Holidays in Zimbabwe. The exotic country of Zimbabwe. The capital of Harare is the vibrant metropolis of Harare where
and the administrative center of the province of the same name. This large metropolis has a reputation as the busiest city in the country, with many industries, factories, shopping and entertainment centers and financial corporations. For tourists, it serves as a starting point for traveling through the endless reserves of the country, and for Zimbabweans, it is a strategically important site, where until recently they could find decent work and, to some extent, improve their standard of living.
Peculiarities
For the abundance of greenery and exotic trees growing in city parks, alleys and squares, Harare is often called the “city of flowering trees,” although in recent years, after the genocide committed against the white population of the country by the President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, the situation in the capital as in the entire state, it has deteriorated sharply. Having forced almost all whites to leave the republic, Mugabe lost the financial support of the leading world powers, weakening the economy to the maximum and significantly reducing the overall social level. At the moment, unemployment in the metropolis exceeds all acceptable limits, which leads to an increase in crime and increasing social stratification. Now, the centralized water and electricity supply systems in the city have been disrupted, the sewage system is poorly functioning, and the quality of the infrastructure has noticeably weakened. Meanwhile, Harare and its surroundings have many interesting architectural and natural attractions, attracting the attention of travel lovers from all over the world.
general information
The territory of Harare covers an area of 872 square meters. km, with a population of more than 1.6 million people. Local time is 1 hour behind Moscow. Time zone UTC+2. There is no transition between summer and winter time. Telephone code (+263) 4. Official website www.hararecity.co.zw.
A brief excursion into history
On September 12, 1890, on the site of the modern metropolis, the British South Africa Company founded a military base, named Salisbury, in honor of the British Prime Minister. Subsequently, the fort became a trade center, and in 1935 it received city status. From 1953 to 1963, it first became the capital of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland and then the capital of Southern Rhodesia. 2 years after the former British colony gained independence in 1980 and became the independent Republic of Zimbabwe, the city was renamed Harare. After President Mugabe came to power in the country, until then a progressive and developing metropolis found itself in the grip of a powerful economic crisis and in 2011, according to research by the authoritative British magazine The Economist, it was recognized as the worst capital to live in the world.
Climate
Harare has a subtropical highland climate with 3 seasons. From November to April the region is dominated by the rainy season, from May to August the cool season prevails, with an average air temperature ranging from +13 to +16 degrees, and from September to October the hot dry season dominates, when the thermometer often exceeds +22 degrees . The recommended period to visit here is from May to October.
How to get there
Harare International Airport, which receives flights from different regions and other continents, including Europe, is considered the country's main air gateway. The capital is connected with neighboring cities by roads and bus services.
Transport
Within the city limits, taxis and the same buses are actively used.
Attractions and entertainment
The largest number of historical buildings in the city are concentrated in the Second Street area and along Robert Mugabe Street. The National Gallery with exhibits of national art, which also displays unique exhibitions, deserves special attention. It also houses a valuable archive with collections of diaries, historical works and documents reflecting research carried out on the dark continent in different years. Picturesque green oases are an excellent complement to the high-rise buildings and wide squares of the metropolis. One of them is the National Botanical Garden, covering an area of 68 hectares. It presents over 900 species of plants from all over Zimbabwe, striking in their scale and variety of colors. You can admire the views of the capital of the republic from the granite hill of Kopje, rising in the southwestern part of Harare. In the Chapangu Sculpture Park, visitors have the opportunity to see a rare collection of black stone carvings, and the Mukuvisi Forest Reserve, spread over 277 hectares of natural forest along the banks of the Mukuvisi River, allows you to appreciate the diversity of African wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, antelopes, exotic birds, reptiles and other living creatures. In the vicinity of the city there are also many archaeological monuments that embody the history of the entire country.
Kitchen
Within the capital there are many different restaurants, cafes and snack bars, where visitors can enjoy traditional corn porridge and other national dishes. In addition, the metropolis has establishments serving European, Asian and American cuisine. Some of the most romantic places to dine here are Cafe espresso on Cork Road, surrounded by a sculpture garden, and the restaurant in the ancient Chisipite mansion, which also houses a swimming pool and art gallery.
