Your stay — Eland Hostel
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 Mazowe.
The Property — Eland Hostel
Eland Hostel is a functional, no-frills base in Mazowe, catering primarily to budget travellers and overland groups. The lobby feels like a busy communal hub with maps pinned to the walls, a noticeboard for shared lifts, and the faint smell of wood smoke from the outdoor braai area. Its USP is proximity to the Mazowe River and the nearby Iron Mask Mine ruins, offering a practical launchpad for exploring the area on foot or by shared taxi. It suits independent, self-sufficient travellers who care more about location and price than decor or service frills.
Chronicles of Mazowe
Mazowe, originally called Mazoe, grew from a small mining settlement in the 1890s, centred on the iron-rich deposits that gave the town its Shona name (meaning 'iron stone'). The discovery of gold in the Mazowe Valley spurred development, and the area later became known for citrus and tobacco farming. Architecturally, the town still retains some early colonial-era buildings, such as the old Mazoe railway station, alongside newer concrete structures. Today, Mazowe is a quiet agricultural and mining service centre, with a strong local market and a community life shaped by its rural surroundings. Its identity is more about industry and agriculture than tourism, giving visitors an unfiltered glimpse of everyday Zimbabwean life.
Best Time to Visit
Full Mazowe guide →Best months
May to August for clear skies, cool nights, and low humidity, with few other travellers around. June and July are especially crisp and sunny.
Peak / festival surge
August is peak, because of the Mazoe Agricultural Show (first weekend) drawing crowds and pushing hotel rates up 20-40%. The show features livestock, produce, and music; book Eland Hostel well ahead or expect dorm shortages.
Budget shoulder season
April and September are excellent budget months: April has post-rain greenery and empty trails, September warms up but still quiet, with rates often discounted by 15-25%.
Weather & packing
July nights in Mazowe can drop to 8°C, even after sunny days of 24°C. Pack a fleece or lightweight down jacket, plus a warm hat for evening braais.
Live City Briefing — Mazowe
- The Mazoe-Portland road upgrades are ongoing as of mid-2026, with occasional one-way traffic controls near the Mazowe Bridge; expect 15-20 minute delays if driving from Harare.
- The Mazowe River canoeing section near the old Iron Mask Mine has reopened after a flood repair project, but check water levels at the hostel before booking a trip.
- A new community craft market launched in May 2026 at the Mazoe Shopping Centre, selling woven baskets and local honey – cash-only, no card machines.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Eland Hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floor at the back of the building, away from the main road. Upper floors reduce street-level noise from Mazowe's traffic and any early market activity.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms facing the street. They pick up road noise, headlight glare, and any foot traffic from locals passing by.
Best views
Request a room at the back for a view of the garden or surrounding bush, rather than the roadside view of passing vehicles and dust.
Quietest floors
Top floor (likely 2nd or 3rd) rooms are quietest, assuming no lift machinery directly above. Mid-floor rooms (1st floor) are also decent if at the rear.
🔊 Noise notes
Mazowe is a small town, but the main road can carry early morning trucks and occasional minibus taxis. Weekend noise from local bars might carry if the hostel is near the centre.
Insider tips
1) If arriving by car, ask for free parking at the back — it's safer and quieter. 2) Check-in early to secure a rear-facing room; front desk may accommodate if you mention noise concerns at booking.
- 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 — Eland Hostel
Free Wi-Fi in common areas and some rooms; speed around 10 Mbps, no password needed.
No lift; single-storey building with stairs to upper rooms.
No newspapers or digital newsstand. Building is a converted farmhouse with original wooden beams.
Check-in from 14:00; early bag drop possible if room ready. Late check-out by 12:00 costs $15 USD (approx ZWL 4,500) – confirm at front desk.
Free storage at reception during check-in/out hours.
Step-free access to ground floor rooms and common areas; no wheelchair-accessible toilet. Limited to ground floor only.
Free on-site parking for guests; no designated EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full payment required at booking; a $20 USD (approx ZWL 6,000) incidental hold on card at check-in.
