Harare: what to see and whether to move there

What the city lives on and who it suits

Harare is the capital of Zimbabwe, a city of about 2.4 million people on a plateau at about 1,500 metres, so the climate is mild: warm summers and cool dry winters. The country's economy rests on gold, platinum and lithium mining, tobacco and agriculture; Harare hosts the government, banks, mining companies and international organisations.

The main problem is unstable money: the local currency has changed several times over recent decades, a new one was introduced in 2024, but most payments are still in US dollars. In the 2024 drought power was cut for many hours a day. Yet in the green suburbs with gardens and private schools life is calm and inexpensive for those earning in dollars.

It suits specialists in mining, agriculture and international organisations, entrepreneurs in tourism and farming, and people with family in Zimbabwe. It does not suit those who need financial stability or a move without an employer.

Neighbourhoods: where newcomers settle

Houses here have security, a generator or solar panels and a borehole: water and power in the city are intermittent.

Cost of living

Prices are almost everywhere in US dollars. A single person lives comfortably on about $2,000-3,000 a month, a family with a car and private school from $4,000.

Practicalities: climate, money, travel

• Climate. Dry season May to October, cool nights in June-July, occasionally frosty, rains November to March.
• Money. Cash dollars in various denominations are most practical; cards are accepted to a limited extent, and local currency is used for small items.
• Travel. Victoria Falls is about an hour by air; Great Zimbabwe ruins and national parks are a few hours by car.
• Language. English is official and used by government, banks and schools.
• Safety. The main risk is street theft; people drive rather than walk in the evening.

Family: schools and healthcare

Harare's private schools with a British curriculum are considered among the best in southern Africa, costing about $8,000-25,000 a year. Private clinics handle routine cases, but medicines can be short and complex treatment is obtained in South Africa, so insurance must cover treatment abroad.

Work and business

Foreigners are hired by mining companies, especially in lithium and gold, banks, telecoms, international organisations and farms. Business in tourism and agriculture can be profitable but needs a local partner and lawyer: rules on currency control, profit repatriation and land ownership have changed often. It is wise to keep income and savings abroad.

Moving and legal status

There is no remote work programme. Those seeking life in southern Africa with stable rules and a remote work visa are usually better served by Namibia or South Africa.

First steps after the move

• obtain the work or residence permit through your employer or a lawyer;
• rent a house with security, solar panels and a borehole;
• open a dollar bank account and get a local SIM card with mobile money;
• bring a reserve of cash dollars in small notes;
• apply to a private school early, as the best ones have waiting lists.

Is the city worth considering for living

Yes, if you have a contract or business in Zimbabwe, dollar income, and are drawn by the mild climate, nature and strong private schools. No, if you need financial stability, reliable power and a move without an employer. We match countries in southern Africa to your situation and support the move; we fix our fee after a free consultation.