Shopping
Harare embodies culture and traditions, being a rather contrasting and vibrant metropolis with a lot of advantages and disadvantages. Interesting architecture is combined here with beautiful natural landscapes, and the classic African surroundings add certain features to the city that are characteristic only of the black continent.
It is famous for the fact that, firstly, its population has already reached the two million mark and continues to increase every day. The second feature of this metropolis is the dynamic lifestyle of its citizens, and even the name can be translated as “the one who does not sleep.”
It is from the capital that routes are laid to the famous natural reserves of Zimbabwe, the main attractions of the country. But in the capital you can see a lot of beauty.
Restaurants in the capital
It is clear that a metropolis cannot do without catering establishments, cafes and restaurants. Moreover, there are very simple cafes on every street and elite restaurants, for example, Amanzi; you have to book a table for this establishment several weeks in advance.
In terms of food, the city is ready to offer tourists either a national menu, very simple but satisfying, like corn porridge and meat with vegetables. On the other hand, fans of European cuisine can find cuisine that is more familiar to them - French, Italian.
Attractions map
Harare, like any other capital, is ready to surprise and delight its guests. Many ancient buildings and amazing structures can be seen in the area of the street named after Robert Mugabe and the so-called Second Street. But this is not the most important thing; tourists are much more surprised by the exotic plants growing right on the streets of the city.
Amazing blooming acacias, jacarandas and bougainvilleas are captured in photos of guests of the capital of Zimbabwe. No wonder one of its names can be translated as “City of Flowering Plants.” You can continue your acquaintance with the green kingdom of the capital in the Botanical Garden, where plants from different regions of the country are collected. And in the Mukuvisi Forest Reserve you can meet the equally interesting fauna of Zimbabwe.
Ancient art
To get acquainted with the masterpieces created by the hands of the hardworking residents of Zimbabwe, both modern and deceased, you need to go to the National Gallery in Harare. In addition to the permanent exhibition, unique art exhibitions of national geniuses and young authors are often presented here.
Another area of interest to tourists is sports recreation; in particular, in the vicinity of the city you can find excellent world-class golf courses.
Harare is a huge metropolis, where vibrant nightlife and business centers closely coexist with parks and reserves, which are buried in the flowers of acacias and bougainvilleas. People come here to get to know the nature of Africa better, visit national parks, of which there are a great many in Zimbabwe, and see plenty of exotic animals. The city government is trying to attract as many tourists to the city as possible, so now travelers feel comfortable staying in this city: cafes and coffee shops of famous world brands are open, large supermarkets with the most necessary goods, and there are also guides who can easily organize any excursion. Guides will introduce you to the history, tell legends and how it came to be. Zimbabwe is a country with incredible flavor, the cuisine alone is worth it - a strange side dish for us in the form of corn porridge. The best way to feel the atmosphere of the city is at Cafe espresso, which is located on one of the streets in the city center. On the one hand, it seems to shelter visitors from prying eyes behind a dense garden, and on the other, it offers a view of the daily life of the city. The locals, so different from us, create this unique flavor themselves. There is no better place for a romantic dinner than Chisipite. This is not even a restaurant, but a real old mansion with elegant fountains, gardens, flower beds and swimming pools.
Sights of the capital of Zimbabwe
One of the most interesting cultural treasures is the National Gallery, where a variety of antiquities found during excavations are exhibited, and various exhibitions with works by the best masters from different fields are constantly coming here. The National Archives is a symbolic place for all citizens, because it is here that everything that reminds of the rich history of the city is stored. An unofficial attraction is the Mbare market, where you can find a huge number of strange things for your home or souvenirs for your friends. Almost three hundred kilometers from the city is the mysterious Great Zimbabwe. The once incredibly developed and civilized city suddenly fell into sharp decline, which no scientist can explain. The city was the main mining site of the city, and overnight the inhabitants suddenly left their homes and moved to present-day Harare. When talking about attractions, we shouldn’t neglect national parks. In addition to natural zoos, there is a National Botanical Garden of almost fifty hectares with tropical plants.
Zimbabwe or Republic of Zimbabwe(until 1980 Southern Rhodesia) is a state located in the southern part of the African continent, between Victoria Falls, the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It borders South Africa in the south (border length - 225 km), Botswana in the west (813 km), Zambia in the north (797 km) and Mozambique (1231 km) in the east. Area of the country - Covers an area of 390,580 km². The capital is Harare.
