Mutare

Mutare is Zimbabwe's third-largest city with 225,000 residents (2022) and 500,000 in the metropolitan area. As the trade hub for eastern Zimbabwe, it serves as a practical gateway to the Eastern Highlands region with railway links, pipeline transport, and highways connecting Harare to the coast. The city, renamed from Umtali in 1982, offers colonial-era memorials, local markets with affordable stone sculptures near the Mozambique border, and access to nearby mountain destinations.

The Sakubva bus terminus, 4 km southwest of the city centre, is the main intercity bus terminal. Buses run from Harare (US$8, 4-5 hr) and Masvingo (US$8, 4-5 hr), with services also from Johannesburg in South Africa. Mutare railway station southwest of the city centre previously hosted National Railways of Zimbabwe overnight trains from Harare three times weekly, but this service was suspended during Covid-19 and remained suspended as of July 2024. A combi from Sakubva terminus to the city centre costs US$0.50.

Mutare is small and walkable. Minibus combis operate for short distances at US$0.50 per ride. A minibus rank is located on 'E' Avenue at the corner with 2nd Street in front of Choppies. Shared taxis to Bvumba Mountains depart from 'E' Avenue on the opposite side of the main A9 road behind Choppies when full (US$5, 45 min) — arrive early morning to maximize a day trip. Shared taxis to Nyanga National Park depart from 2nd Street at the corner with 'B' Avenue in front of CBZ bank (US$5, 2 hr).

Mutare and the Eastern Highlands can be visited year-round. The dry season from May to October offers cooler temperatures ideal for hiking. The wet season from November to April brings lush greenery but some trails may be muddy. Early morning departures for day trips to Bvumba Mountains and Nyanga are recommended to make the most of daylight hours.

Budget accommodation options in central Mutare include Ann Bruce Backpackers at 99 Fourth Street (corner with Sixth Avenue) with dorm beds from US$15 and doubles from US$40, featuring a garden, kitchen, and Wi-Fi for $2. Ubuntu Backpackers at 53 Fourth Street (city centre between First and Second Avenue) offers dorms at US$15, doubles without bathroom at US$35-40, doubles with bathroom at US$48, breakfast for US$10 and dinner for US$12, with free Wi-Fi and hiking tours in the Eastern Highlands. Travellers Lodge at 94 Fourth Street offers rooms from US$20 with free Wi-Fi and TV.

Mutare's eating options include budget-friendly Karen's Kitchen and Green Coucal for lunch, Chinese restaurants on 1st Street, Hillside Sports Club for curry, Portuguese Club for prawns and chicken, Greek Club for chicken, Wise Owl for steak, and Calvary for the best sadza in town. Mira Sol offers chicken or pasta, while Fasho provides quick bites. For something nicer, White Horse Inn and Tony's Café (known for great cakes) are located in Bvumba and are somewhat expensive. Zimbo's Cafe at 29 First St (corner with 'B' Avenue in the Hellenic Community building) serves coffee, tea, home-style burgers and sandwiches Monday to Saturday 08:00-17:00.

History enthusiasts can visit the Cross Kopje Memorial at Greenside, 2-3 km east of the city centre — a 10-metre granite and reinforced concrete cross built by Colonel Methuen commemorating 269 Africans who died in World War I. The Mutare Museum on Aerodrome Road (daily 09:00-17:00, US$3 for residents and US$10 for non-residents) houses national collections of antiquities, firearms, and transport items plus a walk-in aviary with over 500 birds. The Civic Centre Complex contains the Courtauld Theatre, Queen's Hall, and Turner Memorial Library. Nature lovers can explore Cecil Kop Nature Reserve (accessible by car from Showgrounds car park or Old Christmas Pass Road) for antelope, elephant, rhino, zebra and wildebeest viewing. The Aloe Gardens in Mutare Main Park feature 10,000 aloes and 243 species collected from across Africa and Madagascar. Lake Alexander/Ozdani Dam, 35 km north on Odzani Road through Penhalonga, offers camping, fishing, rowing boats for hire, and yachting with thatched shelters and braai areas.

Mutare is generally considered safer than larger Zimbabwean cities, but standard urban precautions apply. Avoid displaying valuable electronics, be cautious after dark in less familiar areas, and use registered taxis or hotel transportation for evening travel. The city centre and main tourist sites are relatively safe during daylight hours.

Wi-Fi is available at backpacker accommodations including Ann Bruce Backpackers (US$2 per session) and Ubuntu Backpackers (free for guests). Mobile network coverage is available through Zimbabwean carriers. Power outlets follow British-style three-pin plugs.

A backpacker can expect to spend approximately US$30-50 per day in Mutare including dorm accommodation (US$15), basic meals (US$10-15), local transport (US$2-5), and attraction entrance fees (US$10 for Mutare Museum non-residents). Shared taxis to day trip destinations cost US$5 each way.

Bvumba Mountains to the south offer scenic views and cooler highland air — shared taxis depart from 'E' Avenue (US$5, 45 min). Nyanga National Park in the northern highlands is accessible by shared taxi from 2nd Street (US$5, 2 hr). Lake Alexander/Ozdani Dam is 35 km north with camping, fishing, and boating facilities. The Marada Hills to the west feature kopje (tor) formations worth visiting.

Chimanimani, a small town with excellent hiking trails, is reachable from Mutare. Chimoio across the border in Mozambique is accessible by road. Chipinge and Rusape are other destinations in the Eastern Highlands region. Nyanga National Park offers mountain scenery and outdoor activities in Zimbabwe's highest region.