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Armadale Lodge
Armadale Lodge
Armadale Lodge
Armadale Lodge

About Armadale Lodge

In the northern suburbs of Harare, about a 15-minute drive from the airport and ten minutes from the city ...

... centre, Armadale Lodge provides a tranquil location for an overnight stay in Zimbabwe's capital. Set in a single-storey 1904 farmhouse nestled in a charming garden, its traditional Edwardian character contrasts with contemporary African and Asian décor.

Armadale Lodge offers a tranquil, stylish overnight setting for those passing through Harare. It's very well situated for exploring the city and convenient for getting to and from the airport. The rooms are comfortable and varied in design; the main areas are thoughtfully decorated; and the lush, manicured gardens and large swimming pool extend the relaxed vibe.

Our view

Armadale Lodge offers a tranquil, stylish overnight setting for those passing through Harare. It's very well situated for exploring the city and convenient for getting to and from the airport. The rooms are comfortable and varied in design; the main areas are thoughtfully decorated; and the lush, manicured gardens and large swimming pool extend the relaxed vibe.

Anton Walker

Anton Walker

Zimbabwe expert

Accommodation

9 Suites

Children

Best for aged 12+

Open

All year

Traveller reviews of Armadale Lodge

8 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


98%
8 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
7
Good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mrs MfromJapan

Arrived 29 Apr 2022, 1 nights

"Beautiful Lodge "

"Armadale lodge is a very nice place to relax after a long journey …" Read Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

AndyfromQueens, NY, USA

Arrived 22 Aug 2021, 1 nights

"Armadale Lodge review"

"you'll get exactly what you need …" Read Andy’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

T TfromBoise

Arrived 1 Aug 2021, 1 nights

"Armadale Lodge review"

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr AfromWashington DC

Arrived 19 Jul 2021, 1 nights

"An Oasis in Harare"

"An Oasis... immaculately-tended grounds... large, stately rooms... Fine food... …" Read Mr A’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs V.fromLeiden

Arrived 20 Oct 2018, 1 nights

"Armadale Lodge review"

"Good place to start or finish a trip. …" Read Mr & Mrs V.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

SuefromCape Town

Arrived 5 Sep 2018, 1 nights

"Armadale Lodge - an unusual experience"

"Armadale Lodge is a cross between an art gallery and a hotel. …" Read Sue’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

SuefromCape Town

Arrived 12 Sep 2018, 2 nights

"Armadale Lodge review"

"See previous [Ed: See this traveller's review of their earlier stay at Armadale …" Read Sue’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr MfromToronto

Arrived 17 Jun 2018, 1 nights

"Armadale Lodge review"

"The staff could not have been more kind and attentive. …" Read Mr M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms HfromHammersmith

Arrived 18 Aug 2016, 1 nights

"Armadale Lodge review"

"This was absolutely beautiful and the staff were very lovely and helpful, we …" Read Ms H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Armadale Lodge reviews

Armadale Lodge: Our full report

In the northern suburbs of Harare, about a 15-minute drive from the airport and ten minutes from the city ...

... centre, Armadale Lodge provides a tranquil location for an overnight stay in Zimbabwe's capital. Set in a single-storey 1904 farmhouse nestled in a charming garden, its traditional Edwardian character contrasts with contemporary African and Asian décor.

Accommodation at Armadale Lodge consists of nine suites, all individually themed. These are split into either Garden Suites or Courtyard Suites, with the respective views. Some, like the Livingstone, Nehanda and Shumba suites, have a distinct classic African feel; others, such as Shiva and Krishna, adopt a more modern theme focused on the Indian sub-continent.

All the suites are thoughtfully designed, and despite their proximity to one another each feels relatively secluded. The beds are particularly comfortable, which we especially appreciated when we were recovering from a long-haul flight in October 2018.

Each suite has a free-standing fan as well as a heater for the cooler winter months. A tea- and coffee-making station and a desk light are found on a writing desk in the corner of the room. Each suite also has a flat-screen TV with international satellite channels, and an electronic safe.