Most of Zimbabwe's territory is located at an altitude of 1000-1500 m within the vast Precambrian basement plateaus of Mashona and Matabele, which step down to the high stratified sandy plains of the middle reaches of the Zambezi River (in the north) and the interfluve of the Limpopo and Sabi (in the south). The country's highest point is Mount Inyangani (2592 m) in the Inyanga Mountains in eastern Zimbabwe.
The dense river network belongs to the Indian Ocean basin, with the exception of a small area of internal drainage in the west. The Zambezi River, which flows along the northwestern border of the country, collects tributaries from half of Zimbabwe's territory (Gwai, Sengwa, Sanyati, Hunyani...). The Shashe, Umzingwani, Bubye, and Mwenezi rivers flow into the Limpopo, which flows along the southern border. In the southeast, the Save River receives the tributaries Runde and Sabie. In the west, the Nata River and its tributaries dry up on their way to the Kalahari. The rivers of Zimbabwe are shallow, drying up in the dry season, with numerous rapids and waterfalls, the most famous of which is Victoria on the Zambezi River. Reservoirs have been built on many rivers, the largest of which is the Kariba. Only parts of the Zambezi and Limpopo are navigable.
Due to the catastrophic rate of deforestation, woody vegetation now occupies less than half of the country's territory. Relict moist evergreen forests are preserved only on the slopes of the Inyanga Mountains in the east of the country. In the west there are dry deciduous teak forests. The Mashona Plateau is home to dry, sparse miombo and mopane forests. The Matabele Plateau is occupied by tree and shrub savannas.
Of the large animals in Zimbabwe, elephants, antelopes, zebras, giraffes, lions, and crocodiles are still numerous. Rhinoceroses, cheetahs, oryxes, and pythons are rare. 10% of the country's territory is occupied by nature reserves and national parks.
Climate in Zimbabwe
Climate in Zimbabwe varies from subequatorial in the north to tropical in the south. There are three seasons in the year: warm humid summer (from November to March, +21..+27˚С), cool dry winter (April-June, +13..+17˚С, there are frosts in the mountains) and hot dry spring (August-October, +30..+40˚С). Precipitation ranges from 400 mm per year in the southern plain to 2000 mm in the mountains in the east.
June and July are the coldest months of the year. At this time, the main territory of the country is characterized by light frosts. Severe frosts (-5°C and below) are rare. Starting in mid-August, temperatures begin to rise and reach their peak in October - making September and October the least pleasant months.
Relative air humidity in October and September does not exceed 35-40%. Starting in November, daytime temperatures drop due to increasing cloudiness, marking the beginning of the rainy season, and humidity rises.
Last changes: 05/16/2013Population
As of July 2010, Zimbabwe's population was estimated at 11.7 million people, but this estimate may be inaccurate due to the high level of infection with the immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - according to a 2007 UN estimate - 15.3% of the adult population (6- ranks in the world in terms of infection rates).
Average life expectancy is 48 years for men, 47 years for women.
Urban population - 37% (in 2008).
Ethno-racial composition:
Africans - 98% (Shona - 82%, Ndebele - 14%, others - 2%);
Mulattoes and Asians - 1%;
White - less than 1%.
Religion
Syncretic cults (Christian-African) - about 50%;
Christianity - about 25%;
African traditional religions - 24%;
Islam and others - 1%.
Language
The official language is English. The most common local languages are those of the Shona, Ndebele, Kalanga and Tonga peoples.
Last changes: 05/16/2013About money
Country currency - Zimbabwe dollar (ZWD) due to hyperinflation, it is no longer used in calculations. The notes, the largest of which has a denomination of ZWD 100 trillion, are sold as souvenirs.
On April 12, 2009, it became known about the ban on the circulation of the Zimbabwe dollar. Instead, residents of the country can use US dollars, euros, as well as the currencies of neighboring countries that have a more stable economy. Banknotes formally remained legal tender until June 30, 2009.
Currently, the US dollar is the de facto currency of Zimbabwe, although the South African Rand and Euro are also widely accepted.
The use of credit cards is very limited and there are few ATMs, so it is recommended to take cash with you.
Last changes: 05/16/2013Communications
Calling code: 263
Internet domain: .zw
How to call
To call from Russia to Zimbabwe, you need to dial: 8 - dial tone - 10 - 263 - area code - subscriber number.
