Harare Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Harare

Renting a car in Harare provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and adapt your travel plans as needed, making it an excellent choice for business travellers, families, or city explorers. Key attractions such as the Westgate Shopping Center and African Unity Square are conveniently accessible, allowing you to experience the urban culture and local shopping without the constraints of public transport. For those seeking outdoor activities, the Harare Gardens offer a lovely family-friendly environment to enjoy nature. Additionally, you can venture to nearby destinations like Harare East, where you can visit the Mukuvisi Woodlands Environmental Centre and the National Archives of Zimbabwe. Chitungwiza and Borrowdale are also within reach, featuring attractions like the National Botanic Gardens and the National Museum. A rental car enhances your experience by providing ease of travel between these diverse locations, ensuring you make the most of your time in Harare while accommodating both business and leisure needs.

Most popular car rentals in Harare

• Fullsize SUV AWD: This spacious vehicle accommodates up to 6 travellers and provides ample room for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. It's an ideal choice for families or groups who need extra space for their luggage and want the comfort of an all-wheel-drive option. The Fullsize SUV AWD allows you to explore Harare and its surroundings with ease, making your travel experience both convenient and enjoyable.
• Economy: Perfect for solo travellers, couples, or small families, the Economy car option accommodates up to 5 travellers and provides space for up to 2 medium suitcases. This budget-friendly option is popular among those looking to explore Harare while keeping costs manageable. With its compact size, the Economy car is easy to manoeuvre through city streets, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.
• Compact SUV: This versatile option comfortably accommodates up to 5 travellers and allows for up to 3 medium suitcases. The Compact SUV is well-suited for solo travellers, couples, or small families seeking a balance between space and efficiency. Its elevated driving position and practicality make it a favourite among those exploring Harare, providing the flexibility to navigate both urban and rural settings with confidence.

Top rated car suppliers in Harare

• Europcar: With 2 rental locations in Harare, Europcar is a popular choice for travellers seeking flexibility. This supplier is well-regarded for its diverse selection of vehicles, with the Economy and Compact SUV models being the most booked options. Renting from Europcar allows you to explore Harare at your own pace, making it easy to manage your luggage and adjust your itinerary as needed.
• Budget: Located in the heart of Harare, Budget is known for offering economical car rental options. With a focus on affordability, the most booked vehicle from Budget is the Economy model, making it a fantastic choice for budget-conscious travellers. Their convenient location ensures that you can easily pick up your rental and start your adventure around the city.
• Greenmotion: Greenmotion operates a rental location in Harare and provides a solid selection of vehicles, with Standard and Midsize SUVs being the most popular choices. This supplier is a great option for those looking for reliable transportation while exploring the attractions of Harare. With their commitment to customer service, Greenmotion makes car rental a straightforward and enjoyable experience.

Where to stay in Harare

• Harare East: Located within the Harare area, Harare East offers a city-themed and family-friendly experience. Visitors can explore the Mukuvisi Woodlands Environmental Centre, perfect for eco-friendly holidays, and the National Archives of Zimbabwe, a civic landmark. For those interested in history, the State House is also nearby. This vibrant village is a great base for accessing shopping centres and golf venues, along with local attractions like historic places and caves.
• Chitungwiza: Chitungwiza is a charming village in Harare known for its cultural and family-oriented experiences. Key attractions include the National Museum, which showcases scientific exhibits, and the Epworth Balancing Rocks, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The Mukuvisi Woodlands Environmental Centre can also be found here, providing eco-friendly options. Museums in the area offer rich insights into local heritage, making it a captivating place for those looking to immerse themselves in culture.
• Borrowdale: Borrowdale is another appealing village within Harare, perfect for city-themed and business travellers. Visitors can enjoy the lush National Botanic Gardens, which are well-suited for family outings or romantic strolls. The area is also home to the National Archives of Zimbabwe and the Royal Harare cricket ground. With its proximity to shopping centres and golf facilities, Borrowdale provides a balanced mix of relaxation and activity, catering to various interests.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Harare

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize filters on Expedia to help you discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are generally more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a solid compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the best choice. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You often incur a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may be worth the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unexpected occurs during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance while booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s license is mandatory to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Harare

The best value period for renting a car in and around Harare is June, when prices are moderately low and demand is average. This month can offer an excellent opportunity to explore without breaking the bank. April and September also present slightly low prices, with September experiencing the lowest demand. However, January tends to be the most expensive month, alongside February, which also sees moderately high prices and average demand. August follows closely with high demand and prices, making it a busy time for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	68.4°F (20.2°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Moderately High
February	68.2°F (20.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Moderately High
March	67.3°F (19.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	64.8°F (18.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
May	61.9°F (16.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
June	58.5°F (14.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
July	57.6°F (14.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
August	63.0°F (17.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Moderately High
September	68.9°F (20.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Moderately Low
October	72.3°F (22.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
November	72.1°F (22.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
December	70.5°F (21.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average