Exploring Harare: Airport Activities And Adventures

what to do in harare airport

Formerly known as Harare International Airport, the Robert Gabriel Mugabe Airport (HRE) is a mid-sized airport with separate terminals for domestic and international travellers. The airport offers a range of services and facilities, including airport lounges, paid WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, ATMs, a post office, smoking lounges, and 24-hour food options. While there are no hotels within the airport premises, travellers can find accommodation options nearby. Harare itself is a vibrant city with wide avenues, beautiful parks, museums, craft markets, and a thriving coffee culture. Beyond the city, visitors can explore natural attractions like the Mukuvisi Woodlands, Lake Chivero Recreational Park, and the Chinhoyi Caves.

Characteristics Values
Airport Code HRE
Former Name Harare International Airport
Current Name Robert Gabriel Mugabe Airport
Size Mid-sized
Terminals Dedicated terminals for domestic and international travellers
Shopping and Dining Options Limited, all close by 10:00 PM
WiFi Available for a fee
Mobile Charging Points Available
Lounges Available for First or Business Class travellers and through lounge membership programs
Hotels None at the airport, but some nearby
ATMs/Cash Machines Available
Post Office Available at the International Terminal
Smoking Lounges Available
Travel Agencies LED Travel and Tours and Traverze Travel

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Harare Airport facilities: WiFi, ATMs, post office, smoking lounges, and travel agencies

Harare Airport, also known as Robert Gabriel Mugabe Airport or Harare R.G. Mugabe International, offers a variety of facilities and services for travellers passing through.

WiFi and Internet

Harare Airport provides WiFi access for travellers, although some sources indicate that there may be a fee for using the WiFi service. It is always a good idea to check with the airport or your airline for the most up-to-date information on WiFi availability and any associated costs.

ATMs and Currency Exchange

The airport has ATMs available for your cash needs. However, fees may apply for international transactions, so it is advisable to check with your bank about their fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit. Notifying your bank about your travel plans beforehand is also recommended.

Post Office

For any last-minute postcards or important letters, the airport has a post office located in the International Terminal. The operating hours of the post office are not specified, so it is best to plan your visit during the airport's usual business hours.

Smoking Lounges

Harare Airport accommodates smokers with designated smoking lounges within the airport premises. This allows travellers who smoke to have a comfortable and permitted space to do so before their flights or during layovers.

Travel Agencies

If you require assistance with local arrangements or need help planning a last-minute trip, there are travel agencies with offices at the airport. These include LED Travel and Tours and Traverze Travel, ready to provide you with any necessary travel-related assistance.

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Nearby hotels: There are no hotels at the airport, but there are some close by

While there are no hotels at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe Airport, there are several options nearby. The airport, previously known as Harare International Airport, is a mid-sized airport with separate terminals for domestic and international travellers.

One highly-rated hotel, located 2.2 miles from the airport, is a stylish 2-bedroom cottage with a swimming pool, free WiFi, and free private parking. There is also the Jetsetters Guest House, which offers a private pool, free WiFi, and free parking.

If you are looking for something more affordable, the N! Rotten Rowe Hotel is a cost-effective option with neat and clean rooms, located close to the CBD. Chivendera is another budget-friendly option, with rooms for $30 a night, located a few minutes away from the town centre.

For those seeking accommodation with a more romantic setting, there is a beautiful lodge on the river, offering activities such as canoeing, horse riding, and game drives.

You can find various other options on booking platforms such as Booking.com and Expedia, as well as reviews on TripAdvisor.

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Lounges: Access lounges with an economy ticket, or via a lounge membership program

If you're an economy class traveller at Harare Airport, you have the option to access airport lounges. This can be done by purchasing a day pass or annual membership, or paying at the door.

The Dzimbahwe Executive Lounge, located in the International Terminal, Airside, can be accessed via a lounge membership program. If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may also have access to the SAA Baobab Premium Class Lounge, also located in the International Terminal, Airside.

The airport's website may provide additional information on lounge access for economy class passengers, so it is recommended to check there for the most up-to-date details.

In addition to lounge access, Harare Airport offers a range of other services and facilities. These include WiFi (available for a fee), ATMs, a post office, smoking lounges, and travel agencies. There are also limited shopping and dining options, which close by 10:00 PM.

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Shopping: Limited options at the airport, but Harare has malls, markets, and luxury shopping

While Harare Airport does offer some shopping options, they are limited, and the shops close by 10:00 pm. For a wider range of shopping experiences, head into Harare itself, where you'll find malls, markets, and luxury shopping.

Harare has a range of shopping malls, including modern one-level malls with supermarkets, local shops, cafes, and restaurants. Here, you can find unique gifts and items crafted by local Zimbabwean artisans, including homewares, clothing, jewellery, artwork, antiques, and furniture.

For fresh produce, visit the Maasdorp Avenue Market in Belgravia, one of the oldest open-air markets in the city. This family-friendly market offers a relaxed atmosphere with a variety of pantry items, including grains, vegetables, eggs, poultry, jams, preserves, nuts, and seeds. The Upmarket Maasdorp Farmers Food Market, located on the same road, runs every Wednesday and Saturday morning, offering locally made handicrafts alongside fresh produce.

If you're looking for souvenirs, be prepared to haggle a little, as some vendors may offer inflated prices to start with. However, you can find reasonably priced souvenirs, curios, and commemorative items in Harare, which are often cheaper than in other areas, such as Newlands, Vic Falls, or the airports.

For a unique shopping experience, visit Kumba, located just 20 minutes from the city centre, which offers a range of items crafted by local artisans in a beautiful setting. Harare also has art galleries, antique shops, flea markets, speciality shops, and farmers' markets to explore.

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Attractions: Nature parks, museums, galleries, and restaurants are all a short distance away

If you're looking for attractions near Harare Airport, there are plenty of options to choose from, including nature parks, museums, galleries, and restaurants.

For nature lovers, there are several parks and nature attractions nearby. These include the Kingfisher Park, which offers horse riding and canoeing, and the Lake Chivero Recreational Park, which is great for picnics and braais. If you're looking for a quiet and safe game park, Haka Game Park is a great option, as you can walk around without worrying about encountering dangerous animals. The park also offers horse riding and canoeing, and it's located close to the city. The National Botanical Gardens and Harare Gardens are also worth visiting, with the latter featuring a bowling club where you can enjoy a drink.

If you're interested in art, the Shona Sculpture Gallery and the Harare Tsoko Gallery are highly recommended. The Tsoko Gallery, located in the Doon Estate complex, showcases mixed media and avant-garde works by cutting-edge Zimbabwean artists. The name 'Tsoko', which translates to 'monkey' in Shona, refers to the vervet monkeys that inhabit the area.

To learn more about the history and culture of the area, the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences and the National Handicraft Centre are great options. The National Handicraft Centre, in particular, showcases the creativity and natural materials used in local arts and crafts.

There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby, such as the Cafe in the National Gallery, which is a popular spot for history enthusiasts.

Frequently asked questions

WiFi is available at Harare Airport, although some sources say it is only free for a limited time. There are lounges at the airport, but access depends on your class of service. Economy class passengers may be able to access the first-class lounge.

There are no hotels at the airport, but there are several nearby.

Harare is known for its beautiful parks and gardens, museums, craft markets, coffee shops, restaurants, and lounges. Some attractions include the Wild is Life animal sanctuary, the Shona Sculpture Gallery, the Chinhoyi Caves, and the Avondale Flea Market.

For private transfers to and from the airport, you can use a service such as Hilton Transfers.

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