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Home>Zimbabwe>What to see |  |
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| Zimbabwe: What to see | |||
| Harare | |||
>see photographs Overview Harare is the capital of Zimbabwe and a bustling commercial centre with a population of over 1.6 million. High rise-buildings, traffic and the bustle of city life are interspersed with some pockets of colonial architecture and beautiful gardens. A selection of excellent golf courses and restaurants offering superb cuisine delight the diplomatic and local community Ð and are there for both transit travellers and longer stayers alike. Attractions Guided tours through the city are a safe and informative way of establishing oneÕs bearings and being shown an overview of the highlights. The central part of Harare around the famous Meikles Hotel is compact and easy to navigate oneÕs way around. The National Gallery of Zimbabwe displays a range of art and material culture from the ancient art to the more modern post-colonial art and sculpture. The Chapungu Craft Village is part of a functioning 19th century Shona village and is a cultural experience. The nearby Doon Estate has a variety of interesting well-appointed shops selling hand-crafted items from furniture and pottery to potato printed fabrics. The Tobacco Floors in Harare are the second largest in the world. Harare Botanical Gardens located on the Borrowdale Road, are a welcome escape from the city. Mbare Musika is a large bustling street market selling absolutely everything and anything Ð an area that is good to be driven past for a glimpse Ð and one should only venture within if well aware of the possibilities of pick pocketing and very competitive bargaining. In recent times the high levels of unemployment have led to increases in violent crime in the previously peaceful city Ð and like all African cities it is advised that one takes care at all times. Avoid walking alone and keep off the streets at night making use only of official taxis. Never venture to the area of the Presidents residence/State House between 6pm and 6am when this road is barricaded. There are alternative routes. As a daytrip from Harare there are several places of interest slightly further out of town, such as Lake Chivero National Park (to see white rhino), the Snake Park, Kuimba Shiri Gardens, and to Bally Vaughan Game Park where elephant rides are available. When to go The capital enjoys superb weather most of the year round. During the winter months April to September the nights can get chilly but not really by Northern hemisphere standards. The rainy season November to March is characterized by warm days with afternoon thunder showers. Accommodation Meikles Hotel (one of the Leading Hotels of the World), The Sheraton, Crown Plaza Monomatapa, the Jameson Best Western, the Holiday Inn, the Bronte Garden Hotel privately owned guest houses include Wild Geese Lodge, Harare Safari Lodge, Chengeta Safari Lodge. How to get there By road Approximately 440 km from Bulawayo on a main tar road or 580 km from Beitbridge on the South African border. By air There are frequent flights into the new Harare International Airport from London and Johannesburg as well as neighbouring African capitals including Nairobi, Lilongwe and Maputo. |
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