There are a number of interesting and attractive places in the vicinity of Harare that make good destinations for day visits:-

Lake Chivero (Harare's main water supply) - 35 kilometers south of Harare on the Bulawayo Road. The northern, commercial side offers boating, fishing, restaurants and accommodation. The southern side has a small National Parks game reserve. You could expect to see a number of antelope species, white rhino and giraffe. Game viewing can be done on foot with a guide or in your vehicle. There are no shops, but day visitors may make use of lakeside picnic and braai (barbeque) facilities. Bushman's Point has a cave displaying ancient rock paintings.

For those who would like an extended stay, National Parks provides accommodation. There are self-catering, well equipped Lodges, set apart and attractively situated on top of a hill overlooking the lake, and basic self-catering Chalets near the lake-side where there is a boat-launching jetty. Chalets have communal ablution blocks. Reservations may be made at Central Booking Office, Sandringham Road, Borrowdale. Tel: 263-4- 707624/9 E-mail: natparks@africaonline.co.zw
Caravan and camping sites are on the northern bank, reached by turning at the Turnpike Service Station.

Ewanrigg Botanical Gardens, run by National Parks, is 41 kilometers from Harare along Enterprise Road. Take the left-hand fork to Shamva, then right after Enterprise Country Club at the signpost. Water gardens, a herb garden, open sunny slopes, Zimbabwean Cycads, and cool leafy nooks all go together to make this a refreshing place to visit. Aloes provide a stupendous display from late June to early August - sun birds revel in the abundance of nectar; flowering Azaleas come next from August to October. There are braai (barbeque) and picnic facilities. Helpful attendants have a plant nursery at the entrance.

Domboshawa is a highly significant early tribal habitation. The Borrowdale road goes to Domboshawa but the turn-off is not sign posted in English. For those visiting there for the first time, travel seventeen and a half km from the traffic lights at the intersection of Borrowdale Road and Harare Drive. Take the gravel road going to the right. The rock face and a plantation of trees are visible. The road leads to an attractive braai (barbeque) area on the left and parking for Domboshawa on the right. The Interpretive Centre is well worth looking at. There are picnic shelters and ablution facilities provided. (Take your own wood and loo paper). Should you walk up the enormous rock face you would be rewarded with stunning views and amazing rock lichens. There are many historic sites to see, but the main one is the Cave that was of extreme significance to early inhabitants, as it was used by spirit mediums for rainmaking rituals. Rock paintings have been partially vandalized, but enough remain to make the climb very worthwhile

Private Game Parks - There are a number within easy reach of Harare. Most offer day trip facilities as well as overnight accommodation.

General Interest - Ever seen a Zonkey or a Zehorse? Bally Vaughan Bird and Game Sanctuary have them. A Zonkey is a donkey with Zebra legs, we leave you to guess what a Zehorse is. This is not deliberate, it is the result of giving sanctuary to Zebra, horses and donkeys, abandoned or injured. These are not the only animals they have rescued. A leopard, an eland and birds also benefit from the sheltered home. Bally Vaughan would welcome a visit - your support would help to feed the animals. They are 42 km north east of Harare along the Shamva Road.