Exploring Harare and Honoring Heroes at Zimbabwe’s National Heroes Acre

We spent two nights in Harare, Zimbabwe, and every moment was full of meaning. Between catching up on family history, sharing stories over meals, and reconnecting with our newly found relatives, we also made time to experience some of the city’s most important landmarks. One of the highlights was our visit to National Heroes Acre.

Perched on a hilltop just 7 kilometers west of Harare, the National Heroes Acre is more than a cemetery — it is a powerful national monument honoring Zimbabwe’s liberation heroes. Built in 1982 with the help of North Korean architects, the site is a striking blend of African symbolism and monumental art.

At the heart of the shrine stands the Statue of the Unknown Soldier, a bronze figure guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, representing the many fighters whose remains were never recovered. Surrounding granite murals narrate Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence, while the Eternal Flame burns brightly as a reminder that the spirit of freedom can never be extinguished.

Walking through Heroes Acre is both solemn and inspiring. It offers a chance to honor the sacrifices of the past while also enjoying a breathtaking panoramic view of Harare from its elevated grounds. We took many photos here—myself, Denise, Wayne, and our newly found family members, Margaret and Harmony. Together, we walked the many steps leading to the top (except for Wayne, who chose to keep exploring the grounds).

Climbing the granite stairs felt like a pilgrimage. With every step, we drew closer to history, closer to sacrifice, and closer to the spirit of those who gave everything for independence. At the summit, the towering Statue of the Unknown Soldier stood guard, the Eternal Flame glowing just beyond. From that vantage point, Harare stretched below us, a living reminder that peace and freedom have always come at great cost.

✨ Visiting Tip: Heroes Acre is usually open daily, with modest entrance fees for international visitors. Hiring a guide is highly recommended, as they bring the art and architecture to life through their symbolism.

Have you ever visited National Heroes Acre in Harare? What left the biggest impression on you?

From solemn steps to sizzling plates—the day in Harare ended not at the monument but at the grill. This was the moment Wayne and I had been waiting for, ever since we first saw this place on television. 🍲✨ Tomorrow, I’ll take you there with us, where food has turned into another way of connecting with family and culture. Stay tuned—the flavors of Zimbabwe are next!