Things To Do
in Marondera

Sadza (thick maize porridge) served with a beef or goat stew is the everyday staple—available at market stalls, small eateries and hotel restaurants throughout Marondera.

Must-Try!

Seasonal leafy greens—often spinach, covo or traditional murivwo—cooked with onions and tomatoes; commonly served with sadza at local homes and eateries.

Grilled meats from street vendors or local pubs: simple, smoky and popular in the evenings at small bars and guesthouses.

Maheu (a fermented or sweet non‑alcoholic maize drink) and fresh local milk or yoghurt are common for breakfast or as snacks—find them at market stalls or bakeries.

The town’s main market sells fresh produce, bread, dairy, cooked foods and simple street snacks—ideal for sampling local flavors and buying fruit and staples.

Small vendors outside the bus terminus and along main roads serve grilled meat, roasted maize, samosas and fried snacks—perfect for a quick, inexpensive bite.

Greet people with a friendly hello and handshake; using a few words of Shona (e.g., 'Mhoro' or 'Mhoroi') is appreciated and shows respect.

Show deference to elders in conversation and when entering homes; formal introductions are valued.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural villages or markets; some people may expect a small payment for portraits.

Dress modestly in public and when visiting religious sites; public displays of affection are uncommon in conservative communities.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; leave small tips for good service in restaurants (5–10%), and a few dollars for porters or guides. Round up taxi fares or add small gratuities at guesthouses for cleaning staff.

Zimbabwean banks and businesses may accept local currency (ZWL) and US dollars; mobile money (EcoCash) is widely used for transfers and payments. Credit cards are accepted at some hotels and larger establishments, but carry cash for markets, taxis and remote vendors.

Rainy and warm: afternoons bring thunderstorms; landscapes are green and lush—ideal for birdwatching and seeing rural life in full swing. Roads can become muddy after heavy rains, so a vehicle with good clearance is useful.

Transition to dry, with clear days and cooler nights; good weather for hiking, market visits and photography as the landscape dries and harvest activity begins.

Dry and cool to cold, with chilly mornings and possible frost—days are crisp and sunny, great for outdoor activities but bring a warm jacket for early mornings and evenings.

Hot and dry with short, intense thunderstorms starting late in the month; grasses brown toward the end of the dry season but skies are expansive and dramatic.

About 70–80 km west of Marondera (roughly a 1–1.5 hour drive depending on traffic). The main gateway for international flights and domestic connections; hire a car or take a shuttle/taxi to reach Marondera.

Small private airstrips and charter operators serve surrounding farms and lodges—useful for private charters or scenic flights arranged through lodges or tour operators.

Vegetarian options exist (vegetable stews, muriwo and grain-based dishes) but may be limited—ask for vegetable-only preparations and be specific about no meat stock. Carry snacks for longer trips outside town.

Vegan choices are more limited because many dishes use dairy or meat stock—stick to plain vegetables, beans where available and fresh fruit; communicate needs clearly in advance at guesthouses.

Sadza (maize porridge) is naturally gluten-free and widely available, but baked goods and processed foods often contain wheat—confirm ingredients if you have celiac disease.

Eat cooked foods from busy stalls, drink bottled or boiled water, and avoid ice in drinks if hygiene is uncertain; peel fruit and choose busy vendors for lower risk.