What to Wear in Harare

At nearly 1,500 metres above sea level, Harare feels much cooler in the shade and after dark than first-time visitors to southern Africa expect, while midday UV rays under the clear Highveld sky are strong year-round. Packing well means pairing breathable daytime cottons and sun protection with genuine evening warmth and footwear that grips smooth granite.

Footwear for granite kopjes and woodland paths

• Rubber-soled trail shoes or trainers with grippy tread: essential for walking up the whaleback granite domes of Domboshava, Ngomakurira or the boulders around Epworth Balancing Rocks. The steep, curved granite is encrusted with orange and grey lichen that gives decent traction when dry in trainers, but smooth leather soles or loose sandals slide dangerously on the incline.
• Closed walking shoes and long trousers for Mukuvisi Woodlands: when walking through the miombo bush trails of Mukuvisi or the sculpture gardens of Chapungu, closed shoes and lightweight chinos or linen trousers protect ankles from dry spear grass and occasional ticks in the long grass after the rains.
• Warm knitwear and a fleece or light down jacket (May to August): do not be fooled by sunny 22°C afternoons in winter; once the sun drops, unheated garden restaurants and highveld verandas quickly drop below 10°C.
• A compact waterproof jacket or umbrella (November to March): summer mornings start bright and warm, so carry a light rain shell in your daypack for late-afternoon Highveld downpours.

City style and suburban restaurants

Zimbabweans dress neatly and conservatively in town. While shorts and T-shirts are fine for hiking Domboshava or browsing Avondale Flea Market, locals favour smart-casual attire (collared shirts, tailored trousers, neat jeans, midi dresses or linen separates) for garden cafes in Newlands, galleries and evening restaurants in Borrowdale. Avoid wearing camouflage-patterned clothing anywhere in Zimbabwe, as military-style camo prints are strictly reserved for the armed forces and can cause trouble at roadblocks. Check seasonal weather before you pack.