Location/Physical Facilities

At Africa University, students, faculty and staff have the beauty and tranquility of a rural setting whilst enjoying a vibrant, international campus community. The campus, nestled in a valley about 17 kilometres outside Mutare, is surrounded by hills.

Campus buildings, red brick structures with tiled roofs, are in harmony with the surroundings. Teaching buildings include the US$1 million Ireson Kurewa Centre, home to the Faculty of Agriculture & Natural Resources, with its modern, well-equipped laboratories and lecture halls; the Multi-purpose Building; and the Agricultural Engineering Building.

The new Jokomo/Yamada Library supports teaching and research efforts with both traditional and electronic resources.

Affordable, comfortable and secure accommodation is available to students in 12 residence halls. Male and female students are housed separately. Students are offered double or triple occupancy rooms in a non-smoking/non-drinking environment. Dining, lounge, laundry and computer facilities are available to all students. At present, AU houses about more than 80% of its students on campus.

Mutare

Zimbabwe's fourth largest city, Mutare is the gateway to the Eastern Highlands region of the country and the overland route to the Port of Beira in neighbouring Mozambique. A bustling city of about 160,000 inhabitants, Mutare thrives on agribusiness including large-scale tea and coffee farms, forestry and tourism. Mutare's economic outlook and viability have received quite a boost from peace and the resulting period of reconstruction in Mozambique.

On approach to Mutare and the Eastern Highlands you will find a dramatic vista. At first, distant mountains beckon over treetops and as you draw closer, massive granite peaks stretch far to the north and south. Mutare is at the centre of a mountain chain that forms Zimbabwe's border with Mozambique. Nyanga is at the northern end; Bvumba is at the centre of the chain and Chimanimani, in the south. The Highlands are home to Mount Nyangani, Zimbabwe's highest peak (2,593m), and Mtarazi Falls, Africa's second highest waterfall. You can drive up into the Bvumba range and enjoy its lush forests, clear mountain streams, cool air and breathtaking views.

Although it can be a hive of activity during the business day, Mutare city centre retains a picturesque, small-town quality. You can stroll the streets and stop to visit the Mutare Museum with its fine collection of vintage cars and carts; displays of flora and fauna of the region; and large walk-in aviary of over 500 birds. You can enjoy a film at the local cinema or dine out at one of the many hotels and restaurants in town. Across from the civic centre is the Courtauld Theatre, one of the best-equipped amateur theatres in Zimbabwe. The annual Provincial Fair has grown from a largely agricultural show to include local manufacturing, arts and crafts and draws large audiences.

Mutare is well connected by good roads and by rail to other major centres like the capital city, Harare. Venture south about four hours and you will find yourself at Great Zimbabwe-the ruins of an amazing complex built by indigenous African people between AD 1250 and AD 1450. Built by the ancestors of modern Zimbabweans, what remains of Great Zimbabwe is awe-inspiring. Farther afield are the Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park, attractions that have made Zimbabwe one of the top four tourist destinations in Africa.