To call from Zimbabwe to Russia, you need to dial: 00 - 7 - area code - subscriber number.
Where to stay
There are traditional hotels in the cities. In Zimbabwe's national parks, tourists stay in “lodges” and “camps”.
Lodges are usually one main one- or two-story building with 60-100 rooms, plus several smaller buildings or detached houses. In general, something like the well-known holiday village in Turkey, but in an “African” version.
Camps are a kind of field tent camps, only the sizes and interiors of the tents are more reminiscent of hotel rooms. The camp usually consists of twelve to fifteen tents.
Last changes: 05/16/2013History of Zimbabwe
Initially, the territory of Zimbabwe was inhabited by peoples who spoke Khoisan languages, similar in culture to their modern speakers.
From about the 9th century AD. e. There is evidence of the settlement of present-day Zimbabwe by a fairly developed culture, which is considered to belong to the Gokomere people, the ancestors of the current Shona. They founded the Munhumutapa Empire, whose capital was a city whose ruins are now known as Great Zimbabwe.
By the middle of the 15th century, when the Portuguese appeared on the Indian Ocean coast, this state covered almost the entire territory of Zimbabwe and part of Mozambique. After clashes with the Portuguese, the empire collapsed, although its fragments in the form of states of the Karanga tribe remained until the beginning of the 20th century. By the 17th century, part of the Shona tribes reunited into the Rozvi Empire, which managed to oust the Portuguese from the Zimbabwean plateau.
The Rozvi Empire ceased to exist in the mid-19th century when, as a result of the expansion of the Zulus under the leadership of Shaka, the Ndebele tribes moved into the territory of what is now southwestern Zimbabwe under the rule of King Mzilikazi. At the same time, gold deposits were discovered on the territory of Zimbabwe, and these lands fell into the zone of interests of the British Empire.
Rhodesia
In 1888, Cecil Rhodes, through John Moffett, negotiated a treaty with Lobengula, Mzilikazi's heir, which allowed the British to intervene in the economy of Matabeleland (southwestern Zimbabwe, inhabited by the Ndebele people). In 1899, through the efforts of the same Rhodes, the British South Africa Company received the right to develop vast territories, including present-day Zimbabwe and Zambia, since then known as Southern and Northern Rhodesia, respectively. In 1895, company troops entered Mashonaland (central and northern Zimbabwe), which marked the beginning of the colonization of these lands.
In 1896-1897, the black population (primarily the Shona and Ndebele) rebelled against British rule, but this rebellion, known as the (First) Chimurenga, failed completely, primarily due to catastrophic technological disruption. Already in the 20th century, the settlement of Southern Rhodesia by white settlers began.
In 1922, the British South Africa Company ceased to govern Southern Rhodesia. As a result of a referendum held mainly among white settlers, it did not join the Union of South Africa, but became a self-governing colony within the British Empire.
After the end of World War II and the beginning of the destruction of the colonial system, many African countries that gained independence chose the socialist path of development, while in South Africa (South Africa, Angola, Mozambique) power passed exclusively to the white minority. To avoid both of these extremes, in 1953 the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (including Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, that is, present-day Malawi) was organized with the status of a federal territory (no longer a colony, but not yet a dominion). However, ten years later, in 1963, the Federation collapsed when Zambia and Malawi gained independence.
The white government of Southern Rhodesia also demanded independence, but London refused to give it until power in the country was completely given to the black majority. In response, on 11 November 1965, Southern Rhodesia's Prime Minister Ian Smith declared independence, which was not recognized by Britain. The Commonwealth of Nations imposed economic sanctions on Southern Rhodesia, but they were not very effective. On December 16, 1966, by UN Security Council Resolution No. 232, UN sanctions were imposed on the government of Ian Smith in accordance with Article 41 of the UN Charter. In accordance with this resolution, the state prohibited the import of a number of goods from Southern Rhodesia (meat, pig iron, asbestos, chrome, sugar, tobacco, copper, iron ore, etc.).
In 1970, Smith declared Rhodesia a republic, which also did not receive international recognition.
Smith's government pursued a policy of segregation in Rhodesia that is often compared to apartheid, although strictly speaking this is not entirely true. Thus, instead of a “racial” qualification in Southern Rhodesia, a property qualification was often used, which still gave almost all power to the white minority.
