Harare Travel Guide
Known as 'the sunshine city', Harare is the capital of Zimbabwe and a gateway to the country's many attractions, including Victoria Falls and Lake Kariba. Turmoil in Zimbabwe has cast a dark shadow on the city, with fuel and food shortages affecting tourism and day-to-day life throughout the country.
Foreigners should note that the country is still struggling with many hardships; violence is seldom aimed at tourists but travellers should be sensitive to the political situation and exercise caution in the big cities, such as Harare. The tourist enclaves such as Victoria Falls and Lake Kariba remain virtually untouched by any sort of upheaval.
Beautiful residential areas surround the city centre of Harare, the most developed being Borrowdale, Chisipite, Mount Pleasant, and Avondale. There are some interesting galleries and museums in and around Harare showcasing local culture and heritage, some of the most popular being the National Gallery, the Dendera Gallery, and the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences (formerly the Queen Victoria Museum).
Borrowdale Village is a quaint complex offering a variety of shops, restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs. Other Harare shopping centres include Westgate, which has a great movie theatre, and the Eastgate Shopping Mall, located in the CBD. When not sipping cappuccinos at a cafe in the village, the local residents often go to the Harare Sports Club to watch cricket, or to Old Georgians (OGs) for rugby. Golf is another favourite pastime, with some fantastic courses as well as a couple of fun putt-putt courses based in the city.
For nature lovers, visiting the Lion and Cheetah Park is a must, and the Chriemba Balancing Rocks are also good to see. The National Botanical Garden is another good outdoor attraction in Harare. Horse riding and walking safaris are offered in the nearby Mukuvusi Woodlands, while Lake Chivero is great for jet-skiing, sailing, and fishing.
Things to do in Harare
Eating Out
The capital city has a number of business headquarters, government offices, and international embassies, and as a result there are some excellent restaurants in Harare. Whether you're looking for a quality pub like Cory's Bar and Grill, top-quality steakhouses like Chop Chop, fine-dining establishments like Amanzi and Victoria 22, or a number of good coffee shops like Shop Cafe, you'll find something to suit your tastes.
Getting Around
Fuel shortages in Zimbabwe have made travel difficult in the past but this situation seems to be on the mend. The most effective mode of transport in Harare is still hiring a car. There are rental car companies based throughout the city, though taxicabs and minibus taxis are also widely available. The minibus taxis favoured by locals are cheap and go everywhere, but they are not particularly safe, while bus services are more practical for intercity transport than journeys within Harare itself. Parts of the city can be explored on foot, though walking after dark in the city is advised against.
Harare Climate and Weather
Harare has a sub-tropical climate and a summer season that runs from October to April. Summer days are generally hot and sunny, with average high temperatures reaching around 81F (27C), and there are often afternoon thunderstorms. Rain occurs mostly between November and March. The winter climate is pleasant, with warm, dry days from June to August (temperatures drop more extremely at night) and the average low temperature is around 42F (6C). The city boasts pleasant, sunny weather year-round.
Zimbabwe travel info
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin rectangular blade plugs are common.
Language
English is the official language in Zimbabwe, although it is only spoken as a first language by a tiny percentage of the population. Several indigenous languages are spoken including Shona and Ndebele.
Money
Though the primary legal tender is the Zimbabwean dollar (ZWL), travellers can transact using the US dollar at the official exchange rate, as it's widely accepted. The symbol for both is $, so travellers should check which currency is in use before making a transaction. They should also confirm in advance what payment method a restaurant, hotel or tour operator will accept. Some businesses, including medical providers, may not accept payment by credit or debit card. The country is currently experiencing a shortage of cash. Withdrawals are possible at some ATMs and bank branches with an international bank card, but the availability of cash is not always guaranteed.
Tipping
A service charge is usually included in the bill, and a 10 percent tip is customary for staff in restaurants, hotels and taxis. Some tour guides and game rangers depend largely on tips for their income.
Health
Travellers to Zimbabwe who arrive from infected countries must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate, and vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid are recommended. There is a year-round risk of malaria in most of the country, particularly in the Zambezi Valley, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and in the Eastern Highlands; the risk is very small in Harare and Bulawayo. Precautions against mosquito bites should be taken to avoid a number of mosquito-borne diseases. Cholera outbreaks usually occur during the rainy season, when flooding and contamination of water sources takes place. Rapidly declining health standards are also responsible for Zimbabwe having one of the lowest life expectancies in the world, according to the World Health Organization; visitors are advised to take food and hygiene precautions. The standard of tap water in urban areas is considered low, and bottled water is available. The current economic instability has led to shortages of medication in public hospitals, and striking is common; it is advisable to bring a supply of personal medication and travel health insurance is essential. Private clinics expect cash payment and medical costs can be high.
