Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Harare
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Harare
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Harare
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Harare
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Harare, the vibrant capital of Zimbabwe, offers a blend of urban experiences and access to the stunning landscapes that surround it. While public transport is available, renting a car provides unmatched flexibility and convenience for exploring the city and its environs.
Explore Beyond the City: Harare serves as an excellent base for day trips to attractions like Lake Chivero, balancing rocks, and the surrounding wildlife reserves, which are best accessed with a private vehicle.
Efficient Business Travel: For business travelers, a rental car ensures you can attend meetings across Harare’s sprawling suburbs without relying on taxis or public transport schedules.
Comfort and Convenience: Enjoy the comfort of traveling at your own pace, especially useful when carrying luggage or traveling with family.
Before booking a rental car in Harare, it’s important to understand the local rental terms and conditions. These guidelines help ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience during your travels.
Area
1,485 square kilometres (573 square miles)
Population
Approximately 1.5 million residents
Time Zone
Central Africa Time (CAT), UTC+2
Ideal for
Business trips, city tours, and excursions
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsTypically, drivers must be at least 23 years old to rent a car in Harare. Some rental companies may have a higher age requirement or charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence from your country of residence is usually accepted. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required if your licence is not in English. Always carry your passport for identification.
3. Insurance & DepositsComprehensive insurance is highly recommended. Check if your rental includes basic coverage and consider additional options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is generally required and will be refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyBe aware of the mileage policy. Unlimited mileage is preferable for extensive travel, but some rentals may have limited mileage with extra charges per kilometre. Understand the fuel policy; often, you'll need to return the car with the same fuel level as when you picked it up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional charges may apply for extra drivers, GPS navigation systems, child seats, or late returns. Be sure to clarify these fees before finalising your booking.
Understanding the typical costs of car rentals in Harare can help you plan your budget effectively. Rates vary based on vehicle type, rental duration, and seasonal demand.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14 per day
Peak season (September to November): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to increased tourism and business travel during the warmer months.
Low season (January to March): Discounts are often available as demand is lower during the rainy season.
Car rental prices in Harare are influenced by seasonal demand. Booking in advance and comparing prices can help you secure the best deals.
Booking a car in Harare involves several steps to ensure a smooth and satisfactory rental experience. Here's a guide to help you through the process.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies. Consider factors like price, vehicle type, and insurance options.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs. Compact cars are ideal for city driving, while SUVs are better for rougher terrains outside Harare.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and availability by booking your car well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, passport, and credit card to the rental office. Inspect the car for any existing damage before driving off.
Harare is a city with a mix of modern and traditional influences, requiring drivers to be mindful of local traffic laws and road conditions.
Harare is the capital and largest city of Zimbabwe, serving as its economic and administrative hub. Driving in Harare can be an efficient way to navigate the city and surrounding areas, but it’s important to be aware of local conditions and regulations to ensure a safe and pleasant experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Balancing Rocks
Unique geological formations located a short drive from Harare, offering scenic views and photo opportunities.
Lake Chivero
A popular recreational area for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing, easily accessible by car.
National Gallery of Zimbabwe
Showcases a diverse collection of Zimbabwean art, located in central Harare.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several secure parking garages are available in the city centre, offering hourly and daily rates.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on some streets, but be mindful of time limits and parking restrictions.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the city to avoid congestion in the downtown area.
Gas Stations in Harare
Main Fuel Chains
Major fuel brands like Zuva, Total, and Engen have stations throughout Harare.
Refueling Tips
It's advisable to refuel during off-peak hours to avoid long queues. Ensure you have cash or a local payment method, as some stations may not accept international credit cards.
Availability
Gas stations are relatively easy to find in Harare.
Useful Tips for Visiting Harare
Plan for Traffic Delays
Traffic congestion is common during rush hours, especially on weekdays. Plan your routes accordingly and allow extra travel time.
Be Aware of Road Conditions
Some roads may have potholes, particularly in the rainy season. Drive cautiously and avoid driving at night.
Secure Your Belongings
Keep valuables out of sight to prevent theft. Park in well-lit areas and avoid leaving items in the car overnight.
Respect Local Customs
Be respectful of local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be mindful of local etiquette.
Major Bus Stations
Mbare Musika Bus Terminus
The largest bus terminus in Harare, serving both local and long-distance routes.
Railway Stations
Harare Railway Station
The main railway station in Harare, connecting the city to other major towns in Zimbabwe.
Airports
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE)
The primary airport serving Harare, located approximately 15 kilometres southeast of the city centre.
Renting a car in Harare requires a few essential documents and meeting certain criteria. Here’s a summary of what you’ll need.
A valid driver's licence from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your licence is not in English.
The minimum age to rent a car is generally 23 years old, although some rental companies may have higher age limits or charge young driver fees.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit. Some companies may only accept credit cards.
A passport or other government-issued photo ID is required, especially for international visitors.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Harare as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Harare was a great stop on our road trip; exploring was easy with our rental.
David Miller
Reviewed: 11.03.2025
Fantastic weekend in Harare! Getting around was so easy, and I saw so much. Highly recommend.
Chloe Brown
Reviewed: 28.09.2024
Exploring Harare was effortless; having a car made everything so convenient. I loved it!
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 10.06.2025
Pretty laid-back, yeah
Oliver Smith
Reviewed: 16.02.2025
Pleasant enough, really
Ben Wilson
Reviewed: 01.05.2025
Having a car made exploring Harare so much easier. I'd heard great things, and it mostly lived up to the hype, although the museums were a bit underwhelming.
Jessica Lee
Reviewed: 23.06.2025
Pretty relaxed, actually
Mia Davis
Reviewed: 07.05.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Kai Lee
Reviewed: 15.08.2025
Harare exceeded expectations! My business trip was surprisingly smooth; having a car made getting around incredibly easy. I'd happily return.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 11.02.2025
Harare in the summer was amazing! Having a car made exploring the city and surrounding areas so much fun. I saw so many interesting sights.
Ethan Carter
Reviewed: 25.02.2025
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Pretty chill, really
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 19.12.2024