The en-suite bathrooms also vary in design, from the classic to the modern. Some have bathtubs and showers, some just showers. Although some are a little more dated than others, they are all clean, well finished and well maintained. Locally sourced complimentary toiletries are provided along with fluffy towels and cosy bathrobes.

The main house is split largely between the dining room, the guest suites and a large lounge on a covered veranda. There are plenty of cosy spots to sit and relax around the lodge, although some of the stained ebony and teak furniture can make it feel quite dark, especially in the evenings. In the well-stocked library you’ll find both reference and fiction books – and a useful bird checklist featuring an impressive array of species seen to date in the garden. Also in the main house is a small, Oriental-themed “breakout room” designed for meetings.

Breakfast can be eaten either in the dining area or in the gardens; alternatively, room service will be happy to deliver breakfast in bed. Other meals can effectively be taken wherever you wish – though we'd suggest the gardens as our favourite option, perhaps around the pool. Guests staying in the garden suites can arrange for private meals to be served on their veranda.

The lodge’s 1ha (2.5 acre) landscaped gardens hide several quiet seating areas which feel far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. A large swimming pool, nicely lit in the evenings, offers another great spot in which to unwind with a drink, relax and re-energise, or to enjoy a meal.

There is plenty to do in and around Harare and staff on reception at the lodge will be happy to help organise tours and activities. Thanks to its convenient location, Armadale is very popular with both tourists and other visitors, so you can expect to be sharing with businessmen and women and even the occasional touring sports team.

Geographics

Location
Harare, Zimbabwe
Ideal length of stay
Most of Expert Africa's travellers will only overnight in Harare, before or after a safari, but we'd be happy to spend longer at Armadale.
Directions
Transfers between Armadale Lodge and Harare International Airport take about 15–20 minutes by road, depending on traffic.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Bed & Breakfast
Food quality
The standard of food at Armadale is consistently very good and this was certainly the case on our stay in October 2019. For this reason, we would recommend taking meals here rather than venturing further afield. With sufficient notice the kitchen is able to cater for most dietary requirements,

Breakfast at Armadale Lodge was excellent. An extensive continental buffet includes plenty of fresh fruit, muffins, cereals, yoghurts and various jams and marmalades. There is also a “healthy option” or a (less healthy) full English breakfast available from the kitchen on request.

We didn't have time for lunch at Armadale Lodge on our last visit, but options vary from light snacks through to full three-course meals.

The dinner menu has a choice of up to three courses or a traditional braai (barbecue). We enjoyed a selection of salads and homemade vegetable soup. The main course was a choice of chicken, beef or fish, all served with steamed vegetables and mashed potato. Although we were too full to take on dessert, options included ice cream, apple crumble, lemon surprise and fruit cake.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Room service is available.
Drinks included
Drinks are not included at Armadale Lodge. Guests can help themselves to drinks from a 24-hour honesty bar, with the bill settled up at the end of your stay.

The lodge’s borehole water is considered safe to drink. Bottled water is provided at an extra charge.

Children

Attitude towards children
Children under 12 are permitted to stay at Armadale Lodge provided that this is approved by the management in advance.
Property’s age restrictions
No minimum age, but see note above
Special activities & services
None
Equipment
None
Generally recommended for children
Armadale Lodge has a large swimming pool and plenty of gardens to explore – so children won't be bored here on a one-night stay. That said, Armadale does receive a lot of business clientele so the atmosphere can feel very mature at times.
Notes
Although Armadale is fenced, the pool is unguarded so young children will need supervision at all times.

Communications

Power supply notes
The lodge has a generator on standby should the mains fail – which they infrequently do.
Communications
The lodge offers complimentary WiFi and has very good cellphone reception. There are no phones in the rooms but guests can ask to use the reception's landline for local calls.
TV & radio
Each room has a 32-inch flat-screen TV with cable and satellite channels.
Water supply
Borehole
Water supply notes
All the lodge's water is sourced from a borehole.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
Armadale Lodge has a dedicated doctor on standby who will see guests on request at his surgery. The nearest hospital is a short drive away and for anything very serious medical evacuation by air can be arranged between Harare and Johannesburg.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
Armadale Lodge has a perimeter wall and electric fence. The main electric gate is alarmed and private security guards patrol the property 24 hours a day from a central security room.
Fire safety
There are fire extinguishers in reception.

