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Home / Destinations / Mutare

Mutare

Zimbabwe · City · USD · -18.970700, 32.670900
Family friendly 4.4/10 · Rank 2380 of 2 709
Best season: April-September

Best for

Suitable for lovers of history and nature, families with children and anyone wanting to explore Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands.

Best season

April-September

Daily budget
$121.00 (≈ 10 154 ₽)
For 7 days
$847.00 (≈ 71 080 ₽)
Mutare, Zimbabwe's fourth-largest city and the capital of Manicaland Province, is nestled in a scenic valley at the foot of the Eastern Highlands, just 8 kilometers from the Mozambique border. This charming city serves as the main gateway to the Bvumba, Nyanga, and Chimanimani mountain ranges, offering a perfect blend of urban amenities and access to breathtaking mountain scenery. Mutare attracts travelers with its colonial buildings, museum, and opportunities for day trips to scenic waterfalls and botanical gardens.
Summer
28.0°C
Winter
8.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

moderate

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Mutare residents are friendly and proud of their city. Many students and timber industry workers.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Rich history and museums
  • Scenic mountains and passes
  • Diverse gastronomy
  • Affordable prices
  • Convenient base for exploring the Eastern Highlands

Cons

  • No beach
  • Limited nightlife
  • Transport needed to get around
  • Hot summers
  • Few tourist attractions
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
20.7°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
26.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
28.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
13.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
20.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
8.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
November-March
Attractions

Mutare Museum

Museum of Transport and Antiquities with a collection of artefacts and historical exhibits

Cecil Kop Nature Reserve

Small private game park within the city with diverse wildlife

Murahwa Hill

Hill with rock paintings and panoramic views of the city

National Gallery of Eastern Region

Gallery with works by local artists and sculptors

Christmas Pass

Scenic mountain pass with views of the city and valley

Best areas

City Centre

Close to the museum, market and main attractions

Murambi Area

Residential area with hotels and restaurants

Christmas Pass Area

Scenic area with views of the city and mountains

Must-try food

Sadza

Thick cornmeal porridge, Zimbabwe's staple, served with meat and vegetables

Nyama

Grilled meat, often served with sadza and sauce

Murivo

Stewed pumpkin leaves with peanuts, a popular side dish

Madza

Stewed cassava leaves with peanuts, a popular dish

Mopane Worms

Fried mopane worms, a popular local delicacy

Where to go next

Chimanimani

Mountain reserve with waterfalls and trails, 1.5 hours by car

Binga

Town on Lake Kariba with nature, 4 hours by car

Nyanga

Mountain town with a national park and waterfalls, 2 hours by car

Harare

Zimbabwe's capital with museums and markets, 3 hours by car

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
moderate
Getting there
Nearest airports
Mutare Airport (UTA).
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Visa
Visa requirements
required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
April-September
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$101.00
≈ 8 476 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$250.00
≈ 20 980 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$180.00
≈ 15 106 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
—
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Mutare: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is April-September. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Mutare: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +28.0°C, during the day — up to +26.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Mutare: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +8.0°C, during the day — up to +20.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Mutare: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on November-March. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Mutare: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $121.00 (≈ 10 154 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Mutare: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $20.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $101.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $150.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $250.00 per night, an apartment — $60.00 per night, a villa — $180.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Mutare: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $5.00, dinner at a restaurant — $12.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.00, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Mutare: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $20.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.00, a short taxi ride — $3.00, car rental — $40.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Mutare: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Mutare Museum — Museum of Transport and Antiquities with a collection of artefacts and historical exhibits; Cecil Kop Nature Reserve — Small private game park within the city with diverse wildlife; Murahwa Hill — Hill with rock paintings and panoramic views of the city; National Gallery of Eastern Region — Gallery with works by local artists and sculptors; Christmas Pass — Scenic mountain pass with views of the city and valley. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Mutare: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Sadza — Thick cornmeal porridge, Zimbabwe's staple, served with meat and vegetables; Nyama — Grilled meat, often served with sadza and sauce; Murivo — Stewed pumpkin leaves with peanuts, a popular side dish; Madza — Stewed cassava leaves with peanuts, a popular dish; Mopane Worms — Fried mopane worms, a popular local delicacy. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Mutare: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: City Centre — Close to the museum, market and main attractions; Murambi Area — Residential area with hotels and restaurants; Christmas Pass Area — Scenic area with views of the city and mountains. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Mutare: is a visa required?
Visa: required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Mutare: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Mutare Airport (code UTA). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $20.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Mutare: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — USD. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $121.00 (≈ 10 154 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Mutare: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Mutare: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as moderate. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Mutare: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Chimanimani — Mountain reserve with waterfalls and trails, 1.5 hours by car; Binga — Town on Lake Kariba with nature, 4 hours by car; Nyanga — Mountain town with a national park and waterfalls, 2 hours by car; Harare — Zimbabwe's capital with museums and markets, 3 hours by car. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

4.4/10
Overall rank: 2380 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 1021

Best season

April-September

Useful information

Currency: USD
Coordinates: -18.970700, 32.670900