Safety
The level of crime is moderate and visitors who are travelling alone may be more vulnerable. Mugging as well as petty crimes such as pick pocketing are common in city centres, especially after dark. Travellers should be vigilant at Harare International Airport and when leaving banks and cash points, and should avoid carrying or displaying large amounts of cash in public places.
Travellers shouldn't use intercity bus and rail services, as they're dangerous. Buses are overcrowded and poorly maintained, and drivers are often reckless; the rail system is also inadequately maintained, and there are many accidents. Visitors are better off using taxis that are either owned or recommended by major hotels.
Wildlife viewing presents risks, especially for safari-goers who are on foot or at close range. Adventurers should always maintain a safe distance when observing wildlife, and only exit the tour vehicle when a professional guide or warden says it is safe to do so. They should also only use reputable guides or tour operators, and closely follow park regulations and their guide's advice.
Victoria Falls is considered the most safe and well-policed part of Zimbabwe and the majority of visits are hassle-free. The resort areas around Lake Kariba are also considered to be safe, especially on guided tours and package holidays.
Local customs
In Zimbabwe it's a sign of respect to stand up when greeting people who have recently entered a room, or to physically lower the head when meeting someone older or of higher status. It's important to greet elders or senior-ranking people first, and it's considered extremely rude to challenge an elder's opinion, even if they are incorrect. Locals will often communicate gratitude nonverbally with claps to show respect. For instance, people clap twice to say 'thank you' if someone is passing them something.
It is against the law to take photographs of public buildings or government institutions, and it is not advisable to take photographs anywhere in the vicinity of such buildings, or any roadblocks and illegally occupied farms, as this could lead to arrest. It is also illegal to photograph police and military personnel, as well as of demonstrations. Homosexuality is illegal; civilians are not permitted to wear camouflage clothing.
Doing business
Business in Zimbabwe is conducted in English, and is fairly informal, with drinking and socialising very much part of the business culture. Dress is fairly conservative, but lightweight suits or casual jackets are more suited to the hot climate than formal business wear. It is customary to shake hands with men and women at the beginning and end of a meeting. Business hours are generally Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm, although hours vary considerably depending on the establishment; some businesses close at 11am on Wednesdays, and some are open on Saturday mornings.
Duty free
Travellers to Zimbabwe do not have to pay duty on items to the value of US$200 provided this allowance is not claimed more than once in a 30-day period. These include goods for personal consumption, including tobacco, and alcohol up to 5 litres with no more than 2 litres of this being spirits. Prohibited items include narcotic and amphetamine drugs, indecent or obscene reading material, toy firearms, and blade knives.
Communications
The international dialling code for Zimbabwe is +263. Travellers can purchase prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones and top hotels offer WiFi.
Passport & Visa
All visitors require travel itineraries, tickets, and documents for return or onward journeys, as well as sufficient funds for the duration of their stay. Visa fees, where applicable, are payable in US dollars. Fees vary depending on nationality and type of visa. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US passport holders must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date they expect to leave Zimbabwe. A visa is required. A 90-day tourist visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained on arrival.
UK passport holders must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date they expect to leave Zimbabwe. A visa is required. A 90-day tourist visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained on arrival.
Canadian passport holders must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date they expect to leave Zimbabwe. A visa is required. A 90-day tourist visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained on arrival.
Australian passport holders must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date they expect to leave Zimbabwe. A visa is required. A 90-day tourist visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained on arrival.
South African passport holders must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date they expect to leave Zimbabwe. A visa is required. A 90-day tourist visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained on arrival.
Irish passport holders must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date they expect to leave Zimbabwe. A visa is required. A 90-day tourist visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained on arrival.
New Zealand passport holders must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date they expect to leave Zimbabwe. A visa is required. A 90-day tourist visa or 30-day business visa can be obtained on arrival.
Useful contacts
Official tourism website of Zimbabwe: www.zimbabwetourism.net
999Embassies / consulates in other countries
Zimbabwe Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 332 7100.
Zimbabwe Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7836 7755.
Zimbabwe Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 421 2824/1242.
Zimbabwe Embassy, Canberra ACT, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6286 2281/2700.
Zimbabwe Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 5125.
Embassies / consulates in Zimbabwe
United States Embassy, Harare: +263 (0)4 250 593.
British Embassy, Harare: +263 (0)4 338 800
Canadian Embassy, Harare: +263 (0)4 252 181/2/3/4/5.
Australian High Commission, Harare: +263 (0)4 853 23 555.
South African High Commission, Harare: +263 (0)4 760 404.
Honorary Consulate of Ireland, Harare +263 (0)4 771 949.
New Zealand High Commission, Pretoria (also responsible for Zimbabwe): +27 (0)12 435 9000.