First-time visitors are drawn to the head-spinning bustle and colour of Mbare
Market and the National Gallery's pre-colonial art. History buffs can
travel through Zimbabwean history at the National Archives while active types can
join organised safaris in the Mukuvisi Woodlands.
Travel Alert
Zimbabwe is undergoing a time of continuing political and economic tension and the
advice of the British Foreign Office is against all but essential travel. In the
current climate, visitors should exercise extreme caution, and avoid remote or
farming areas, demonstrations in high density suburban areas and public transport.
Contact the embassy for up-to-date advice on Zimbabwe.
Background
Harare is a city of contrasts from high-rise embassies in the business
district to shanty towns on the southern edges. In the centre
of Harare is tree-lined Africa Unity Square, the National Gallery's
collection of Zimbabwean art and the First Street shopping mile. The University of
Zimbabwe, Avondale's flea market and Borrowdale's restaurants and
malls are located north of the centre. The Mukuvisi Woodlands border
Harare to the east.
First-time visit
In hectic Mbare Market, traders pedal everything from witchdoctor potions to
handmade baskets. Jacaranda tree-fringed Africa Unity Square, where British
colonisers raised the Union Jack flag in 1890, is home to the Anglican
Cathedral, whose cloisters offer respite from the bustle outside. The nearby
National Gallery shelters a peerless collection of Zimbabwean Shona
sculptures.
Return visit
The National Archives on Borrowdale Road trace Zimbabwe's colonial past
with notebooks, reports and missionary diaries. Visitors seeking peace can escape to
the tropical Ewanrigg Botanical Gardens or walk to the top of Kopje
hill for views of Harare's skyline. Guided tours of Harare's Tobacco
Auctions, which are among some of the world's largest, offer a
fascinating insight into the trade. For a taste of Zimbabwean safari, spot
wildebeest and zebra on a day trip to the Mukuvisi Woodlands.
Please note that you won't be able to make changes to your hotel or car booking. If you want to change your booking you will have to cancel your current booking and make a new booking. This can be done on ba.com.
We cannot guarantee that the same hotel room or car rental option will still be available if you have to cancel and make a new booking.