The armed guerrilla struggle against the Rhodesian government was carried out by the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA), led by Robert Mugabe, and the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA), led by Joshua Nkomo, leader of the Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU), which had bases in neighboring South Africa. Rhodesian countries (for example, Botswana and Zambia) and supported by the USSR and China. After the socialists from FRELIMO came to power in Mozambique in 1975, the country became the main base for attacks by ZANLA and ZIPRA; It was from this year that the uprising received the name Second Chimurenga.
Despite the numerous successes of the Rhodesian special forces, Smith, in order to avoid a full-scale civil war, began negotiations with moderate black leaders from 1978, such as Abel Muzorewa of the United African National Congress or Ndabaningi Sitole of ZANU-Ndong. The country was named Zimbabwe-Rhodesia, and as a result of elections, a black majority was formed in parliament for the first time, although the judiciary or, for example, the army, were still mostly white. Abel Muzorewa became prime minister, supported by both Smith and the South African government, but he did not receive the full confidence of voters in Zimbabwe.
In accordance with the decisions of the Lancasterhouse Conference on December 12, 1979, power in Rhodesia-Zimbabwe was temporarily transferred to the British governor Lord Arthur Christopher John Soames and the disarmament of guerrilla groups took place. In the 1980 general elections, the radical wing of ZANU, the Zimbabwe African National Union, led by Robert Mugabe, won a landslide victory.
Mugabe's reign
In 1982, Nkomo was expelled from the government (due to the discovery of a cache of weapons), which caused discontent among his Ndebele tribesmen, resulting in riots. The government sent the mostly Shona Fifth Brigade to Matabeleland to fight them, during which many crimes were committed, with up to 20,000 people killed. It was not until 1987 that negotiations between ZANU and ZAPU resumed, and in 1988 they merged into a party called ZANU-PF.
Following the 1992 drought and subsequent famine, a state of emergency was declared; The IMF's recovery program only led to more discontent. The flow of refugees from the country has intensified, especially against the backdrop of the ongoing persecution of the Ndebele and the ANC coming to power in South Africa. As a result, the government decided to speed up land reform.
Up to 70% of the country's cultivable land was in the hands of the white minority (1% of the population), who acquired it mainly after the declaration of independence. Great Britain allocated millions of pounds sterling for the voluntary purchase of these lands by the Zimbabwean government, but their transfer to blacks was very slow. As a result, in 1999, the forced eviction of white farmers began with the transfer of their lands to blacks (mainly political supporters of Mugabe), which caused sharp criticism from the international community and primarily in Great Britain, which imposed economic sanctions against Zimbabwe. In 2002, the Commonwealth of Nations suspended Zimbabwe's membership due to human rights abuses and electoral fraud; in 2003, Mugabe himself announced Zimbabwe's withdrawal from the Commonwealth.
After the 2005 elections, during which the divided opposition was unable to challenge ZANU-PF, Mugabe announced the launch of Operation Murambatsvina (Shona “Get Out the Garbage”), ostensibly aimed at clearing the country of slums. Critics point out that it mainly affects the poorest sections of the population, especially the Ndebele.
The redistribution of land led to a sharp decline in agricultural productivity and a catastrophic rise in prices and unemployment (up to 80% of the adult population). In 2007, inflation was more than 4,500% per month (by the end of the year it exceeded 100,000%), and the country itself, which was previously an exporter of agricultural products, is forced to depend on humanitarian aid.
At the end of July 2008, inflation in Zimbabwe exceeded, according to the BBC, 321,000,000% per annum. On 21 July 2008, the government issued a 100 billion Zimbabwean dollar note. Moreover, with this money, approximately equal to one US dollar, it was possible to purchase only four oranges.
At the beginning of 2009, inflation in Zimbabwe exceeded 230 million percent per year. The Zimbabwean authorities have issued a banknote with a face value of 100 trillion Zimbabwean dollars.
Last changes: 05/16/2013When is the best time to go to Zimbabwe?
The best time to visit Zimbabwe for animal watching is from July to October, especially at Hwange Park, the country's largest game reserve.
Victoria Falls is recommended for visiting during the rainy season (April-May), as at this time of year it is at its fullest. To see the bizarre rock formations and gorges, you should go to the waterfall when the water level is low, i.e. at the end of the dry season (October-December).
