What areas should you avoid in Harare?

Some peripheral areas of the CBD after dark: These areas can become deserted and present increased risks of petty crime and mugging.. Areas with poor lighting or unmaintained infrastructure: These can be found in various parts of the city and pose risks of accidents and increased vulnerability to crime.

What are the safest areas to stay in Harare?

The safest neighbourhoods for tourists in Harare include Avondale, Belgravia, Mount Pleasant. These areas are popular with visitors and well-regarded for safety.

What scams should you watch for in Harare?

Common scams in Harare: Fake parking attendants demanding payment.. Overcharging by informal taxi drivers.. Distraction theft, where an accomplice distracts you while another steals your belongings..

Areas to Avoid in Harare

Q: Is Harare safe for tourists?

Harare is rated as "moderate" for tourists. Nighttime safety requires significant caution. Stick to well-lit, busy areas, especially in the City Centre. Avoid deserted streets and be wary of your surroundings.

Zimbabwe

|⚠️ Moderate

Honest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Harare. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.

Last updated: March 2026

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Skip the risky areas. Compare hotels in safe neighbourhoods on Expedia.

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Harare is generally Moderate

2 areas to be aware of · Best areas to stay: Avondale, Belgravia, Mount Pleasant

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Travel Insurance for Harare

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.

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Quick tip: Most tourist areas in Harare are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.

Areas That Need Extra Caution

These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware

Some peripheral areas of the CBD after dark

These areas can become deserted and present increased risks of petty crime and mugging.

🛡️ Stay here instead: Avondale

A lively, leafy suburb with a mix of residential charm and commercial buzz.

Areas with poor lighting or unmaintained infrastructure

These can be found in various parts of the city and pose risks of accidents and increased vulnerability to crime.

🛡️ Stay here instead: Belgravia

An affluent, tree-lined residential area known for its spacious properties and proximity to amenities.

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Harare

Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.

Guided walking tour through a European city

Harare Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Harare on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

View Tour Details

Harare Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through Harare with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

View Tour Details

Best of Harare: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into Harare's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

View Tour Details

Day Trip from Harare: Scenic Excursion

Escape Harare for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

View Tour Details

Local cultural experience and traditions

Harare Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Harare's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

View Tour Details

View all tours in Harare

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Stay Safe, Explore Confidently

Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in Harare

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Stay in a safe neighbourhood

Compare hotels in Harare on Expedia

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Book a guided tour

Explore Harare safely with a local guide

We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.

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Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood

These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers

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Avondale

A lively, leafy suburb with a mix of residential charm and commercial buzz.

Generally safe during the day with usual precautions; at night, stick to well-lit, populated areas and avoid walking alone in quieter streets.

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Belgravia

An affluent, tree-lined residential area known for its spacious properties and proximity to amenities.

Considered very safe due to its residential nature and private security; standard precautions apply at night.

View All Safe Neighbourhoods

General Safety Tips for Harare

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At Night

Nighttime safety requires significant caution. Stick to well-lit, busy areas, especially in the City Centre. Avoid deserted streets and be wary of your surroundings.

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Solo Female Travel

Exercise heightened awareness. While many areas are safe during the day, it's advisable to avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated or poorly lit areas. Stick to reputable taxis or rideshares.

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Emergency Number

999

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Stay Connected

Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.

Common Scams to Watch For in Harare

1Fake parking attendants demanding payment.
2Overcharging by informal taxi drivers.
3Distraction theft, where an accomplice distracts you while another steals your belongings.

🛡️

Travel Insurance for Harare

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.

Get covered

Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead

These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety

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Avondale

A lively, leafy suburb with a mix of residential charm and commercial buzz.

Generally safe during the day with usual precautions; at night, stick to well-lit, populated areas and avoid walking alone in quieter streets.

foodiesculturenightlife

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Belgravia

An affluent, tree-lined residential area known for its spacious properties and proximity to amenities.

Considered very safe due to its residential nature and private security; standard precautions apply at night.

luxuryfamiliescouples

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Mount Pleasant

A spacious, upscale residential suburb popular with expatriates and families seeking tranquility.

Generally safe due to its residential and affluent character; exercise standard vigilance at night.

familiesdigital nomadsluxury

Safety in Harare

Moderate

CautionModerateSafeVery Safe

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Solo Female Travel

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At Night

Nighttime safety requires significant caution. Stick to well-lit, busy areas, especially in the City Centre. Avoid deserted streets and be wary of your surroundings.

🚨

Emergency

999

Common Scams to Watch For

1Fake parking attendants demanding payment.
2Overcharging by informal taxi drivers.
3Distraction theft, where an accomplice distracts you while another steals your belongings.

Back to Harare full guide