Activities

    Extras

    Disabled access
    On Request
    Laundry facilities
    A complimentary laundry service is provided to all guests.
    Money
    Each room has an electric safe. There is however no currency exchange available.
    Accepted payment on location
    Card payments are accepted in Visa and Mastercard, with cash in US dollars.

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    Armadale Lodge's location

    Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Armadale Lodge.


    Other lodges in Harare

    Alternative places to stay in this same area.


    Meikles Hotel

    Meikles Hotel

    Perhaps the best large hotel in Harare, the Meikles is located in the centre of the city, overlooking Africa Unity Square Park.


    80% (1 review)

    When to go to Harare

    Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Armadale Lodge in Harare


    Jan

    Feb

    Mar

    Apr

    May

    Jun

    Jul

    Aug

    Sep

    Oct

    Nov

    Dec

    Zimbabwe in January

    January falls in the middle of Zimbabwe’s rainy season and is the wettest month of the year. Heavy rainfall occurs most days, flooding seasonal rivers and waterholes, with the occasional sunny spell.
    With the high levels of precipitation the wildlife in the national parks becomes widely dispersed, taking advantage of the abundance of food and water, and is easily hidden by the thick, green bush.

    While sightings of larger animals are possible, and many species drop their young at this time, game viewing is often sparse. However, many migratory species of bird arrive in Zimbabwe making it a peak month for birding.

    The rains create incredibly sticky mud in Mana Pools National Park, preventing access and causing camps to close for the season. The majority of the camps in other parks remain open, with low rates attracting a smattering of visitors.

    • Peak of the rainy season: hot & humid with heavy rain most days
    • Bush exceptionally thick and green, with poor game viewing
    • Species such as impala drop their young
    • All camps in Mana Pools closed
    • Very few visitors, and low rates at open camps

    Our view

    A time to avoid if possible

    Weather in January

    Zimbabwe in February

    February remains well within Zimbabwe’s rainy season. Although total rainfall drops, relatively short thunderstorms can still be expected most afternoons. On the plus side, there is a greater chance of some sunshine in-between.

    Much of the country remains waterlogged, closing access to Mana Pools and severely restricting walking safaris in other parks. While game drives and canoeing remain an option, the abundance of water disperses animals, and thick grass can make it difficult to spot larger species, but birding remains excellent. Conversely, this is a great time of year to view the landscape, and is excellent for photographers. Sporadic cloud cover and clear air can make for some spectacular sunsets too, particularly over Lake Kariba and the Zambezi River where the reflections off the water add to the beauty.

    • Generally wet with frequent thunderstorms & hot humid days
    • Poor wildlife viewing due to dispersed animals & thick bush
    • Clear air, green landscapes & exceptional sunsets
    • All camps in Mana Pools closed
    • Very few visitors & low rates at camps that are open

    Our view

    This is not a great time to visit

    Weather in February

    Zimbabwe in March

    March is the final month of Zimbabwe’s rainy season, when the rains start to trail off and sunny days become the norm. However, some days the clouds can still build, breaking into thunderstorms in the afternoon.

    Mana Pools remains closed throughout the month but the majority of camps in Hwange, Matusadona and Gonarezhou remain open. Here, the landscape is green and alive, with migrant species of birds taking advantage of the abundant insect life. Larger animals remain elusive though, and walking safaris remain restricted.

    By this time of year, the rains have normally trickled down to the Zambezi River and the flow of water over the Victoria Falls starts to increase, but without kicking up too much spray to obscure the views.

    • Last month of the rainy season: hot, humid days with occasional storms
    • Lush vegetation means good birding, but poor game viewing
    • Views of the Victoria Falls improve
    • All camps in Mana Pools closed
    • Open camps have few visitors & low rates

    Our view

    This is not a great time to visit

    Weather in March

    Zimbabwe in April

    April marks the end of Zimbabwe’s rainy season and the end of summer. Clear skies are the norm, with just the occasional shower. Temperatures start to drop, failing to reach 30ºC most days and dropping down to around 10ºC at night.

