Getting Around Harare: Kombis, Buses, Taxis and Costs

Harare runs on informal transport, and to a newcomer it looks chaotic. It is not — it is a dense route network with its own conventions. Once you understand transport in Harare, moving around the city is quick and cheap.

Kombis

The commuter omnibus, universally called a kombi, is the backbone of urban transport. Kombis run fixed routes between the city centre and the suburbs, leaving when full rather than to a timetable. Conductors — the hwindi — call out destinations and collect fares.

• Routes are named by destination, and you board at the rank for that route or flag one down along the route.
• Fares are paid in cash in practice, and rise at peak times, in the rain, and late at night.
• Carry small denominations. Change is a genuine problem — see our currency guide.
• Ask before boarding whether the kombi passes your stop. Two routes to the same suburb can take very different roads.

Buses

Conventional buses serve city routes and the long-distance market. For intercity travel — Bulawayo, Mutare, Masvingo, Victoria Falls — coach operators run scheduled services from terminuses in and around the centre, and booking ahead matters around holidays. Luxury coaches cost more and are considerably more comfortable on long trips.

Ride-hailing and taxis

• App-based ride-hailing operates in Harare, with the usual advantages: a known price, a recorded trip and no negotiation.
• Metered and rank taxis are available at hotels, the airport and established ranks. Agree the fare before departing where there is no meter.
• Shared taxis operate on some routes, filling the gap between kombis and private hire.

For airport transfers, arrange the ride in advance where you can, especially for late arrivals.

Peak times and how to avoid them

The morning rush into town and the evening rush out of it are heavy, and the evening peak on a Friday is worst. Ranks queue substantially at those hours. Travelling mid-morning or early afternoon is faster and cheaper. Rain changes everything: fares rise, kombis disappear and queues lengthen.

Staying safe

• Keep your phone out of sight at ranks and in crowds.
• Carry your bag in front of you in a full kombi.
• Do not accept lifts from unmarked vehicles offering a shortcut around a queue.
• Avoid ranks late at night; use a booked ride instead.
• Split your money — keep the day's fare separate from the rest.
• Know your route before you set off, and tell someone where you are going if travelling late.

Driving in the city

If you drive, allow for potholes, unlit vehicles, pedestrians crossing between traffic, and kombis stopping without warning. Parking in the central business district is metered or attended in places; use official parking rather than an unofficial "attendant". Fuel queues are less common than they once were but still occur.

Walking and cycling

Much of central Harare is walkable in daylight, and the avenues are a grid, which makes navigation simple. Pavements are uneven and street lighting is unreliable, so plan to be off foot after dark. Cycling is growing but the roads are not built for it; take a route with lighter traffic even if it is longer.

More city and travel guides are on our guides page.