HARARE

Harare is the capital and most populous city of Zimbabwe. Situated in the north-east of the country in the heart of historic Mashonaland, the city has an estimated population of over 3 million.

Administratively, Harare is a metropolitan province, which also incorporates Chitungwiza town and Epworth. It is situated at an elevation of 1,483 metres (4,865 feet) above sea level and its climate falls into the subtropical highland category. Streets are lined with flowering trees not to mention the wonderful and invigorating climate. The sunshine city has a strong appreciation for the city’s cultural and historical heritage.

The priceless collection of Rhodesian and African  in the form of diaries, notebooks and reports of various origins, are housed in the National Archives. Some of the original works of some of the greatest names in African exploration and missionary can be viewed. The National Gallery houses not only a valuable and interesting national collection but also hosts travelling international exhibitions and has a permanent display of some outstanding Shona soft-stone carvings.

Other institutions which are well worth visiting include the Queen Victoria Museum and the Queen Victoria National Library, both at the Civic Centre; in Rotten Row. Harare is laid out with space such as 68ha National Botanic Garden with more than 900 species of wild trees and shrubs from all over the country.

The Mukuvisi Woodlands is 277 hectares of remarkably preserved natural woodland that stances astride the banks of the small Mukuvisi stream. A variety of bird and of wild animal species such as giraffe, zebra, impala, tsessche, wildebeest, bushbuck, steenbuck, reed buck and eland can be viewed.

If you want to experience shopping the way it is traditionally done in many African countries, you need to stroll around at the open flea-market at Mbare. Here you can feast your eyes on a colourful array of baskets, food, clothing and other items.The Kopje, a granite hill rising above the south-west corner of central Harare, is a great place to go for views of the city.

The University of Zimbabwe, the country’s oldest university (founded in 1952), is situated in Mount Pleasant, about 6 km (3.7 mi) north of the city centre. Harare is home to the country’s main Test cricket ground, Harare Sports Club, and to Dynamos F.C., Zimbabwe’s most successful association football team. Harare is Zimbabwe’s leading financial, commercial, and communications centre, and a trade centre for tobacco, maize, cotton, and citrus fruits.