Highfield is the second oldest high-density suburb or township in Harare, Zimbabwe built to house Rhodesians of African origin, the first being Mbare.

It is one of the birthplaces of the Zimbabwe African National Union and is home to several prominent people in the country such as Gregy Vambe and Oliver Mtukudzi, and formerly Robert Mugabe.

Highfield was built by the Southern Rhodesian government in the 1930s as a segregated township to house predominantly black labourers and their families during the colonial era, the first being Mbare (National) which was known by locals as "Haarare" or "Haarari" which gave its name to the modern capital of Zimbabwe, Harare.

It also remains a primary destination (like most high-density areas in Zimbabwe) for rural to urban migrants, who find it easier to pay for accommodation there and commute to work.

New Highfield was established in 1956 and comprises Lusaka, named after the Zambian capital, a testimony to a significant part of its population who are of Zambian and Malawian origin; Egypt, Jerusalem and Canaan named after biblical places; Engineering; Cherima (Dark Zone) used to be off the electricity grid; Zororo (place of rest); and Western Triangle which literary forms a triangle to the west where Highfield border with Glen Norah and Glen View.

Historically, the yards here are very large and the houses, flamboyant and indulgent to reflect the affluent status of the black Rhodesians who settled here.

Robert Mugabe's house can still be seen in Old Highfield, where it stands, riddled with bullet holes from an incident during the Rhodesian Bush War.

Mugabe remained a constituent member of Old Highfield and always cast his vote at Mhofu Primary School, a walking distance from his previous residence.

Highfield suburb was considered an exceptional subversion risk by the Rhodesian authorities and surrounded by a security fence.Residents were compelled to carry registration papers or face detention.

Robert Mugabe and his ZANU party held his 'star rally' campaign during Rhodesia's 1980 elections at the Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield.

This is where he made his famous speech of how ZANU was organised into districts and cells, and that it was inevitable that he would win by a significant majority in the impending elections.

The family were apparently denied permission to bury him in Harare because the government feared reprisals from the MDC supporters.

This was an effort by nationalist leaders that include Robert Mugabe to bring education to what was one of the most deprived 'black areas' in Harare at the time.

Mushandirapamwe Hotel was at independence the transitional residence of returning Zanu troops and Paul Tangi Mhova Mkondo's – owner of Sharaude Taxi Services, whose regional headquarters is there (Sharaude Taxi Services was instrumental for providing transport and logistics to nationalists and freedom fighters to and from the city).

However, despite its glamour and glitz, High Glen has failed to attract many shoppers because of its long distance from most residential areas.

It however attracts the more affluent shoppers from the Marimba Park area of the nearby Mufakose suburb who can afford to drive to the centre.

Dancehall and ragga music clashes are held here often, with Silverstone, Stereo One, Small Axe, Sweet Ebony and African Exodus Batanai being regulars.