Harare

As of June 2026, Harare has 1,098 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 4% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Harare generates $6K per year. High-performing properties earn $18K/year, while low-performing properties earn $2K/year. This wide earnings variance suggests that market saturation is affecting average returns, as top-tier listings capture a disproportionate share of the limited demand.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Harare. Average annual revenue is $6K with 20% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to $18K/year. The delta between average and high-end revenue highlights a bifurcated market where specific unit types or management styles significantly outperform the broader stagnant baseline.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Harare is 20%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $87, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $12 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Harare, with annual revenue of $10K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Harare market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Harare area. I don't have reliable current data on Harare, Zimbabwe's short-term rental regulations or their enforcement reality. The regulatory framework for platforms like Airbnb in Harare is unclear, and I cannot verify whether formal permitting systems, occupancy rules, or active enforcement exist. Without confirmed information about actual regulatory requirements and enforcement practices on the ground, I cannot accurately classify Harare's approach to short-term rentals. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Harare Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 4% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 27%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. This compression in revenue despite modest supply growth points to a weakening overall appetite for short-term rentals relative to existing inventory.

Launch around September, 2-3 months before peak winter season (December peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -17% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (May-February) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Harare listings include: Kitchen (97%), Tv (96%), Washing Machine (66%), Private Yard (54%), Bbq (43%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pool, Washing Machine, Air Conditioning, with Pool properties earning approximately 35% more ($19K/year vs $14K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Harare over the last 12 months: May: $292, June: $264, July: $333, August: $473, September: $376, October: $364, November: $349, December: $606, January: $392, February: $230, March: $343, April: $459. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Harare is $87, up 17% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $59/night, 2-bedroom properties average $75/night, 3-bedroom properties average $110/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $193/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in May.

Guests in Harare book an average of 15 days in advance, down 34% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 13 days, 2-bedroom: 16 days, 3-bedroom: 16 days, 4+ bedroom: 20 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Harare Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 4%, revenue per listing decreased 27%, occupancy fell 18%, average nightly rates increased 17%, and lead time decreased 34%. These metrics reveal a transition toward shorter booking cycles and price sensitivity, signaling increased friction in securing consistent occupancy.

In Harare, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 14% higher occupancy than weekdays.