    As the rain fades the landscape starts to dry out. While the vegetation remains thick and green, the soil in Mana Pools dries enough for camps to open, and the only camps to remain closed are the most remote bushcamps in Hwange. Although viewing of larger animals remains tricky, the improved weather starts to draw back visitors, as do prices significantly below those in the peak season.

    The Zambezi River and flow of water over the Victoria Falls is at its highest, although large amounts of spray diminish views of the waterfall itself.

    • Transitional period, with much lower rainfall & falling temperatures
    • Wildlife is still dispersed & hard to see, but sightings improving
    • Views of the Victoria Falls often obscured by spray
    • Camps in Mana Pools open
    • Visitors start to return & camps increase their rates

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in April

    Zimbabwe in May

    The first month in the dry season, May is also Zimbabwe’s first month of winter. If the rains are particularly late in a given year, you may catch the odd shower, but you can expect clear and sunny days the majority of the time. While it’s warm in the daytime, temperatures drop to single digits at night, so bring a warm jumper and gloves for early morning drives.

    With the rain having cleared the air, the sky is bright blue, and it’s the best time of year for photography.

    Even the most remote camps in Zimbabwe are now open. With the lack of rainfall, vegetation dies back significantly, and seasonal rivers return to sand. Not only does this open up the possibility of walking safaris, but wildlife viewing becomes much more reliable.

    • Start of the dry season, with milder days and cold nights
    • Game viewing significantly improves as vegetation dies back
    • Vegetation starts to turn from green to brown
    • Best time for photography with crystal clear air
    • Visitors start to return; all camps open & rates increasing

    Our view

    A very good time to visit

    Weather in May

    Zimbabwe in June

    During June you can virtually be guaranteed of dry and sunny days, although temperatures continue to drop, and can get close to freezing at night in Hwange National Park. Jumpers, jackets and gloves are strongly recommended for early mornings and evenings.

    The opportunities for wildlife viewing improve throughout the month as the landscape rapidly dries, and the animals start to gather on the banks of the Zambezi River and around Hwange’s waterholes.

    Water levels in the Zambezi River start to drop, reducing the amount of spray kicked up at the Victoria Falls and greatly improving visibility, but still allowing a full curtain of water to cascade over the edge.

    • Middle of winter, with night-time temperatures close to freezing
    • Game viewing significantly improves throughout the month
    • Views of the Victoria Falls are at their best
    • Noticeable increase in visitor numbers
    • Camps considerably more expensive

    Our view

    A very good time to visit

    Weather in June

    Zimbabwe in July

    July sits in the middle of Zimbabwe’s dry season. Although it’s warm at midday, temperatures are generally cold and in Hwange it’s been known to drop below freezing at night, with the lower-altitude Mana Pools feeling a bit warmer.

    With wildlife clustering around the few remaining waterholes, sparse vegetation, and some of the best views of the Victoria Falls, this is one of the most popular times to travel, with camps charging peak season rates to reflect this. That said, visitor numbers to the country in general remain low, and outside of the Victoria Falls it’s rare for any areas to feel crowded.

    • Middle of the dry season with almost no chance of rain
    • Clear sunny days, but very cold nights
    • Wildlife viewing good; game drives and walking safaris unrestricted
    • Views of the Victoria Falls at their best
    • Camps charging peak season rates

    Our view

    A very good time to visit

    Weather in July

    Zimbabwe in August

    While August is the end of winter and temperatures are starting to creep up, mornings and nights are still cold, and game drives in open vehicles can feel particularly chilly. Well into the dry season, the landscapes will have mostly transformed from green to brown and wildlife viewing in Zimbabwe’s national parks is approaching its best. Due to dust kicked up into the atmosphere and smoke from bush fires you may start to notice a haze on the horizon, but this doesn’t significantly impact photography.

