HARARE - Tourist-friendly capital has got it all

Harare, in north-eastern Zimbabwe, is the nation’s capital and home to over one and a half million people – although the city is surprisingly uncrowded.

Officially known until 1982 as Salisbury, the city was founded in 1890 and named after the then British Prime Minister, Lord Salisbury.

Harare is a modern, well planned city. With its highly developed infrastructure – among the best in sub-Saharan Africa – the city is easy to get around for local people and tourists alike. In the past, Harare was often regarded as simply a stopover destination for onward flights to other parts of the country or continent, but today it is a popular visitor destination in its own right. The city has exceptionally good transport links with other parts of Africa, including direct flights to major cities in Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia.

Harare is known as Africa’s Sunshine City because of the sunny blue skies that prevail for much of the year except in the rainy season from November to March. A popular time for tourists to visit is June, when they can expect to enjoy temperatures that are comfortably cooler than at other times of the year. September and October are popular times to visit Harare, too, when the famous jacaranda trees are in full bloom.

Delicious cuisine

There is no lack of restaurants and bars offering a variety of delicious cuisine, from Italian to Japanese to local Zimbabwean and other African dishes. A notable influence is that of Portugal, with a choice of restaurants catering to the tastes of the city’s Portuguese residents. Expect dishes of spicy chicken and roasted goat paired with rice and fresh bread.

Being both Zimbabwe’s capital and its largest city, Harare has a lively night scene, with many bars and nightclubs open round the clock. Sam Levy’s Village, the shopping and dining complex in Borrowdale, is known for its buzzing nightlife. The city has sports bars, jazz clubs and pool bars, while for those who prefer a more relaxed evening there are cafés and restaurant bars. Eastgate Mall in the city centre is a good place to unwind after a day of sightseeing and exploring Harare.

From museums and galleries to shopping malls and recreational parks, there is something for everyone in Harare. Visitors will find top retail and entertainment brands in its impressive malls, which include Joina City, Sam Levy’s Village and Eastgate Shopping Mall. For those who enjoy arts and crafts and street markets, the Avondale Flea Market on Bath Road is an authentic marketplace selling handmade products and souvenirs at reasonable prices. Equally, the Mbare Market offers an intriguing mix of fresh produce and handicrafts such as Shona sculptures, wooden craftware and basketry.

Harare is a place of history and culture. The National Gallery of Zimbabwe in the heart of the city houses both national and international collections and exhibitions and also has a permanent display of Shona soft-stone carvings. Chapungu Sculpture Park in Msasa contains impressive Zimbabwean stone sculptures and is also a perfect place for birdwatching.

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Harare’s many parks and gardens offer a pleasant day out with ideal picnic spots across the city. As well as the National Botanical Gardens, they include Harare Gardens, Greenwood Park and Mukuvisi Woodlands. At Thetford Game Reserve, tour guides are on hand to inform visitors about the animals and show them the best views.

Memorable encounters

Also in the city and well worth visiting is the Wild is Life Trust, an animal orphanage and rehabilitation rescue centre where guests can enjoy a memorable encounter with wildlife orphans.

Visitors can expect first-rate and, in many cases, world-class hospitality while staying in Harare. There is an array of top hotels close to the city centre, while private lodges and boutique guesthouses can be found in the suburbs. Harare is also a paradise for golfers, with a choice of half a dozen splendid courses.