Harare


	ZIMBABWE - Harare

Harare has no absolutely compelling sights but is a pleasant and compact city which forms the arrival and departure point for most visits to Zimbabwe. The centre is fairly compact and a brief stroll should include African Unity Square, the Anglican Cathedral, the peaceful and scenic Harare Gardens, the bustling cafeterias and craft shops of First Street Mall and the main attraction of the city - the National Gallery which houses a major collection of African art and specialises in Shona stone sculpture. The museum has a sculpture garden on the edge of the Harare Gardens where stone pieces are set outside in the open, including the lifesize rhino. Some pieces are for sale at the gallery shop and these can also be purchased in private galleries such as the Matombo Gallery.

One of the most colourful and frenetic sights is the Mbare Market in the suburbs of Harare. This is the nation’s largest and noisiest market situated on the southern outskirts about 10 minutes from the city centre. It is a crowded place and attracts the inevitable pickpockets. You will find all sorts of craft works for sale including baskets, masks, soapstone carvings, spears and beads.

Other attractions on the outskirts of the city include the Mukuvisi Woodlands (wildlife sanctuary with elephant and plains game only a few kilometers from the city), the Larvon Bird Gardens (over 180 species of bird including eagles, vultures, flamingoes and sacred ibis), Lake Chivero (recreational park and game reserve), the Ewenrigg Botanical Gardens (with terraces of aloes and many other spectacular plant displays) and Heroes’ Acre (ceremonial burial ground to the 25,000 Zimbabweans who died in the civil war leading to the country’s independence in 1980).

Harare - Meikles Hotel There are numerous places to stay in Harare to suite all price ranges. If your budget will stretch, our favourite place is the Meikles Hotel which is situated just off African Unity Square. Despite being a modern top-class hotel, it has an interesting history and retains its own unique character.


	All Photographs and Text © Stuart M Melvin