    August is one of the most expensive months, and the pleasant weather and decent game viewing attracts lots of visitors. While the national parks rarely feel crowded, Victoria Falls accommodation can sell out a year in advance.

    • Warm, sunny days but cold mornings & nights; almost no chance of rain
    • Wildlife viewing nearly at its best
    • Landscape turns brown, & an atmospheric haze develops
    • All camps charging peak season rates

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in August

    Zimbabwe in September

    Temperatures in September rarely drop below 15ºC, but are yet to reach the oppressive highs of summer. It will normally have been five months since the last drop of rain, so antelope and elephants cluster around whatever water remains, with predators never too far away.

    The landscape is very brown, and the haze building on the horizon takes some of the colour out of the sky, so while animal subjects are plentiful, the background is not ideal for photography.

    The combination of incredible wildlife viewing, hot and sunny weather, and cheaper flights outside of the school holidays make this the most popular time of year to travel, and availability at the camps can become limited up to a year in advance.

    • The best month for weather, with a pleasantly warm temperature range
    • One of the best months for game viewing
    • Victoria Falls starting to dry but still impressive on Zimbabwean side
    • All camps are charging peak season rates
    • Most popular time to travel, & space can be limited

    Our view

    Fantastic: the very best time to visit

    Weather in September

    Zimbabwe in October

    October is the last month of the dry season with little chance of rain but building humidity. While the higher elevation of Hwange National Park limits temperatures to the 30s Celsius, they can easily top 40ºC in Mana Pools.

    With little vegetation or water, wildlife is drawn to the few remaining water sources and viewing is at its best; visitors who brave the heat can be rewarded with some exceptional sightings, although haze in the air diminishes photos. Maximum visibility and dense wildlife concentrations can also make for very rewarding walking safaris, although the heat can make them uncomfortable.

    Water levels in the Zambezi at the Victoria Falls drop significantly, and large stretches of the waterfall are a dry cliff-face – although it never dries completely. Camp rates remain at their peak, but visitor numbers drop as people avoid the heat.

    • Last month of the dry season; very hot with building humidity
    • Wildlife viewing at its very best
    • Dust & smoke in the air diminish photographic opportunities
    • Victoria Falls starting to look very dry
    • Camp rates remain at their peak

    Our view

    A very good time to visit

    Weather in October

    Zimbabwe in November

    November is a transitionary period, with high temperatures and humidity. While they can’t be predicted with any precision, the first rains normally arrive halfway through the month, in the form of thunderstorms lasting a few hours each day.

    Early November is a popular time to travel as the camps drop their rates, so if you’re lucky you can get peak-season game viewing at low-season rates. This is a gamble though as if the rains do arrive, animals are no longer limited to a few dangerous waterholes and will disperse into the bush. While all the camps in Mana Pools intend to remain open, the rains can make the airstrips unusable so you may find yourself moved to a different park, a risk that increases through the month.

    • Typically the start of the rains in Zimbabwe
    • Temperatures & humidity levels remain high
    • Wildlife viewing rapidly diminishes as the rains arrive
    • Camps remain open, but risk early closure in Mana Pools
    • Much cheaper time to travel as camps drop their rates

    Our view

    A good time to visit, with pros & cons

    Weather in November

    Zimbabwe in December

    By December the rainy season has begun in earnest; this is one of the wettest months in Zimbabwe, with heavy thunderstorms most afternoons and occasionally continuous rain for a couple of days. While temperatures start to cool down the high levels of humidity can make the heat feel more oppressive.

    With the rains comes an explosion of green growth, and the dust and smoke are washed out of the air. The resulting scenery – with the occasional bright blue skies – can be fantastic for photographers. Thick vegetation and plentiful water makes viewing of larger animals tricky, but with migratory species arriving the birding is at its best.

    All camps in Mana Pools and the remote Hwange camps close, with those remaining open charging their lowest rates.

    • One of the wettest months in Zimbabwe
    • High temperatures & levels of humidity
    • Wildlife viewing poor, but birding good
    • Lush green landscapes & clear air; great for landscape photography
    • All camps in Mana Pools closed

    Our view

    This is not a great time to visit

    Weather in December

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