Connecting African Culture Through the Seas
The Amazing Journey of Bill Pinkney Imagine leaving your life and the familiar touch of soil beneath your feet to sail across treacherous seas around the globe with only a …
Harare is not only the capital of Zimbabwe, but also a leading city in Africa for everything from business, to art, to shopping. While it isn’t quite on the level of Lagos or Johannesburg, now that Zimbabwe is using the U.S. dollar as its currency — and a tenuous sense of political stability has returned — it’s starting to attract more global attention. More investment and infrastructure development is happening, and the tourism and hospitality industries are growing around it.
This modern, cosmopolitan capital city, which is home to two million people, is the cultural and commercial hub of the country. Most of the business occurs in the Central Business District (CBD), while the fun happens in the elegant low-density suburbs that spread out from the CBD like veins. Throughout the city you’ll find a wealth of opportunities to eat, shop or soak up local culture, and venues that host numerous festivals and events such as the Harare International Carnival and the International Book Fair. In the spring the streets explode in a riot of purple blooms when the thousands of jacaranda trees begin to bloom, giving the city its nickname “the garden city.” Other places to see urban nature at its finest include Harare Gardens, a beautiful English-style garden that is Harare’s largest park, and a cheerful place to take a stroll during the day. The National Botanic Gardens is also a lovely spot to spend an afternoon.
Zimbabweans are some of the most talented artisans in Africa, famed for their high-quality and often cutting-edge craftsmanship and fashion sense. In addition to the quirky boutiques and craft markets where vendors sell their wares, you can see public art in places the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, home to rotating monthly exhibits that showcase everything from contemporary local works to pan-African art in various mediums.
Harare also has an impressive array of hotels to rest your head, and though many of them cater to business travelers, you’re sure to find something that suits you even if you’re there strictly for leisure, or just passing through on the way to one of Zimbabwe’s national parks and historic ruins, or Victoria Falls.
SAFETY: If you are driving, be prepared for police roadblocks where officers will try to solicit bribes by saying something is “wrong” with your vehicle. Walking around at night is not the best idea and should probably be avoided. It’s also illegal to walk or drive anywhere near the President’s palace after 6:00 p.m.
The Amazing Journey of Bill Pinkney Imagine leaving your life and the familiar touch of soil beneath your feet to sail across treacherous seas around the globe with only a …
Whether you love spending time in nature, relaxing in a spa, or shopping up a storm, Harare, Zimbabwe has got it – plus plenty more for visitors to do and see. …