Mutare: The Gateway to Eastern Highlands

• HelloMhoroi
  [m-ho-roy]
• GoodbyeKwaheri
  [kwa-he-ri]
• YesEhe
  [e-he]
• NoAa
  [a]
• Please/You're welcomeNdapota
  [n-da-po-ta]
• Thank youNdinotenda
  [n-di-no-ten-da]
• Excuse me/SorrySamaita
  [sa-mai-ta]
• How are you?Unjani?
  [un-ja-ni]
• Fine. And you?Ndiripo. Nei?
  [n-di-ri-po. nay]
• Do you speak English?Uri kuvara chii chavakuru?
  [u-ri ku-va-ra chi cha-va-ku-ru]
• I don't understandHandina kuziva
  [han-di-na ku-zi-va]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNdakuda kubvunza rubatsiro
  [n-da-ku-da ku-bvun-za ru-bat-si-ro]
• I don't eat meatHandikude kudya nyama
  [han-di-ku-de ku-dya nyam-a]
• Cheers!Maidei!
  [ma-i-dei]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNdinoda kubhadhara, rubatsiro
  [n-di-no-da ku-bha-dha-ra ru-bat-si-ro]

• Help!Tinovimba!
  [ti-no-vim-ba]
• Go away!Tamba!
  [tam-ba]
• Call the Police!Pindai kuburikidza!
  [pin-dai ku-bu-ri-kid-za]
• Call a doctor!Pindai kugona!
  [pin-dai ku-go-na]
• I'm lostNdiri kuparidzwa
  [n-di-ri ku-pa-rid-zwa]
• I'm illNdiri kusvika mombotadzira
  [n-di-ri ku-svi-ka mom-bo-ta-dzi-ra]

• I'd like to buy...Ndakuda kushandisa...
  [n-da-ku-da ku-shan-di-sa]
• I'm just lookingNdiri kupinda
  [n-di-ri ku-pin-da]
• How much is it?Zvinoita sei?
  [zvi-noi-ta sei]
• That's too expensiveIzvi zvinonaka
  [iz-vi zvi-no-na-ka]
• Can you lower the price?Mungandibatei mari?
  [mun-gan-di-ba-tei ma-ri]

• What time is it?Saatyi yekudhura inonzi sei?
  [sa-at-yi ye-ku-dhu-ra i-no-nzi sei]
• It's one o'clockNhumbi yokuvaririra
  [n-hum-bi yo-ku-va-ri-ri-ra]
• Half past (10)Makusere kuva kumagumo
  [ma-ku-se-re ku-va ku-ma-gu-mo]
• MorningMazuva acherere
  [ma-zu-va a-che-re-re]
• AfternoonMazuva emasikati
  [ma-zu-va e-ma-si-ka-ti]
• EveningMazuva ekare
  [ma-zu-va e-ka-re]
• YesterdayNzvanga
  [nz-van-ga]
• TodayNhasi
  [n-ha-si]
• TomorrowMangwana
  [man-gwa-na]
• 1Munhu
  [mu-nu]
• 2Makumi maviri
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• 3Makumi matatu
  [ma-ku-mi ma-ta-tu]
• 4Makumi manhombwe
  [ma-ku-mi man-hom-bwe]
• 5Makumi mashanu
  [ma-ku-mi ma-sha-nu]
• 6Makumi masere
  [ma-ku-mi ma-se-re]
• 7Makumi mashanu
  [ma-ku-mi ma-sha-nu]
• 8Makumi mashanu
  [ma-ku-mi ma-sha-nu]
• 9Makumi masere
  [ma-ku-mi ma-se-re]
• 10Makumi mashumi
  [ma-ku-mi ma-shu-mi]

• Where's a/the...?Pamarii...?
  [pa-ma-ri]
• What's the address?Address yekuti inonzi sei?
  [ad-dress ye-ku-ti i-no-nzi sei]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mungandibvirei (pamap)?
  [mun-gan-di-bvi-rei pa-map]
• When's the next (bus)?Sakasikwa sei isati?
  [sa-ka-sik-wa sei i-sa-ti]
• A ticket (to ....)Chikiti (kukwira ku...)
  [chi-ki-ti ku-kwi-ra ku]

Mutare, originally known as Umtali, has a rich pre-colonial history. The area around Mutare has been inhabited for centuries by the Shona people, who established various settlements and kingdoms. The region was known for its fertile lands and abundant natural resources, which facilitated trade and agriculture.

Mutare was founded in 1897 as a fort by British settlers during the colonial era. It was initially established as a strategic point along the route from the port city of Beira in Mozambique to the interior of Zimbabwe. The town was originally located at Fort Hill, but it was moved to its present location in 1891 to be closer to the railway line connecting Beira and Salisbury (now Harare).

The development of the railway was crucial to Mutare’s growth. The completion of the Beira-Mutare railway in 1898 provided a vital link for the transportation of goods and people between Zimbabwe and the Indian Ocean. This railway line significantly boosted trade and led to the town's rapid expansion.

The discovery of gold, diamonds, and other minerals in the surrounding areas attracted many prospectors and contributed to Mutare's economic boom. The town became a commercial hub, with numerous businesses and trading posts established to support the mining industry.

Mutare played a significant role in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle against colonial rule. The town was a strategic location for guerilla fighters due to its proximity to Mozambique, which was a base for many liberation movements. Mutare was often used as a crossing point for freedom fighters moving between the two countries.

After gaining independence in 1980, Mutare continued to grow and develop. The town diversified its economy beyond mining and agriculture to include manufacturing and tourism. The establishment of institutions like the Mutare Polytechnic and Africa University also contributed to its development as an educational center.

Today, Mutare is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene. The town hosts various cultural festivals and events that celebrate the traditions and history of the region. Landmarks such as the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Mutare and the Mutare Museum offer insights into the area’s artistic and historical legacy. Modern-day Mutare is a bustling town that blends its historical roots with contemporary developments, making it a fascinating destination for travelers.

Mutare is accessible by several means. The nearest international airport is Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare, approximately 265 kilometers away. From Harare, you can take a bus, hire a private taxi, or rent a car to travel to Mutare. The journey by road typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. Additionally, Mutare has a train station with services connecting to Harare, providing a scenic route through the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe.

Mutare has various transportation options. Local minibuses, known as 'kombis,' are widely used for short distances and are relatively inexpensive. Taxis are available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. For more flexibility, consider renting a car. Bicycle rentals are also an option for exploring the city at a leisurely pace. Walking is feasible within the city center, but some attractions may require motorized transport.

The official currency in Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL). However, the US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted and often preferred. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially for small purchases and in rural areas. ATMs are available in Mutare, but it is wise to ensure you have sufficient cash before traveling, as ATMs can sometimes be unreliable.

Mutare is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions are advisable. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas. High-crime areas targeting tourists are rare, but it is best to stay vigilant in crowded places and markets. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious of pickpockets. Areas like Sakubva and Chikanga have higher crime rates, so exercise additional caution when visiting.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Mutare has a central police station and several medical facilities, including Mutare Provincial Hospital. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly and avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Light, breathable fabrics are recommended due to the warm climate. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous to fellow passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A polite greeting in the local language, Shona, is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Mutare like a local, visit Sakubva Market to buy fresh produce and traditional Zimbabwean goods. Engage with locals who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Vumba Mountains for stunning views and nature trails. A visit to the Mutare Museum will provide insights into the local heritage. For a unique experience, take a walk along the Christmas Pass for panoramic views of the city.