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Mbuya Nehanda Statue

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Mbuya Nehanda Statue (Zimbabwe)

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The Mbuya Nehanda Statue is a significant monument in central Harare, Zimbabwe, erected in honor of the national heroine Nehanda Charwe Nyakasikana. Nehanda was a spiritual leader and a central figure in the resistance against British colonial rule during the First Chimurenga in the late 19th century. The statue stands at the intersection of Samora Machel Avenue and Julius Nyerere Way, a location of high symbolic importance in the capital. The monument was officially unveiled on May 25, 2021, Africa Day, to celebrate the spirit of freedom and the anti-colonial struggle. The bronze statue depicts Nehanda in a determined pose and is placed on a high pedestal that towers over the city's heavy traffic. It serves as a memorial for the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle and strengthens Zimbabwe's national identity. The project was part of a government initiative to anchor pre-colonial history and liberation heroes more prominently in public spaces.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212120191614141620222322
Rain mm18013394317319252594195

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Mbuya Nehanda Statue stands in a public park and can be visited at any time. The monument is freely accessible and viewable from all sides.
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Typical hours
The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, typical for public green spaces. Best to visit the statue in the morning when the light is good for photos.
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Photography
Photography of the statue and surrounding memorial plaques is expressly allowed and encouraged. For portraits with the monument, choose a low camera angle to emphasize the statue's height.
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Time needed
A visit typically takes 15-30 minutes to view the statue and read the information boards. If you also stroll through the park, allow about an hour.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare, located in the same neighbourhood. The Independence Museum is also within walking distance and deepens the historical perspective.
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Getting there
The statue is located in central Harare near the intersection of Julius Nyerere Way and Samora Machel Avenue. It is easily reachable on foot from downtown or by minibus.
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Insider tip
Visit the statue on National Heroes Day (18 April) to experience commemorative ceremonies. Bring a small offering like flowers, often placed at the base.

Geography

Coordinates
-17.83330, 31.05000

Facts

  • The statue is approximately 3 meters tall and cast in solid bronze.
  • Nehanda Charwe Nyakasikana was executed in April 1898.
  • Her famous last words were 'My bones shall rise again'.
  • The unveiling took place on the 123rd anniversary of her death.
  • The monument was designed and crafted by local Zimbabwean artists.
  • A pedestrian bridge circles the pedestal to allow views above the traffic.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Runhare HouseRunhare House<1 km · SExplore →
Delta Beverages Harare BreweryDelta Beverages Harare Brewery2 km · WExplore →
The KopjeThe Kopje2 km · SExplore →
Harare Inland PortHarare Inland Port2 km · NWExplore →
Pioneer Cemetery HararePioneer Cemetery Harare2 km · SWExplore →
National Heroes AcreNational Heroes Acre7 km · SExplore →
Sam Levy's VillageSam Levy's Village9 km · NEExplore →
Willowvale Motor IndustriesWillowvale Motor Industries9 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Mbuya Nehanda Statue (7)

Toys Town

Attraction in Harare. Amusement park with rides and play areas for children.

AIRFORCE

Attraction in Harare. Aviation-related site, possibly a museum or exhibition space.

National Gallery of Zimbabwe🏛 museum

Museum in Harare. Zimbabwe's leading art gallery with rotating exhibitions.

🕒 Tu-Su 09:00-17:00

Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences🏛 museum

Museum in Harare. Exhibits on human evolution, archaeology and anthropology in Zimbabwe.

🕒 Mo-Su 08:00-16:30♿

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart

Church in Harare, Zimbabwe. Catholic cathedral, seat of the Archbishop of Harare.

City View Point

Attraction in Harare. Viewpoint offering a panorama of the city and surroundings.

