+263774777710
info@domboview.co.zw
| Tour Date | Tour End Date | Last Booking Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2022/10/15 | 2022/10/15 | 2022/10/14 |
Covering 263 hectares of indigenous Msasa and Miombo woodland, Mukuvisi Woodlands is ideally located for those seeking an introductory wildlife experience close to Harare before venturing into Zimbabwe’s national parks or game lodges. Here, visitors can spot zebra, giraffe, eland, wildebeest, ostrich, and impala, including calves born within the sanctuary, along with a rich variety of birds and native plant species.
Situated in the Hillside suburb of Harare, the Woodlands boast over 140 species of indigenous trees—including msasa, muhacha, and munhondo—and more than 300 bird species, offering a vibrant nature experience right within the city.
Mukuvisi is also home to key environmental organizations such as CAMPFIRE, The Orchid Society, Action Magazine, The Zambezi Society, and Wildlife and Environment Zimbabwe (WEZ), making it an important center for conservation and environmental awareness.
The site is open daily, with a popular animal viewing platform—best visited around 10 AM during feeding time, when plains game like eland, zebra, impala, and giraffe gather.
On Sunday mornings, the Woodlands attract locals who come to walk, jog, or cycle along scenic 3km, 5km, 8km, or 10km trails. The gate opens at 7:00 AM, and activities can begin anytime before 11:00 AM. Leashed dogs are welcome on Sundays, making it a family- and pet-friendly outing in the heart of Harare.
| Detail Location | Mukuvisi Woodlands, Zimbabwe |
|---|---|
| Tour Date | 2022/10/15 |
| Last Booking Date | 2022/10/14 |
| Address in Map |
Morning: Arrival & Nature Walk
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Arrive early to beat the heat and enjoy a peaceful start.
Choose a walking trail: 3km, 5km, 8km, or 10km.
Walk through the Miombo woodland, spotting birds, butterflies, and indigenous trees like Msasa and Munhondo.
Great time for photography, especially for bird watchers.
Mid-Morning: Wildlife Viewing
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Head to the Animal Viewing Platform.
Around 10:00 AM is feeding time — ideal for seeing zebra, giraffe, eland, impala, and wildebeest up close.
Great experience for kids and photographers.
Quietly observe or sketch the animals if you’re into art.
Late Morning: Refreshments & Rest
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Relax under a shaded area or on a picnic bench.
Bring snacks, or check if the on-site café is open for light refreshments.
Browse info boards about local flora, fauna, and conservation efforts.
Optional: Educational Tour / Visit NGO Offices
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Arrange a guided educational tour for schools or groups (must book in advance).
Visit affiliated organizations like WEZ, CAMPFIRE, or The Zambezi Society if open.
Planning & Essentials
Best time to go: Early morning (7:00–10:30 AM) for cool weather and active wildlife.
Days open: Every day of the year, 8 AM to 5 PM (gates open at 7 AM on Sundays for fitness activities).
Entry fee: Carry small change for entrance and activity fees.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking trainers
Hat, sunscreen, and water bottle
Binoculars for birding
Camera or phone for photos
Light snacks or picnic food
Leash if bringing a dog on Sunday
Extra Tips
Stay on marked trails to protect wildlife and yourself.
Be respectful of quiet zones, especially near animal viewing areas.
Don’t feed the animals.
School groups or large tours should book in advance.
Fitness enthusiasts: Sunday mornings are perfect for trail runs or cycling.
If you’re an artist, bring your sketchpad—there’s inspiration at every turn.
The idea of conserving the Mukuvisi area dates back to 1910, when it was proposed as part of a “green belt” to protect it from urban sprawl.
In 1979, the Mukuvisi Woodlands Association was established, and by 1980, a formal lease was signed with the City of Harare to manage the site up until 2090.
Location & Visiting Hours
Address: Hillside Road, Harare
Distance from City Centre: 7 km
Open Daily: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday Fitness Trails: Open from 7:00 AM for walkers, runners, cyclists, and leashed dogs
Just 7 km from Harare city centre, along Hillside Road, the Mukuvisi Woodlands offer a rare escape into nature without leaving the capital. Spanning over 270 hectares of indigenous Msasa and Miombo woodland, this conservation area is one of the few remaining green lungs of the city — ideal for both recreation and environmental education. A small stream runs through the woodland, entering from the southeast and exiting from the southwest, helping sustain the area’s lush ecosystem.
Activities to Enjoy at Mukuvisi Woodlands:
Guided Safari Walks
Trained rangers lead visitors on educational walks where you’ll learn about animal behaviour, habitats, and conservation efforts.
Wildlife & Birdwatching
Because most of Zimbabwe’s game is located deep within national parks and remote reserves, Mukuvisi provides the most accessible wildlife viewing experience for Harare locals. You can spot a variety of animals such as:
Giraffes
Buffalo
Wildebeest
Zebras
Eland
Bird enthusiasts can expect to see species like:
Purple-crested Turaco
African Golden Oriole
Green-capped Eremomela
Miombo Blue-eared Starling
Spotted Creepers, and more
Whether on a guided tour or self-led nature walk, birders and photographers will find plenty to enjoy.
Birding Walks
Join BirdLife Zimbabwe (on scheduled dates) or explore on your own with the help of a local birding guide to spot rare species in the woodland.
Horseback Riding
Experience wildlife and nature from a new perspective—on horseback. Riders of all skill levels are welcome.
Cycling Trails
Explore scenic cycling routes of 3 km, 5 km, 8 km, or 10 km. Please stay on marked trails to protect the environment.
Educational Visits
Mukuvisi is a popular destination for school field trips, offering students a chance to learn about ecosystems, wildlife conservation, and biodiversity up close.
Since entrance fees to national parks can be costly for locals, Mukuvisi provides an affordable alternative for environmental education.
Schools and groups must book ahead.
