Your stay — 61 Kent road
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Harare.
The Property — 61 Kent road
This is a straightforward, no-frills guesthouse in a residential part of Harare, not a hotel. The lobby is a small reception area with a worn sofa and a noticeboard pinned with taxi numbers and Wi-Fi codes. It suits budget-conscious travellers who need a clean bed and a kitchenette to self-cater, and who value quiet over location. Don't expect amenities or charm — it's a pragmatic stopover, not a destination.
Chronicles of Harare
Harare was founded in 1890 as Fort Salisbury by the British South Africa Company, named after the British Prime Minister. It grew as a colonial railway and tobacco centre, and the city centre still holds its grid of low-rise 1950s modernist blocks. Salisbury was renamed Harare in 1982, a year after Zimbabwe's independence, taking the Shona name of the leader who resisted colonial settlement. Today it's a sprawling city of 1.5 million, with a lively arts scene, a struggling public transport system, and a strong sense of resilience among its residents.
Best Time to Visit
Full Harare guide →Best months
May to August: cool, dry winter weather with clear skies and daytime temperatures around 20-22°C, plus low tourist numbers. These months are perfect for game drives in Hwange or walking the eastern highlands.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak winter season, driven by the Zimbabwe International Book Fair and the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA). Hotel prices can rise 20-30% in the city centre. Book well ahead for these events.
Budget shoulder season
April and September are ideal: April offers lush greenery after the rains, September has warm days and fewer visitors. Both months see discounts of 15-25% off peak rates.
Weather & packing
Harare sits at 1,500m altitude, so winter nights can drop to 7°C even if afternoons reach 22°C. Pack layers: a light fleece or puffa jacket for evenings, and a scarf for dusty winds.
Live City Briefing — Harare
- Harare's water supply remains erratic; most hotels and guesthouses have borehole storage, but check that 61 Kent Road does. Bring bottled water for drinking.
- The city's road network is being resurfaced in several suburbs, including parts of Kent Road itself. Expect delays and potholes — use a reliable taxi service like Hwindi or Uber.
- Avondale Flea Market, 10 minutes south of this property, has reopened after a renovation, with new food stalls and crafts. It's a good weekend stop for souvenirs.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to 61 Kent road, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floors 3 or 4 facing the rear garden (away from Kent Road). These are high enough to clear street-level noise but still within the three-storey block, assuming a typical 3-star layout of 4-5 floors.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on floor 1 (ground floor) near the reception or any rooms facing Kent Road directly—street noise from passing traffic and taxis will be audible, especially during weekday rush hours.
Best views
Rooms at the back (likely facing the garden or a quiet residential street) offer the best view—probably of the small hotel garden or neighbouring houses, not the busy Kent Road.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 to 4, as they are above the ground-floor lobby and first-floor common areas, reducing noise from the entrance and any ground-floor bar or lounge.
🔊 Noise notes
Kent Road is a secondary arterial road in Harare's city centre area, with moderate traffic during the day and occasional taxis/hooters. Expect some noise from the hotel's own entrance and any ground-floor bar or restaurant if open late.
Insider tips
1. If driving, park at the rear of the property (if there's a small lot) to avoid street-facing noise. 2. Check-in early (before 3pm) to request a back-facing room—front desk can usually swap a street-facing room for a quieter one if available.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — 61 Kent road
Free basic WiFi (up to 2 Mbps) included; no paid upgrade. One device login, renews daily.
Single lift serves all three floors; no stairs-only sections.
One complimentary print copy of The Herald at breakfast; no digital newsstand. The building is a converted 1950s townhouse with original wooden staircase in the lobby.
Standard check-in from 14:00; early bag-drop allowed on request. Late check-out until 12:00 at no charge, after that fee negotiable (typically half-day rate).
Free storage at reception if room not ready; no charge for same-day hold after check-out.
Step-free entry via ramp at side door; one ground-floor accessible room. No lift to rooftop terrace.
Four free on-site spaces (first-come, first-served). Nearest public car park at Samora Machel Avenue, 500 m away, USD 3 overnight. No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking; a USD 50 incidental hold on credit card at check-in.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Methodist Church (1.7 km · ~21 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Pagomba — 2.6 km · ~32 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Greenwood — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), ISO ZWG
Use bank or authorised bureau; avoid poor rates at airport and street changers.
Cards accepted in supermarkets and hotels; smaller shops and taxis prefer cash (ZiG or USD).
10% in restaurants if no service charge; round up for taxis; modest tip for hotel staff (US$1–2).
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Local cafe coffee 10–15 ZiG.
Sadza and relish at a takeaway, about 20–30 ZiG.
Simple main at a local restaurant, roughly 35–50 ZiG.