Castle Corner

Viewpoint in Harare. Spot with a panoramic view over the city.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who is honored by the Mbuya Nehanda statue?
The statue honors the historical spirit medium and freedom fighter.
Where does the statue stand?
It stands centrally in the capital, Harare.
Can one easily photograph the statue?
Yes, it is publicly accessible and clearly visible.
Does the visit cost anything?
No, the statue is in a public square.
Is it an important historical place?
Yes, it is a symbol of national pride.
Mbuya Nehanda Statue: where is it located?
Mbuya Nehanda Statue is located in Zimbabwe.
Mbuya Nehanda Statue: what is there to see?
Highlights include Toys Town, AIRFORCE, National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
Mbuya Nehanda Statue: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Oct.
Mbuya Nehanda Statue: why is it worth visiting?
The Mbuya Nehanda Statue is a significant monument in central Harare, Zimbabwe, erected in honor of the national heroine Nehanda Charwe Nyakasikana.
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Nearby cities

Harare — Mbuya Nehanda Statue (Zimbabwe)
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Chitungwiza — Mbuya Nehanda Statue (Zimbabwe)
Chitungwiza
Chitungwiza is a large, rapidly growing dormitory town located just south of Harare.
Epworth — Mbuya Nehanda Statue (Zimbabwe)
Epworth
Epworth is a high-density residential area on the southeastern outskirts of Harare, famous for its iconic balancing rock formations.

History & landmarks

Joina City — Mbuya Nehanda Statue (Zimbabwe)
Joina City
A modern, multi-purpose building complex in the heart of Harare.
Harare City Library — Mbuya Nehanda Statue (Zimbabwe)
Harare City Library
An important cultural and architectural landmark in the Civic Centre of Harare.
🗺️
Runhare House
An iconic building in Harare that served for a long time as the headquarters of the Post and Telecommunications Corporation.
Karigamombe Centre — Mbuya Nehanda Statue (Zimbabwe)
Karigamombe Centre
A well-known office and commercial tower in the city center of Harare.
Eastgate Centre — Mbuya Nehanda Statue (Zimbabwe)
Eastgate Centre
A shopping and office building famous for its eco-friendly architecture inspired by termite mounds.
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Tower — Mbuya Nehanda Statue (Zimbabwe)
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Tower
One of the most prominent high-rise buildings in Harare, housing the national central bank.
Cathedral of St Mary and All Saints — Mbuya Nehanda Statue (Zimbabwe)
Cathedral of St Mary and All Saints
The Anglican cathedral in Harare, a significant religious and architectural landmark in the city.
High Court of Zimbabwe — Mbuya Nehanda Statue (Zimbabwe)
High Court of Zimbabwe
The impressive courthouse in Harare where major legal decisions are made.

Nature

Lake Chivero — Mbuya Nehanda Statue (Zimbabwe)
Lake Chivero
A reservoir near Harare.
Lake McIlwaine — Mbuya Nehanda Statue (Zimbabwe)
Lake McIlwaine
Alternative name for Lake Chivero.
Manyame River — Mbuya Nehanda Statue (Zimbabwe)
Manyame River
A river that supplies water to the capital, Harare.

More places

Harare Botanical Gardens — Mbuya Nehanda Statue (Zimbabwe)
Harare Botanical Gardens
A large botanical garden in Harare with many native plants.
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Delta Beverages Harare Brewery
The largest brewing facility in Zimbabwe, producing popular lagers and soft drinks.
The Kopje — Mbuya Nehanda Statue (Zimbabwe)
The Kopje
A hill where Fort Salisbury was founded in 1890, the origin of Harare.
Harare Inland Port — Mbuya Nehanda Statue (Zimbabwe)
Harare Inland Port
The central container depot handling bulk imports and exports for the capital.
Pioneer Cemetery Harare — Mbuya Nehanda Statue (Zimbabwe)
Pioneer Cemetery Harare
Resting place of early colonial settlers and soldiers from the 19th century.
National Heroes Acre — Mbuya Nehanda Statue (Zimbabwe)
National Heroes Acre
A monumental burial ground and shrine honoring those who died in the liberation war.
Willowvale Motor Industries — Mbuya Nehanda Statue (Zimbabwe)
Willowvale Motor Industries
The premier vehicle assembly plant in Zimbabwe, assembling various international brands.
Kuimba Shiri Bird Park — Mbuya Nehanda Statue (Zimbabwe)
Kuimba Shiri Bird Park
A bird sanctuary on the shores of Lake Chivero.