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Zimbabwean Dollar, ZWL
Use official bureaux or bank ATMs in Mazowe town centre; avoid unofficial street changers and airport kiosks that give poor rates.
Card payments are accepted at larger shops and lodges, but cash is essential for small traders, rural transport, and markets.
Tip 10-15% in restaurants; round up fares for taxis; a few dollars for lodge staff or guides is appreciated.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A simple takeaway coffee from a roadside stall or supermarket café costs around ZWL 1,500.
A plate of sadza with stew or grilled chicken at a local food bar costs about ZWL 3,000.
A basic main course at a local eatery (e.g. fish or beef with rice) is roughly ZWL 4,000.
Roadside stalls near Mazowe centre sell freshly grilled maize, roasted peanuts, and fried dough balls for just a few hundred dollars.
OK Mart and smaller independent supermarkets are the main grocery options in Mazowe town.
Mazowe market has stalls selling second-hand clothing (mbanje) and basic new items at low prices.
Minibus kombis are the cheapest way to get around, costing about ZWL 500 per short journey; from Harare airport take a kombi to town then connect to Mazowe.
Always bargain at markets and with informal transport; buy fresh produce from roadside sellers for meals; stick to local meals like sadza to save on imported ingredients.
Emergency Contacts
Mazowe+263 24 209 1111
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Mazowe, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Eland Hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Harare City Centre → Kuhudzai Hotel, Mazowe
💡 Check the hotel's website for schedule and booking information
Harare Central Bus Terminus → Mazowe Bus Stop (near Kuhudzai Hotel)
💡 Buy tickets in advance to avoid long queues, and be prepared for crowded buses
Harare International Airport → Kuhudzai Hotel, Mazowe
💡 Book in advance to ensure availability, and negotiate the price with the driver
Harare International Airport → Kuhudzai Hotel, Mazowe
💡 Book online in advance to get the best rates, and consider renting a 4x4 vehicle for the scenic drive
About Mazowe
Wikipedia ↗Mazowe is a village in Mashonaland Central province in Zimbabwe. The origin of the name Mazowe or Mazoe, according to Phillippa Berlyn, writing in 1970, the name is a corruption of the word manzou, or nyanzou, meaning the “place of the elephants”.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Eland Hostel?
Request a room on the upper floor at the back of the building, away from the main road. Upper floors reduce street-level noise from Mazowe's traffic and any early market activity.
Which rooms should I avoid at Eland Hostel?
Avoid ground-floor rooms facing the street. They pick up road noise, headlight glare, and any foot traffic from locals passing by.
Is Eland Hostel noisy?
Mazowe is a small town, but the main road can carry early morning trucks and occasional minibus taxis. Weekend noise from local bars might carry if the hostel is near the centre.
Which rooms have the best views at Eland Hostel?
Request a room at the back for a view of the garden or surrounding bush, rather than the roadside view of passing vehicles and dust.
What are insider tips for staying at Eland Hostel?
1) If arriving by car, ask for free parking at the back — it's safer and quieter. 2) Check-in early to secure a rear-facing room; front desk may accommodate if you mention noise concerns at booking.
What time is check-in at Eland Hostel?
Check-in at Eland Hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Eland Hostel have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi in common areas and some rooms; speed around 10 Mbps, no password needed.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Eland Hostel?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Eland Hostel?
A plate of sadza with stew or grilled chicken at a local food bar costs about ZWL 3,000.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Eland Hostel?
Minibus kombis are the cheapest way to get around, costing about ZWL 500 per short journey; from Harare airport take a kombi to town then connect to Mazowe.
When is the best time to visit Mazowe?
May to August for clear skies, cool nights, and low humidity, with few other travellers around. June and July are especially crisp and sunny.
Top Attractions in Mazowe
💡 Be mindful of the dam's water levels, as they can fluctuate depending on the season.
💡 Be aware of the river's strong currents during the rainy season.
💡 Bring binoculars for a closer look at the wildlife.
💡 Check the museum's opening hours in advance, as they may vary.