Mutare

General Information

Mutare (previously known as Umtali) is Zimbabwe's third largest city and is situated in the Manicaland Province.  It is beautifully located within a bowl-like valley surrounded by mountains.  The picturesque mountain range divides Zimbabwe and Mozambique, with the border being just 8km away.

Mutare is very rich in Zimbabwean culture especially the Shonas who provide endless tourist escapades.  Despite Mutare's tropical location, the city has a temperate climate, this is due to its sheltered location against the mountain ridge.

Mutare is served by rail with daily passenger and freight links to the towns of Nyazura, Rusape and Harare.  The main activities in the area are citrus farming, mining and forestry.  Two large food producers in Zimbabwe, Cairns Foods and Tanganda Tea, have their headquarters in Mutare.

Accommodation in Mutare

Mutare offers a fair selection of budget-friendly accommodation options. There are a range of self-catering units, hotels, guest houses, camping sites and lodges in the area. Please view our accommodation directory for more information on all the places to stay in the area.

Activities in Mutare

Mutare has of a wide range of excellent resorts and facilities:

  • Nyanga mountains for excellent game viewing, scenic views, mountain climbing, hiking and horseback riding
  • Mutare Museum
  • Utopia House Museum dedicated to Kingsley Fairbridge
  • National Gallery of Zimbabwe
  • Murahwa Hill - rock paintings and Iron Age village
  • Cross Kopje - memorial to Zimbabweans and Mozambicans killed in World War I - nature reserve

​​Please view our activity directory for more information on things to do in Mutare.

Businesses

Mutare's business community is continually growing.  Tourists can find shops, stalls and souvenirs in the vicinity. The local restaurants are a culinary delight and there is something for every taste. Please go to our business directory for a full list of businesses you can find in the region.       

Mutare

Explore the place

The City Maps

Trip Ideas

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Prince of Wales View

Fantastic views of the mountain range, Forbes border post and Mozambique’s Machipanda town. The place is along the road to Vumba/Burma valley, less than 10 kilometres drive from Mutare CBD. A great place for a few minutes of lay-by and photo shoot before proceeding with your journey. Peak into Mozambique at this epic vintage point. On a clear day the view is somewhat impressive. The stone carvings at the place are a perfect place to grab a souvenir or gifts.

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Visit Vumba Botanical Gardens and Reserve

Magnificent garden and a great place for family picnic and photo shoot. Managed by National Parks department, which charges a reasonable entrance fee. The garden is well maintained and always clean, giving it the glorious and amazing look. It is just 32km outside Mutare`s CBD. The gardens are beautiful particularly after or during the rainy season. Definitely nature at its best. From the best scenic views in a serene environment.

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Holy Trinity Catholic Cathedral

Placed right within the Mutare CBD is the majestic Holy Trinity Catholic Cathedral for all to see. One can only just but wonder how this unique superstructure has been beautifully knit producing a masterpiece of art.

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Leopard Rock Golf and Country Club

Leopard Rock Hotel has an 18 Hole, Par 71, Peter Matkovich Designed Championship Golf Course! The golf course is regarded as one of the most picturesque in the world and has been judged one of the Top Ten in Africa.

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Discover the Eastern Highlands

The stunning Eastern Highlands and the city of Mutare in Zimbabwe. Depending on your interests, you go for hiking, forest walks, enjoy waterfalls, live music/clubbing/bars and a lot more. Take pleasure in the Eastern Highlands with our special guides on tailored tours.

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Mutare Museum

This very centrally located city destination CANNOT be missed by the tourist. There is so much to see and take in, you will be glad you did not miss it. The Natural Science chamber has a display on most habitats, but also included is a mock up of the Rivers Save/Runde confluence, where marine animals have been located in Zim. The colonial history is demonstrated in a series of windows, and each antique requires attention, as life in Old Mutare is beautifully portrayed. More animals, including birds, snakes, fish, mammals and fish are on show. There is a geology tunnel, great! Takes you into tribal history and life, some as it occurs in the rural areas to this day. Its a fantastic and interactive hall. Don't forget the living Bee Hive with glass sides.Then to THE most amazing collection of weapons you will see in Zimbabwe. Through now to the Motor Vehicle hall, its a must for enthusiasts. This overflows to the outdoors to include old trains, farm equipment and vehicles invented for use against landmines and ambush during the war of the 60s and 70s. Luckily a closed chapter, and Zimbabwe has moved on. This is a wonderful Museum and time capsule. Children love it!

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Tour Manicaland with us

Our packages offer you a life changing experience. We have close relationships with suppliers in Zimbabwe to offer you unmatched experience. Our tour destinations include Nyanga,Vumba, Gonarezhou,Kariba and Victoria Falls.

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Tease the Nyanga Mountains

Mount Nyanga (formerly Mount Inyangani) is the highest mountain in Zimbabwe at 2,592 m (8,504 ft). The mountain is located within Nyanga National Park in Nyanga District, is about 275 km (171 mi) south east of Harare. The summit lies atop a small outcrop of rock around 40m above the surrounding area. The remainder of the peak is a broad moor of mainly rolling hills and plateau with an area of about 8 sq km. The edges of this plateau then fall steeply to the east and west sides. The mountain vegetation is largely composed of heath around the summit plateau with evergreen forest along the wetter eastern slopes and grassland to the western side.

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