Educational Heroes Acre Trip With Child Educate Trust
( 20 / Person)

Location: National Heroes Acre, Harare, Zimbabwe

Departure Point: No. 5 Buckingham Road, Eastlea, Harare

Tour Duration: Approx. 4–5 hours

Best Days: Monday–Saturday (Morning)

08:00 AM – Departure from Eastlea

Pick-up at No. 5 Buckingham Road

Drive to National Heroes Acre (approx. 25–30 mins)

Onboard briefing about Zimbabwe’s liberation history

09:00 AM – Arrival & Entry

Welcome by guide or on-site staff

Brief overview of the site’s historical and symbolic importance

09:15 AM – Guided Tour Begins

1. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Hear the story of nameless heroes whose bodies were never found

Symbolism of the statue and its significance in national memory

2. The Eternal Flame & Tower

Climb up the tower (optional) for panoramic views of Harare

Learn about the Eternal Flame and what it represents

3. Wall Murals

View artistic depictions of Zimbabwe’s journey:

Pre-colonial life

Chimurenga (liberation struggle)

Post-independence milestones

4. National Museum Visit

See rare photographs, personal artifacts, weapons, and maps

Interactive Q&A with guide (optional educational worksheet for kids)

5. Graves of National Heroes

Visit selected graves of key figures like:

Herbert Chitepo

Sally Mugabe

Joshua Nkomo

Learn about their roles in Zimbabwe’s history

11:00 AM – Photo Session & Reflection

Group photo with backdrop of the tomb and murals

Quiet moment for reflection or tribute

Short recap quiz for school groups (optional)

11:30 AM – Optional Souvenir Stop

Buy miniature flags, history books, or pins

Cold drinks or light refreshments

12:00 PM – Return to Eastlea

Wrap-up discussion on the bus

Final drop-off at No. 5 Buckingham Road around 12:30 PM

1. Talk About It Before the Trip

Introduce the concept of heroes and Zimbabwe’s history before the visit. Watch a short video or read a children’s book on the liberation struggle to spark curiosity.

2. Make It Interactive

Encourage kids to ask questions during the tour.

3. Let Them Take Photos

Allow children to use tablets or phones to take photos of interesting parts like murals, statues, or uniforms in the museum.

4. Give Them a Journal

Hand out simple activity sheets or journals where kids can draw what they see or write short notes (e.g. “My Favorite Part of the Trip”).

5. Focus on Visuals

Point out colorful murals, bronze statues, and the massive tower with the Eternal Flame — visuals help children connect better.

6. Keep It Short & Simple

Plan for a 1 to 2 hour tour max, with breaks. Long explanations may lose their attention.

7.  Bring Essentials

Pack water bottles, snacks, caps, and sunscreen. The area is open and can get hot. Comfortable shoes are a must — there’s light walking and steps.

8. Teach Respectful Behavior

Explain that this is a sacred site and burial ground, so quiet and respectful behavior is important, especially near tombs.

The National Heroes' Acre, often referred to simply as Heroes' Acre, is a prominent national monument and burial ground located just 7 kilometers west of Harare, along the road to Norton. Spanning 23 hectares (57 acres), this sacred site was established to honor and commemorate fallen heroes of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle — particularly guerrilla fighters from the Patriotic Front who lost their lives during the Rhodesian Bush War, as well as modern Zimbabweans whose devotion and service to the nation have earned them the highest form of national recognition.

The idea behind Heroes’ Acre was born soon after Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, with construction commencing in September 1981. It was completed in 1982. The project was a collaborative effort between Zimbabwean and North Korean architects and artists, including those from the Mansudae Overseas Projects, a firm also responsible for similar monuments in countries like Namibia. At its peak, over 250 Zimbabwean workers were involved in the construction, with black granite sourced from Mutoko used to build the grand structures.

Architecturally, the monument is rich in symbolism. It is shaped to resemble two AK-47 rifles placed back-to-back, with the burial plots aligned to mimic rifle magazines — a powerful representation of the country’s armed struggle. The design closely mirrors that of the Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery in Pyongyang, North Korea.

One of the most significant elements of the site is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which honors countless unnamed freedom fighters who perished during the liberation war. The tomb is adorned with a bronze statue of three guerrilla fighters — two men and one woman — symbolizing the collective sacrifice made by Zimbabweans of all backgrounds.

Another key feature is the Eternal Flame, positioned atop a 40-meter tower, which was lit during the 1982 independence celebrations. This flame serves as a lasting symbol of Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, unity, and enduring spirit of freedom. From its elevated location, the tower and flame are visible from much of Harare.

Flanking the main monument are two expansive murals etched into walls, depicting Zimbabwe’s journey from pre-colonial times, through the periods of colonial resistance (Chimurenga), the liberation war, and ultimately, independence under national leaders such as Robert Mugabe.

At the site’s entrance stands a museum that chronicles the evolution of African nationalism in Zimbabwe. Through photographs, historical documents, and liberation-era artifacts, visitors are given deep insights into the country’s past struggles and triumphs.

To date, National Hero Status remains the highest honor conferred upon Zimbabwean citizens who have made extraordinary sacrifices for the nation. Those granted this status are laid to rest at the Heroes' Acre, with over 160 heroes interred there by November 2022. The site not only serves as a place of remembrance but also as a lasting symbol of Zimbabwe’s identity, resilience, and revolutionary legacy.