Harare, the young, simple yet beautiful city

Harare, the young, simple yet beautiful city

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Harare is known for its Jacaranda trees that bloom with vivacious violet colors in the latter half of the year.

Harare is the capital of Zimbabwe. It was formerly known as Salisbury, until 1982. It is the most populous city of Zimbabwe. The city sits on one of the higher parts of the High veld plateau of Zimbabwe. Harare is often referred to as Zimbabwe’s garden or sunshine city for its abundant parks and outdoor amenities. There is an abundance of parks and gardens across town, many close to the Central Business District with a variety of common and rare plant species amid landscaped vistas, pedestrian pathways, and trees-lined avenues. Harare’s parks are often considered the best public parks in all of Zimbabwe’s major cities.

The central business district is characterized by wide streets and a mix of historic, postwar and modern buildings. There are some colonial buildings like the Parliament buildings and Civic Center, but the rest are unremarkable postwar buildings. The district is also notable for some upmarket hotels such as the Meikles Hotel which are relatively luxurious but not particularly modern. Some downtown sights include the Kopje Africa Unity Square, the Harare Gardens, the National Gallery, the August House parliamentary buildings, and the National Archives. Several national parks have been designated around the urban area, including the Ewanrigg Botanical Gardens, Domboshava National Park, and Lake Chivero among others. Wildlife such as zebras and giraffes roam in the park; some, like the Mukuvusi Woodlands, have bike paths and a bird park. The city remains an important center of commerce, government, finance, real estate, manufacturing, healthcare, design, education, art, culture, tourism, agriculture, mining, and regional affairs. Harare has hosted multiple international conferences and events, including the 1995 All-Africa Games and the 2003 Cricket World Cup. In 2018, Harare was ranked as a Gamma world city.

The country’s main languages are Shona, spoken by over 70% of the population, and Ndebele, spoken by roughly 20%. English is the country’s lingua franca, used in government and business and as the main medium of instruction in schools, hence the country’s official language. The city is adjudged to have one of the best climates in the world. There are three main seasons: a warm, wet summer from November to March/April; a cool, dry winter from May to August. The warmest month is October. The coldest month is July while January is said to be the wettest month.

Harare is Zimbabwe’s leading financial, commercial, and communications center, as well as an international trade center for tobacco, maize, cotton, and citrus fruits. Manufacturing, including textiles, steel, and chemicals, are also economically significant, as is the trade of precious minerals such as gold, diamonds, chrome, and platinum. Locally produced art, handicrafts, and souvenirs can be purchased at Doon Estate, Uwminsdale, Avondale Market, and Mbare Musika. Msasa Park and Umwinsdale in particular, host some galleries that produce, high-quality Shona soapstone sculptures and textiles such as Patrick Mavros studios. Those are some spots to visit when you are in the city, especially if you are an art lover! ZWD -The Zimbabwean Dollar is the currency of Zimbabwe.

Harare’s transport is not the best, but you cannot describe it as bad. We would call it fair. The city is crossed by Trans African Highway 9 (TAH 9), which connects it to the cities of Lusaka and Beira. Harare is linked by long-distance bus services to most parts of Zimbabwe; licensed buses and minibusses, referred to officially as commuter omnibuses serve the city. Harare has two kinds of taxis, metered taxis, and the much more ubiquitous share taxis or ‘kombis‘. Unlike many other cities, metered taxis generally do not drive around the city looking for passengers and instead must be called and ordered to a destination. The minibus “taxis” are the de facto day-to-day and essential form of transport for the majority of the city’s population. The National Railways of Zimbabwe operates a daily overnight passenger train service that runs from Harare to Mutare. The largest airport in the country, the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, serves Harare.

Harare is a simple city. it’s not easy to get lost in it. That is perhaps its allure. It doesn’t have all the whistles and bells of modernity, but it’s still filled with a passion for elegance. Locals tour guides (either private or group) will show you around. You definitely need to make a trip to this young yet growing city. Learn and appreciate the country’s culture, meet lovely and beautiful people, explore the beautiful land of Harare and create remarkable memories. What are you waiting for? Let us plan your awesome trip. read more

Flights to Harare

South African Airways offers the convenience of direct flights to Harare. The Zimbabwean capital is an unpredictably beautiful city lined with fragrant Jacaranda trees and romantic red earth – it’s a sight not to be missed. Despite the fact, many people are instantly swept off to enjoy nearby safaris or the famed Victoria falls, the city of Harare is truly a worthwhile stop if you are taking a trip through Southern Africa.

The most populous city in Zimbabwe, Harare boasts a fair amount of beautiful buildings, galleries, public parks, and museums. However, if you prefer a slower tempo the city also offers a great selection of restaurants, craft markets, and bars.

The Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport has located roughly 12km from the urban center. The hub is served by basic transport links including taxis and minibusses. Car hire and shuttle facilities are also available at the airport.

SAA flies into Harare daily and you can rest assured that these flights deliver excellent turnaround times and exceptional world-class facilities.

The metropolis is dotted with beautiful open spaces like the Harare Botanical Gardens which showcase breath-taking indigenous plants - coupled with immaculately preserved heritage buildings it’s not hard to see the strong local appreciation for the city's culture and historical legacy.

So, whether it’s for business or leisure, make sure Harare is on your list of places to visit. For other spectacular destinations in South Africa and the world, or for more information about Harare, visit our destinations page.

You are welcome to join our SAA Voyager loyalty program. The program aims to reward regular flyers through the accumulation of miles. These Voyager Miles can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other rewards. To sign up for the SAA Voyager program take a look at our Voyager page.

South African Airways brings you the best regional flight specials traveling to all your favorite destinations! View all our special flight offers to and from Harare here.