The optimal time for rafting on the Zambezi is from August to December, when the water level is not very high.
Last changes: 05/16/2013Helpful information
Tap water in Zimbabwe is not potable, so we strongly recommend that you only use bottled water for drinking.
When shopping, you can bargain, but given the terrible economic situation in the country (95% of the population lives below the poverty line), you should not abuse it.
Last changes: 05/16/2013Economic disaster
The land reform carried out by the Mugabe government, supported by the “fight against racism” (forced, accompanied by pogroms, confiscation of land from whites and transfer of this land to blacks), led to devastation in the agricultural sector of the economy - the country turned from an exporter of agricultural products into an importer of food.
From 2000 to 2009, Zimbabwe's economy experienced a continuous decline. Unemployment exceeds 94%, and there are constant shortages of essential goods.
Average annual per capita income: $340 (World Bank data, 2007).
Monetary collapse
Due to the constant shortage of cash in the country, the Central Bank of Zimbabwe issued a banknote worth 200 thousand Zimbabwean dollars into circulation on August 1, 2007. But by the end of 2007, the government was forced to issue banknotes in denominations of 250, 500 and 750 thousand Zimbabwean dollars (200 thousand banknotes were withdrawn). Inflation in Zimbabwe in December 2007 amounted to 66,212% on an annual basis and 240% on a monthly basis, and at the end of 2007 - 100 thousand%. Inflation continued to grow, so in January 2008 it amounted to over 100 thousand% on an annual basis.
In the first half of 2008, the Zimbabwean government introduced a $50 million banknote into circulation. At the time of introduction, 50 million Zimbabwe dollars were worth about 1 US dollar. On July 19, 2008, the country announced the release of a banknote with a face value of 100 billion Zimbabwean dollars. December 4, 2008 Following the introduction of a 100 billion Zimbabwean dollar (921 US dollar) banknote in Zimbabwe, the government of this country announced the introduction of a new 200 billion dollar banknote. New banknotes now have an expiration date, after which the money becomes invalid. Now, with banknotes of this denomination, many residents will be able to immediately withdraw wages from their accounts.
In January 2009, inflation was 231 million percent per year.
In April 2009, the Zimbabwean government decided to suspend the functioning of the Zimbabwean dollar for one year, since its value was not backed by anything and it had virtually disappeared from circulation.
Denominations
August 1, 2006, the first denomination in Zimbabwe due to the onset of hyperinflation. Old dollars were exchanged for new ones at a rate of 1000:1.
On July 30, 2008, the head of the Central Bank of Zimbabwe, Gideon Gono, announced that on August 1, 2008, the Zimbabwe dollar would be denominated 10,000,000,000 times. Thus, 1 new ZWD equals 10 billion old ones. In addition, US dollars and Euros are allowed to circulate. This is also due to the fact that the production of one banknote costs more than the denomination of the bill itself, and also due to the fact that there is a shortage of paper in the country.
On February 2, 2009, the Central Bank of Zimbabwe carried out another denomination by removing 12 zeros from banknotes, thus, 1 trillion ZWD turned into 1, the rate of which was 0.25 US dollars (as of February 2).
In 2008, consumer prices rose by 6.5 novemdecillion percent (novemdecillion = 1060). There are no official statistics for Zimbabwe, but experts say prices in the country double every 24.7 hours.
On January 16, 2009, a banknote in denominations of 100,000,000,000,000 (100 trillion) Zimbabwean dollars was released.
Last changes: 05/16/2013How to get to Zimbabwe
There are no direct flights between Russia and Zimbabwe. You can get from Russia to Zimbabwe with an average of 1-2 transfers.
Flights with 1 stop are possible as follows:
From Russia to London on British Airways, then transfer to British Airways to Harare.
From Russia to London by any airline, then transfer to Air Zimbabwe.
Flights with one stop are quite expensive.
Flights with 2 transfers are possible as follows:
Airlines of the Gulf countries (Emirates, Qatar Airways) via Doha or Dubai and Johannesburg (South Africa);
By EgyptAir via Cairo and Johannesburg.
Zimbabwe airports accepting international flights are also located in Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. You can fly to them from South Africa.
