The 10 Biggest Cities In Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe might not have access to oceans, but the country is known for its interesting landscape and excellent wildlife. People from all over the world come here to see some of the most impressive waterfalls you can imagine.

Victoria Falls is seen in most travel books.

Neighboring Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, and South Africa, Zimbabwe can easily be reached by car if you’re traveling through the Southern part of Africa. Here are its largest cities.

Table of Contents

The Biggest Cities In Zimbabwe

NumberCityPopulation
1Harare1,485,231
2Bulawayo653,337
3Chitungwiza356,840
4Mutare186,208
5Epworth167,462
6Gweru154,825
7Kwekwe100,900
8Kadoma91,633
9Masvingo87,866
10Chinhoyi68,273

1. Harare: 1,485,231

Harare is Zimbabwe’s largest city. It has a population of nearly 1.5 million people and it has the largest growth potential in the entire country. The Wild Is Life Trust and ZEN is the main attraction here.

This popular location is well-maintained and it hosts all types of animals from baby elephants to lions. People from all over the continent come here to see these animals themselves. There’s even an excellent coffee shop on its premises.

The National Herbarium and Botanic Gardens of Zimbabwe are also found in Harare. This state-owned location is known for its conservation efforts for flowers, trees, and other plans.

Some of the species of these categories are disappearing and the association has an important historic role. Plants from the country are studied here and many live to see another day through the efforts of the staff here.

If you want to relax with the family during the afternoon, you can also plan a visit to the local Country Club Karts. Karting is popular in the city and this location is one of the budget-friendly activities that can involve the entire family.

When you want to get out of the city, there is plenty to see as well. The Mukuvisi Woodlands offers one of the best locations for those who want to spend a few days chasing animals and wildlife. Crocodiles can sometimes be spotted here.

For your safety, it’s best to book a tour through a local agency before heading off into the woodlands. Guided 1-day or multi-day tours are available from Harare. Transportation and accommodation can be included with some tour operators.

2. Bulawayo: 653,337

The city of Bulawayo is the second-largest in the country. Most travelers know it for its proximity to Matobo National Park. This park is one of the earliest homes to human civilization, as seen from the paintings in its caves.

It’s also a natural wonder with rock formations of all sizes attracting rock climbers. The park is also the area with the most black eagles in the world. It normally takes around 3 days to see the park’s biggest attractions.

Once back in the city, you can stop by the Bulawayo Railway Museum. The locomotive used to build one of the country’s most important bridges over Victoria Falls is now seen at this museum.

3. Chitungwiza: 356,840

The National Gallery of Zimbabwe is located in Chitungwiza. But if you’re into the arts, we also recommend The Shona Sculpture Gallery. This gallery is one of the most beautiful in the country.

Most sculptures here are modern but with a local influence. If you love animals, you can head over to the Twala Trust Animal Sanctuary.

Run like an animal protection organization, the Trust offers the opportunity to view some of Africa’s most popular animals in person.

4. Mutare: 186,208

The city is located in an area with endless natural resources. You can walk its downtown streets and still see high mountain peaks on the horizon. Mutare is still developing.

But its main economic engines are mining and forestry. At the moment, the city is struggling to diversify its economic engines aiming to attract multiple companies from other sectors.

5. Epworth: 167,462

Epworth is a city with a large population by national standards. It has seen economic hardship over the past few decades. This has led to an increase in crime. However, it remains safer than the average Zimbabwe city.

The Methodist presence here is still seen today as you can visit the old Epworth Rectory here.

6. Gweru: 154,825

Gweru is a growing city and the gateway to natural attractions such as Antelope Park and White Waters. If you’re interested in a true safari experience, Antelope Park is the place to consider in the country.

It even features different accommodation options. You can also consider this park if you want to see elephants, lions or zebras.

7. Kwekwe: 100,900

Image: Wikimedia / Radozw

The city of Kwekwe plays a vital economic role in Zimbabwe. You can find important steel producers here. But the city is also the second-largest dairy producer making it an important player in the country’s food resources.

Sable Chemicals is a company located here as well. It’s the only company in Zimbabwe that makes crop fertilizers.

8. Kadoma: 91,633

The small municipality of Kadoma is a developing city of Zimbabwe. It has one of the most prominent historic profiles for coal extraction.

It was initially a tiny village for the nearby coal mine workers. Since 1902, it has official status with a growing population.

9. Masvingo: 87,866

Masvingo was known as Fort Victoria up to a few decades ago. The city has seen its population double over the past decades, but it remains small compared to the capital. The primary industry here is represented by farming.

Cattle farming has been the main area of development for the city. But today, it’s unclear if these farms can be sustained as public policies and encouragement seem to be diminishing for these establishments.

10. Chinhoyi: 68,273

You can reach the small Zimbabwe city by car or by bus from the capital. It has an interesting history as it has been established by an Italian general. But the city is largely known for the nearby Sleeping Pool.

This pool with clear blue water is located inside a cave. Water rises here with rainfall and it is one of the most impressive natural attractions of the region.