Mutare



Mutare is the fourth largest city in Zimbabwe.

Get in
Although Mutare has a small airstrip there are no regular scheduled services; however airtaxi or small private planes may land. The nearest international gateway is in the capital, Harare.

National Railways of Zimbabwe runs an overnight train service from Harare three times a week, leaving Harare at 9:30PM on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Arrival time is early morning the next day just after dawn, at 5:20AM according to schedule. Services have been in decline for the past few years, don't expect top-notch conditions. The 2nd class sleeper fare is $5. There are no cross-border rail services from Mozambique. is southwest of the city centre.

Roads are decent and asphalted but potholes are common. Highway A3 leads inland towards Harare while A9 turns southwards. Across the border to the east is EN9 which connects with the coastal city of Beira. Traffic can be heavy since this is one of Zimbabwe's main routes to the ocean. There is also a lot of cross-border traffic with people visiting the nearby cities of Manica and Chimoio

Commuter buses are a popular way of travelling for traffic across the border and from outlying villages. Expect a rough ride however! Long-distance buses are also available from Harare.

There are buses from Johannesburg in South Africa.

Do
The National Arts Gallery and Courtauld Theatre are two places in Mutare where you can go to experience some culture.

Buy
Stone sculptures can be found cheaply at the intersection going to the Mozambique border.

Eat


Karen’s kitchen (Lunch), Green Coucal (lunch), Nando’s, Chinese in 1st street in Mutare, Hillside Sports Club (Good curry), Portuguese Club (prawns and chicken), Greek Club (good chicken), Wise Owl (go for the steak), Calvary (best sadza in town), Mira Sol (chicken or pasta) and Fasho.

White Horse Inn and Tony’s Café (great cakes) are very good and somewhat expensive places to eat in Bvumba.

Go next

 * Chimanimani A small town with great hiking trails.
 * Chimoio Head into Mozambique.
 * Chipinge
 * Rusape