Harare

Zimbabwe’s elegant and modern capital city, Harare sits atop a wide plateau at an altitude of almost 1,500 metres, meaning it has a pleasant climate all year round. Indeed, Harare is a very different city to how many perceive it, with wide, jacaranda-lined boulevards, elegant buildings and a thriving art and food scene.That said, it almost always serves as an overnight stop only, with visitors spending a night here before heading off in to the east of the country, or spending their final night in Zimbabwe in Harare after a late arrival from the Mana Pools National Park. There are some excellent restaurants for dinner and if time permits a tour of some of the city’s art installations is an interesting way to spend your trip. Accommodation is principally in the larger hotels that characterise many African cities, although there is an increasing number of small boutique properties on offer, which are ideal for visitors looking to enjoy a taste of local life.