Things To Do
in Rusape
Rusape is a vibrant market town in Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe, perched along the Rusape River and the highway linking Harare with the eastern highlands. It serves as a regional hub for agriculture, trade, and transport, with a lively market scene and friendly communities. The surrounding countryside is green and farming-focused, offering easy access to rural life, local crafts, and scenic farmland.
Visitors are drawn to warm hospitality, affordable prices, and a convenient base for exploring nearby villages, rivers, and hills.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Rusape and check into your accommodation. Spend the morning exploring the local area, taking in the vibrant atmosphere and unique architecture. Be sure to visit the local market to sample fresh produce and handcrafted goods.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby café, where you can try traditional Zimbabwean dishes. Afterward, head to the Rusape Town Park for a tranquil stroll amidst lush greenery and public art displays. Take some time to relax and observe the daily life of locals.
As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant for dinner, offering a mix of local and international cuisine. Engage with friendly locals and experience their rich culture through stories and shared experiences. End the night under the stars, enjoying the peaceful ambiance of Rusape.
Travel to Lake Mutirikwi, a stunning natural landmark just outside of Rusape. Enjoy breakfast at a lakeside lodge while taking in the beautiful views. Rent a boat or kayak and set out to explore the serene waters.
Continue your adventure by fishing or picnicking on the lake's shore, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Embrace the tranquility of nature and the chance to spot local wildlife. As the day warms up, relax with a swim in the lake to refresh yourself.
Return to Rusape and dine at a local restaurant serving freshly caught fish from the lake. As you savor your meal, reflect on the day's adventures and share stories with newfound friends. Wrap up the night with a walk through the town, soaking in the local nightlife.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🚕One-way local transport | $2-5 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room per night | $25-50 |
| 🛒Groceries for a few days | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, welcoming communities and affordable travel
- Good access to rural experiences and nearby nature
- Limited nightlife and fewer high-end tourist services
- rural transport can be less predictable than in larger cities
- "Mhoro" - Hello
- "Ndatenda" - Thank you
- "Zvinodhura zvakadini?" - How much does this cost?
- "Ndapota" - Please
- "Ndingawane rubatsiro here?" - Can I get help?
- "Ndinoda kudya here?" - May I have food, please?
Places to Visit in Rusape
Visit one of these nice places.
A tranquil reservoir offering reflective water shots at sunrise and sunset with silhouettes of hills in the background.
Vibrant market scenes, colorful fabrics, and busy vendor interactions make for compelling street photography.
Lush riverbank landscapes and farmed valleys ideal for wide-angle landscape and nature photography.
Terraced fields and lightweight village architecture provide contrast between urban and rural life.
Food in Rusape
Rusape Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic combination of maize meal porridge with greens cooked in peanut butter sauce; commonly enjoyed at family meals and in eateries.
Must-Try!
Kapenta (dried sardines) served with sadza and vegetables, a simple and flavorful rural staple.
Char-grilled meat often enjoyed with a portion of hot sadza and a side of vegetables or relish.
Dried or fried mopane worms; a traditional source of protein found in rural markets and some taverns.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub where you can sample fresh produce, maize meal, roasted corn, groundnuts, and homemade snacks from friendly vendors.
Look for roasted maize, fried springs rolls, roasted peanuts, and other quick meals along market lanes and town streets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a handshake and a smile; address elders with respectful titles and avoid loud confrontations in public.
Safety
Tipping in Rusape
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping for service is appreciated but usually modest; 5-10% in restaurants and small tips for drivers or guides are common.
Cash (USD or local currency where accepted) is widely used; mobile money (such as EcoCash) is common for smaller payments; some shops may accept bank cards in larger towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with frequent afternoon showers from November through March; lush landscapes and vibrant crops. Stay hydrated, use sun protection, and be prepared for sudden rain.
Rain tapers off and landscapes begin to dry, with mild days and cooler nights. Great for outdoor activities with fewer showers.
Cool to mild days and chilly mornings, especially in the early hours. Dry season favors long daytime explorations; evenings can be quite cool.
Warming temperatures and blooming flora; good for hiking, markets, and photography as light stays favorable into the evening.
Rusape at Night
Hiking in Rusape
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular day and multi-day hikes with forested slopes, viewpoints, and waterfalls within reach of a scenic drive from Rusape.
Riverside and valley trails offering photogenic river views, wildlife scenes, and quiet rural scenery.
Low-elevation trails through citrus and maize fields, ideal for relaxed day hikes and sunset photography.
Airports
How to reach Rusape by plane.
Zimbabwe’s major international gateway; connections to regional hubs and domestic routes; ground transfer to Rusape by road or bus is common.
Smaller regional airport serving the eastern region; access to Rusape via road connections and longer overland trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Shona-speaking communities form the majority, with Ndau and other eastern Zimbabwean groups also present in the region. Family-oriented communities and agricultural workers are common in and around Rusape.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and followed; local leagues and informal games are common across towns.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Rusape.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose starchy dishes with greens and beans; request vegetable-friendly versions of stews and avoid meat-heavy preparations when possible.