You can fly from South Africa to Zimbabwe with South African Airways.
Attention!It is not recommended to fly with Air Zimbabwe, as the flight safety situation here is not clear.
Due to an international boycott against the policies of Robert Mugabe's government, the number of international flights to Zimbabwe has dropped significantly over the past few years.
On a ferryboat
Zimbabwe is landlocked, but has a cross-border ferry service on the Zambezi River to Zambia. Considering that it is much easier to use buses, it is unlikely that the Zambezi crossing will be of interest to tourists.
By train
Until recently, there were railway connections with three neighboring countries - South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique.
In the first case, passenger trains ran twice a week from Johannesburg to Harare and once a week from Johannesburg to Bulawayo.
Trains to Mozambique departed every other day from Harare and arrived in the Mozambican port city of Beira 12-15 hours later.
Unfortunately, all international traffic has now been stopped as a result of the international boycott and the collapse of the country's railway network as a whole.
By bus
Buses run from Harare to all neighboring countries. There is a particularly frequent connection with Johannesburg (South Africa), where up to 10 buses depart per day. Flights to South Africa are operated by Greyhound (greyhound.co.z a) and Translux (translux.co.za). In addition, the Victoria Falls - Windhoek (Namibia) bus runs daily, whose prices and schedule can be viewed on the InterCape website (intercape.co.za).
By car
There are land border crossings with all neighboring countries: Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique and South Africa. Below are the main international border crossings open to vehicles:
From South Africa: all freight and passenger transport, including trains, go through the Beit Bridge-Messina crossing (Beitbridge - Messina), a bridge over the Limpopo River.
With Zambia: two main crossings - Victoria Falls (Victoria Falls) at Victoria Falls and Chirundu (Chirundu) on the main highway Lusaka - Harare.
With Mozambique: the largest and most famous crossing is Mutare-Manica (Mutare - Manisha), Nyamapanda crossing (Nuamapanda) - the main transit route from Zimbabwe to Malawi via Mozambique.
With Botswana: Kazangulu (Kazangulu) in the area of Victoria Falls, Pandeatenga (Pandematenga) 100 km south of Victoria Falls and the Plumtree crossing (Plumtree) on the main highway Gaborone - Bulawayo - Harare.
Last changes: 03/19/2017While settling in the conquered territories, the British built several forts. The first was named after the Queen of Great Britain (now this is Masvingo), the northernmost one was named after Dr. Leander Jameson (Zambian Luangwa), and the third was named after the British Prime Minister the Marquis of Salisbury. In present-day Zambia, the chiefs retained greater independence and were reluctant to cede land to Europeans. Therefore, they decided to place the capital closer to the center of the colony, but where there would be more whites - Salisbury met all these requirements. In 1897 it received city status, and two years later acquired a railway line. In 1964, Zambia gained independence and Salisbury found itself pushed to the north of Rhodesia, but it was too late to change anything. Mugabe limited himself to renaming the capital in 1982 in honor of the clan leader who lived on the site of the city before the arrival of the whites.
Attractions in Harare
The center of Harare is considered to be the area formed by the streets of Samora Machel Avenue (Samora Machel Av., aka Jameson Av.), Robert Mugabe Road (Robert Mugabe Rd., aka Manica Rd.), Julius Nyerere Way (Julius Nyerere Way, aka Kings Way) and Sam Nujoma Street (Sam Nujoma St., aka Second St.): the first two go from west to east, the second two go from north to south. Despite the tight budgets of recent years, Harare remains one of the most attractive cities in Africa, which is worth spending at least a few hours exploring. A block from the 4th St. bus station. Terminal, on the corner of Robert Mugabe Road and Sam Nujoma Street, you can see the huge Eastgate shopping and office center (Eastgate Shopping Center)- a monument of modern bioarchitecture. From Mugabe Road onto Sam Nujoma Street, walk about 200m to Africa Unity Square. (African Unity, Africa Unity Sq). The green square with a fountain in the center has existed since 1890 and previously bore the name of S. Rhodes. On the north side you will see the Zimbabwean Parliament building (1895) , and next to it is the Anglican Cathedral of St. Mary and All Saints (St. Mary and All Saints Cathedral, 1913, architect G. Baker) in Romanesque style. Continuing along Sam Nujoma Street past the colonial administration buildings you will soon reach the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (National Gallery of Zimbabwe, about 0.5 km, +263-04704666, www.nationalgallery.co.zw; 9.00-17.00, adults/children 1/0.5 $). The palace, with its mosaic façade, sits on the edge of the neglected Harare Gardens. (Harare Gardens) and houses a collection of South African art, including contemporary art. The gallery has a nice gift shop. Then you can go to the pedestrian First Street (1st St.)- It runs parallel to Sam Nujoma Street to Robert Mugabe Road and is known for its restaurants and shops.
