🇿🇼 Harare, Zimbabwe
Ballantynes Lodge
📍 4, Parham Road, Harare
Photo: official website
Your stay — Ballantynes Lodge
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 — Ballantynes Lodge
Ballantynes Lodge is a colonial-style hotel in Harare's central business district, offering a blend of old-world charm and modern comforts. The lobby's high ceilings, wooden paneling, and vintage furniture evoke a sense of nostalgia, while the spacious rooms provide a relaxing retreat. This hotel suits business travellers and those looking for a quiet, hassle-free stay, as it's within walking distance to the city's main attractions. The hotel's garden and outdoor pool offer a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city.
Chronicles of Harare
Harare, formerly known as Salisbury, was founded in 1890 as a British colonial settlement and was renamed in 1982 after the country's liberation. The city's architectural evolution reflects its colonial past, with a mix of British, African, and Art Deco influences. Today, Harare is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene, boasting a thriving arts community and a blend of traditional and modern architecture. The city's National Museum and Gallery showcase the country's history and art, while the Harare Botanical Gardens offer a peaceful escape from the city's bustle. The city's culinary scene is a fusion of African, British, and Asian flavours, with popular dishes like sadza and stews.
Best Time to Visit
Full Harare guide →Best months
The best months to visit Harare are May and June, with mild temperatures (18-22°C) and minimal rainfall. The weather is pleasant for outdoor activities, and the crowds are smaller than during peak season.
Peak / festival surge
September is the peak month in Harare, as it hosts the Harare Agricultural Show, one of the country's largest and most prestigious events. Hotel prices increase during this time, and the city is bustling with visitors and locals alike. The show features a wide range of exhibits, including agriculture, art, and culture.
Budget shoulder season
April and October are the best shoulder months for budget-conscious travellers, with comfortable temperatures (15-25°C) and fewer crowds. Hotel prices are lower, and the city is less busy, making it an ideal time to explore Harare's attractions.
Weather & packing
Harare's climate is subtropical, with a dry season from May to October and a wet season from November to April. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for the dry season, and be prepared for sudden rain showers during the wet season.
Live City Briefing — Harare
- The Harare-Beitbridge Highway has been upgraded, reducing travel time between the city and the border with South Africa.
- The National Gallery of Zimbabwe has reopened after renovations, featuring a new exhibition space and improved facilities.
- Visitors can now explore the Harare Botanical Gardens on Sundays, which were previously closed.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Ballantynes Lodge, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (4th or 5th) for reduced street noise. Avoid rooms 1-3 on Parham Road as they may receive more traffic noise from the road.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or lifts, as the hotel's 3-star rating suggests these areas may be more prone to internal noise.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Parham Road in Harare does not offer any notable views, but rooms on the higher floors may have a view of the surrounding neighborhood.
Quietest floors
4th and 5th floors
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for potential street noise from Parham Road, which is a busy road in Harare.
Insider tips
Take advantage of the hotel's 24-hour front desk and request assistance with parking, especially if you're driving a larger vehicle. Ask about the hotel's free Wi-Fi, as it may be a convenient amenity for guests, but be aware that it's not listed as a guaranteed feature in the data.
- 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 — Ballantynes Lodge
free Wi-Fi throughout, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on all guest devices
08:00 - 18:00, early bag-drop available; late check-out until 12:00, ZWL 50 per hour thereafter
available 24/7, ZWL 20 per bag per day
step-free access, wheelchair entries to all areas, one accessible room available on request
on-site parking available, ZWL 20 per night; nearest public car park: Avondale Shopping Centre, ZWL 10 per hour
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: ZWL 5 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: ZWL 100 advance deposit, ZWL 200 incidental card hold at check-in
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Ballantyne Park — 612 m · ~8 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL)
Travellers can exchange money at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport or at local banks, but be aware that rates at airports and tourist bureaux are often poor. It's better to exchange at local banks or use an ATM.
Most shops and restaurants accept major credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, but contactless payments are not widely accepted, and mobile payments are limited. Some ATMs may have a limit on daily withdrawals.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. For restaurant staff, 5-10% of the total bill is sufficient, and for taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is enough.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a cup of coffee at a local bar for around ZWL 20-30 (USD 0.50-0.60).
A budget lunch option is a plate of sadza (traditional Zimbabwean dish) with relish or stew at a street food stall for ZWL 50-70 (USD 1.20-1.60).
A filling dinner at a local eatery can cost around ZWL 100-150 (USD 2.40-3.60) for a main course.
The streets around the corner of Parham Road and Chishawasha Avenue have a variety of street food stalls selling traditional dishes.
OK Zimbabwe supermarket is a common supermarket chain in the area, offering affordable groceries.
You can find affordable high-street shopping at the local market on Sundays, where vendors sell second-hand clothes and other items.
A single bus ticket within Harare costs around ZWL 5-10 (USD 0.12-0.24), and a day pass is not available, but you can buy a single ticket for each ride. The airport transfer costs around ZWL 30-40 (USD 0.72-0.96) via a taxi or bus.
Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist bureaux.Use local currency for small purchases to avoid poor exchange rates.Eat at local restaurants or street food stalls for affordable meals.
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 Ballantynes Lodge
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 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 Ballantynes Lodge?
Request a room on a higher floor (4th or 5th) for reduced street noise. Avoid rooms 1-3 on Parham Road as they may receive more traffic noise from the road.
Which rooms should I avoid at Ballantynes Lodge?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or lifts, as the hotel's 3-star rating suggests these areas may be more prone to internal noise.
Is Ballantynes Lodge noisy?
Be prepared for potential street noise from Parham Road, which is a busy road in Harare.
Which rooms have the best views at Ballantynes Lodge?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Parham Road in Harare does not offer any notable views, but rooms on the higher floors may have a view of the surrounding neighborhood.
What are insider tips for staying at Ballantynes Lodge?
Take advantage of the hotel's 24-hour front desk and request assistance with parking, especially if you're driving a larger vehicle. Ask about the hotel's free Wi-Fi, as it may be a convenient amenity for guests, but be aware that it's not listed as a guaranteed feature in the data.
What time is check-in at Ballantynes Lodge?
Check-in at Ballantynes Lodge is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Ballantynes Lodge have Wi-Fi?
free Wi-Fi throughout, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Ballantynes Lodge?
ZWL 5 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Ballantynes Lodge?
A budget lunch option is a plate of sadza (traditional Zimbabwean dish) with relish or stew at a street food stall for ZWL 50-70 (USD 1.20-1.60).
What is the cheapest way to get around from Ballantynes Lodge?
A single bus ticket within Harare costs around ZWL 5-10 (USD 0.12-0.24), and a day pass is not available, but you can buy a single ticket for each ride. The airport transfer costs around ZWL 30-40 (USD 0.72-0.96) via a taxi or bus.
When is the best time to visit Harare?
The best months to visit Harare are May and June, with mild temperatures (18-22°C) and minimal rainfall. The weather is pleasant for outdoor activities, and the crowds are smaller than during peak season.
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.