Things To Do
in Ruwa
Ruwa is a small town just east of Harare in Zimbabwe, set on the green outskirts of Mashonaland East. It blends quiet residential neighborhoods with light industry, markets, and easy access to the capital’s amenities. The area is green and relaxed, with nearby parks and nature reserves within a short drive, making Ruwa a calm base for visitors exploring greater Harare.
Life in Ruwa feels welcoming and local, with markets, family run eateries, and friendly faces around every corner.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down at Harare International Airport and feel the warm Zimbabwean sun as you make the short drive to Ruwa. Meet your guide and settle into a boutique lodge nestled among jacaranda trees. Gain an overview of the region’s history and geography during a welcome briefing.
Savor a traditional lunch featuring sadza, grilled chicken, and seasonal vegetables sourced locally. Take a leisurely stroll through the lodge gardens to spot native birds and butterflies. Learn about Shona customs from a community representative over herbal tea.
As dusk falls, enjoy a welcome dinner under an open-air pavilion lit by lanterns. Listen to live mbira music while sampling local dishes and refreshments. Retire to your cozy cottage under the star-studded Zimbabwean sky.
Embark on a guided hike to the Ruwa Falls, where mist rises off rocky cliffs and rainbows dance in the spray. Navigate winding paths through lush woodland alive with chirping cicadas. Pause at lookout points for panoramic views of the gorge.
Settle by a natural pool for a riverside picnic featuring fresh fruit and artisanal bread. Cool off with a refreshing swim before exploring hidden caves behind cascading water. Learn about the area’s geology from your guide as you snack on roasted nuts.
Return to the lodge and relax on the veranda with sundowners crafted from local citrus. Share stories of your waterfall adventure around a communal fire pit. Drift off to sleep to the soothing sound of night frogs in the nearby river.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🚌Public transportation ticket | $0.50-1.50 |
| 💧Bottle of water | $0.50-1 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-2 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room (per night) | $20-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to Harare with easy access to capital city amenities
- Friendly locals and a relaxed pace of life
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure within Ruwa
- Some services and facilities may be basic outside Harare
- "Mhoro" - Hello
- "Muri sei?" - How are you?
- "Ndatenda" - Thank you
- "Ndapota" - Please
- "Ndinoda sadza" - I would like sadza
- "Wakadini zvako?" - How are you? (informal)
Places to Visit in Ruwa
Visit one of these nice places.
A nearby nature reserve just outside Harare with trees, birds, and wildlife that provide color and texture for nature photography.
Scenic water and hills around the Ruwa area offering golden hour opportunities.
Colorful street scenes, local vendors, and everyday life ideal for street photography.
Food in Ruwa
Ruwa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Classic maize porridge served with leafy greens and a portion of meat or sauce.
Must-Try!
Dried river fish fried or stewed and served with Sadza and a tomato sauce.
Dried edible caterpillar snack or fried greens served with staples such as sadza.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market offering fresh produce, baked goods, snacks, and everyday staples.
Weekend stalls where you can sample street snacks, roasted maize, and seasonal fruit.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a friendly 'Mhoro' or 'Mhoroi'. Address elders with respect and use polite language in daily conversation.
Ask permission before taking photos of people or private property; a smile and small tip is appreciated.
Dress modestly, especially in markets and rural areas. Avoid loud public displays of anger.
Safety
Tipping in Ruwa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. A small 5-10% tip at restaurants for good service is common.
Cash is widely accepted; US dollars and local currency are common. Mobile money like EcoCash is popular for small payments. Cards are accepted in larger establishments in Harare.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and rainy with high humidity. Afternoon storms are common; carry a light rain jacket and sunscreen.
Warm days and cooler nights. Drying air; a good time for outdoor sightseeing and photography.
Mild days with chilly mornings and cool evenings. Light layers recommended; rainfall is infrequent.
Warming temperatures with the occasional shower; ideal for outdoor activities and blooming scenery.
Ruwa at Night
Hiking in Ruwa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short and scenic nature walks just outside Harare with wildlife viewing opportunities.
Rural trails and hills around Ruwa offer quiet hiking with farm and valley views.
Airports
How to reach Ruwa by plane.
Main international gateway to Harare, about a 20-30 minute drive from Ruwa depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Ruwa hosts a mix of town residents, commuters, and nearby farmers, with a primarily Shona-speaking community.
Many households include young families and professionals who commute to Harare for work.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Zimbabwe with local clubs and community leagues.
Played by schools and clubs; less widespread but active in larger cities nearby.
Traditional sport with regional competitions and recreational play.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ruwa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can enjoy dishes based on beans, legumes, greens, and maize porridge. Request muriwo without meat, and consider bean stews, rice, or sadza with beans.