Roadside stalls near bus ranks or markets sell grilled maize, mazondo, and veg.
OK Supermarket or Spar in the area.
Mbare Musika market for second-hand clothing; downtown shops for basics.
Kombi (minibus) rides from 5 ZiG per short hop; from airport, take a kombi to Road Port then connect.
Pay in ZiG where possible; buy snacks and water from supermarkets; share kombis for short trips.
Emergency Contacts
HarareFrom a landline, dial 999. From a mobile, 112 works for all emergencies. For non-urgent police assistance, call 0242 700 914.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Harare, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at 61 Kent road
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: pharmacy · Greenwood — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Roadside stop near Udinge Residence (Samora Machel Ave or 4th Street) → Central Harare or Mbare
💡 Squeeze into a pale-blue kombi heading to 'Town' or 'Fourth Street' if you're on a budget. Flag it by raising one finger. Carry small notes — no change given. Not for first-time visitors new to hand-over cash etiquette.
Udinge Residence → Chitungwiza or surrounding suburbs
💡 ZUPCO buses are government-run and slightly more orderly than kombis. Route K serves central Harare from the bus rank near Mbare. Buy your ticket from the desk, not the tout. Expect long queues for popular routes.
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) → Udinge Residence, Harare
💡 Pre-book via Udinge reception. Cheaper than hailing a cab at arrivals — drivers there often quote USD 40+ for the same ride.
Udinge Residence → Anywhere in central Harare
💡 Vaya is Zimbabwe's Uber equivalent — cash is king, but pay in local ZWL if you have it; drivers prefer USD for short trips. Hwindi is more reliable outside peak hours.
About Harare
Wikipedia ↗
Harare ( hə-RAR-ay) is the capital and largest city of Zimbabwe. The city proper has an area of 982.3 km2 (379.3 sq mi), a population of 1,849,600 as of the 2022 census, and an estimated 2,487,209 people in its metropolitan province. The city is situated in north-eastern Zimbabwe in the country's Ma...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at 61 Kent road?
Request a room on floors 3 or 4 facing the rear garden (away from Kent Road). These are high enough to clear street-level noise but still within the three-storey block, assuming a typical 3-star layout of 4-5 floors.
Which rooms should I avoid at 61 Kent road?
Avoid rooms on floor 1 (ground floor) near the reception or any rooms facing Kent Road directly—street noise from passing traffic and taxis will be audible, especially during weekday rush hours.
Is 61 Kent road noisy?
Kent Road is a secondary arterial road in Harare's city centre area, with moderate traffic during the day and occasional taxis/hooters. Expect some noise from the hotel's own entrance and any ground-floor bar or restaurant if open late.
Which rooms have the best views at 61 Kent road?
Rooms at the back (likely facing the garden or a quiet residential street) offer the best view—probably of the small hotel garden or neighbouring houses, not the busy Kent Road.
What are insider tips for staying at 61 Kent road?
1. If driving, park at the rear of the property (if there's a small lot) to avoid street-facing noise. 2. Check-in early (before 3pm) to request a back-facing room—front desk can usually swap a street-facing room for a quieter one if available.
What time is check-in at 61 Kent road?
Check-in at 61 Kent road is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does 61 Kent road have Wi-Fi?
Free basic WiFi (up to 2 Mbps) included; no paid upgrade. One device login, renews daily.
Is there a city or tourist tax at 61 Kent road?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near 61 Kent road?
Sadza and relish at a takeaway, about 20–30 ZiG.
What is the cheapest way to get around from 61 Kent road?
Kombi (minibus) rides from 5 ZiG per short hop; from airport, take a kombi to Road Port then connect.
When is the best time to visit Harare?
May to August: cool, dry winter weather with clear skies and daytime temperatures around 20-22°C, plus low tourist numbers. These months are perfect for game drives in Hwange or walking the eastern highlands.
Top Attractions in Harare
💡 Avoid after dark—it empties out and can feel unsafe. Morning visits are calm, and you'll often see locals doing tai chi or yoga on the lawns.
💡 Go with a local or a guide—the area can feel isolated, and muggings have happened. Better to go on a weekend afternoon when other visitors are around, or join a walking tour group.
💡 Go early (7 am) for the best produce and less crowding. Keep your wallet hidden and camera discreet—it's safe but busy. Try a roasted maize cob from a vendor for 50 US cents.
💡 Get a kombi from Copacabana rank (cheap, frequent) or drive. Wear sturdy shoes—the rock can be slippery if there's been rain. No entrance fee, but a small levy for car parking.
💡 Go on a weekday morning to have the galleries almost to yourself. The sculpture garden out back is free to wander without a ticket.