drive km from Harare
Wine tasting cost: $10
5. Antelope Park
Set in over 3000 acres of open savannah in central Zimbabwe, at Antelope Park you will find comfortable accommodation, delicious and nutritious home-cooked food, beautiful landscapes that will refresh your soul, thrilling encounters with African wildlife, and the warm welcome of the Zimbabwean people who will touch your heart.
Antelope Park is proud to offer Zimbabwean and international overnight guests a safari-style holiday where you can explore the African bush, go game-viewing and interact with our wonderful animals, enjoy our famously-good cuisine, relax by the swimming pool or rejuvenate at the spa.
Antelope Park is also well-known for its incredible selection of once-in-a-lifetime activities. From game drives and horseback safaris to elephant interaction and lion educational tours.
Located approx. 297 km from Harare off the Bulawayo Highway.
