Harare - Post Report Question and Answers

In my opinion, U.S. Mission housing needs improvement. Previous reviews citing excellent housing refer to a prior housing pool before the Embassy changed locations. I cannot emphasize enough how much previous reviews do not apply. I've served in posts ranging from 0% to 30% differential (Harare is currently 25%), at a lower rank and with a smaller family, and this is the smallest, worst housing I've ever experienced. I thought we were just unlucky until I saw other Mission members' housing. If you have six or more children, you can expect to have palatial housing, but not necessarily in great condition. Otherwise, regardless of rank, your housing will be cramped (and, from what I have seen, in poor condition). In my experience, yards tend to be large (though not always) but full of hazards. Most houses include a pool, which may or may not be functional/safe to use. Commute times average 30+ minutes. In my opinion, there are health and safety hazards that are severe and never resolved. - Jan 2024

Big, older housing. Housing is spread out among the city and each house is surrounded by a fence/wall with 24/7 guards. Yard size varied, but each house has green space and 95% of the houses have pools. Each house also has staff quarters. Commute times ranged from 10 to 35 minutes. They are trying to lease new houses that are closer to the new embassy. - May 2021