Best hotels in Harare

The Zimbabwean capital of Harare is a modern city. Wide, leafy boulevards and smart high-rise buildings in the central business district give way to quiet, tree-lined residential areas. Highlands House Lodge is located in one of these peaceful suburbs, Highlands, and offers beautiful boutique accommodation just a short hop from the city centre and all the best restaurants, nightclubs and shops. The lovely lodge has fourteen beautifully-appointed guest rooms and an intimate restaurant in the gardens - a super Harare stopover all round.

For 100-plus years, through the colonial era of Rhodesia into modern-day Zimbabwe, Meikles has overlooked the country's commercial centre, African Unity Square. An icon of African history, it is the meeting place for dignitaries, celebrities, and up-market travellers looking for a haven in the city. Enter between two giant lion sculptures that flank the refurbished northern wing of the hotel (legend has it that if a virgin walks past them, they let out a roar). This iconic hotel may be frayed around the edges, but she is still stands proud among the bright purple jacaranda trees in Harare's pulsing heart.

​Set in the lovely, leafy northern suburbs of Harare's Golden Triangle, Dutch-owned Jacana Gardens Lodge is a peaceful, intimate retreat. Its simple, clever design (which adheres to the principles of feng shui) promotes warmth, balance and rest. This kind of luxury, attention to detail and devotion to tranquillity give the lodge a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. The theme continues in the garden, where mature trees attract plenty of birdlife. Despite offering easy access to the city's international airport and essential urban amenities, such as a mega shopping centre, Jacana Gardens is a port of utter calm.

Zimbabwe has endured decades of political and social tumult, but its capital, Harare, clings to its status as the country's economic heart. For travellers, Harare is likely just a conduit to Zimbabwe's majestic wilderness areas, or perhaps a place to do business. However, behind its facade, the city retains lingering vestiges of its once-prosperous past in its beautiful trees and old architecture. Amanzi Lodge, with its top-rated spa and restaurant, lies in the northern suburbs. Everything, from the exquisite garden and well-designed rooms to the art, works to create a peaceful setting that celebrates the best of this beautiful country.

​Zimbabwe's capital is wistfully known as 'the garden city' for its jacaranda-lined streets and a sub-tropical climate. The fringes of Harare offer especially tranquil and secure accommodation, whilst also maintaining easy access to airports and other key urban offerings. Kingsmead Guesthouse is one of the best in a sprawling city that's filled to the brim with quaint suburban B&Bs. Located in the suburb of Borrowdale, it's a family-run affair and the excellent facilities and on-point service really make it stand out.

​Folded into the heart of Zimbabwe's capital city, in one of its oldest colonial suburbs, York Lodge makes a homely retreat. This rambling Victorian home sits amidst lush, mature gardens – supremely tranquil, yet within easy reach of the city centre. The lodge has all the convenience and class of an international hotel, with the personal charm of a family-run operation (which it is). With garden-facing rooms, impeccable staff and a truly peaceful atmosphere, it's the ideal place to recover from an overseas flight, or gird yourself for the next leg of your journey.