Coppier
Kopje, Skipper HosteA high hill southwest of the center, the oldest area and the most famous viewpoint of the city. Driving along Robert Mugabe Road.
National Botanical Garden
National Botanical Garden, Fifth St.Open during daylight hours
Entry $5
The 60-hectare garden contains about 800 species of flora collected from all over the country. Located in the northern part of the city, the site houses the headquarters of the Zimbabwe National Park Service (Central Reservations Office +263-04706077/8).
Museum of Human Exploration
Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences, Civic Center
Every day 9.00-17.00
Adults/children 1/0.5 $
Founded in 1902 as the Queen Victoria Museum. Located at the western end of Robert Mugabe Road. Known for its rich archaeological and ethnographic collections, including installations of traditional indigenous dwellings.
Hanging Rocks
Balancing Rocks, Epworth, Chiremba Rd.A cluster of original rocks in the middle of a forest in the south-eastern suburb of Eapworth (Chiremba). They are located 12 km from the city and are no less famous than the Matobo rocks.
Zoo "Wild is life"
DelportRoad
+263-779949821 (sms)
www.wildislife.org
Adults/children over 12 years old/under 12 years old 70/50/25 $
Private zoo and animal hospital in the vicinity of the airport south of Harare. Guests are accepted upon request from 1 5.30 to 18.30, minimum 6 people. Close interaction with animals, including tame cheetahs and antelopes.
How to get there and get around
international Airport (Harare International Airport, HRE, +263-04575164, 04575242, 04585009; information +263-04575-111) is located 12 km south of the center of Harare. You can get to the city by taxi (25 $) or by ordering delivery. The latter costs from $30 per car - if there are 3-4 passengers, you can save money. Contact Shuttle Direct (+263-04860366,0913295475; vww.shuttledirectzim.com, $40) or Defu Travel and Tours (+263-04747027, 04778803, +263-0772211634; www.defutravel.co.zw, $30). Another small airport is Charles Prince (Charles Prince Airport, +263-04302036) is located 10 km north of the city along the A1 highway and serves only charter flights.
There are two bus stations in the city:
- Road Port Bus Terminal (corner Robert Mugabe Rd. and 5th St., +263-04702828)- is located in the center and serves all flights of foreign companies arriving from South Africa, Zambia and Botswana. The transport from Johannesburg to Harare and back is the same as to Bulawayo - about 16 hours, about 450 rubles/65 $.
- Mbare Musika Bus Terminal (Ardbennie Rd.). Located in the southern part of the city, far from the center. Serves domestic and a few international flights. Most of the cars are so-called “chicken buses” (Chicken Bus), shabby and crowded. Of the major bus companies, this station is used by Pioneer Coaches and Kukura Kurerwa.
Blue Arrow machines (+263-04621055, 04621056) depart from the office of this company a stone's throw from the Road Port terminal. CityLink bus stop (+263-04772633, +263-0773083478, 0776999000; www.citylink.co.zw) located near the Rainbow Towers Hotel.
Train Station (Harare Railway Station, Kenneth Kaunda Av.) south of the center. You can walk along Sam Nujoma Street, but it is better to take a taxi. In Harare they cost about $1/1 km, but no less than $4-5 per trip. Well-known companies include Time Up Taxis (+263-0778254914) and Avondale Taxis (+263-04334-371, +263-0773585334, 077328-7691) .
Public transport in Harare is chaotic and unpredictable, but cheap (from 0.5 $). The main stations of city buses and minibuses are located in the center:
- Fourth Street Bus Terminal (corner of Robert Mugabe Rd. and 4th St.)- across the road from the Road Port terminal, you can get to Mbare Musika.
- Copacabana Rank (corner of Speke Av. and Chinhoyi St.)- one block west of City Hall (Town House).