Holiday in Harare

About Harare

Harare is the capital of Zimbabwe and a city that has surprisingly maintained a good quality of life despite decades of economic turmoil — known as the Sunshine City, it is located at an altitude of 1,490 meters and enjoys a spring-like climate year-round, with jacaranda-lined avenues, expansive parks, and a relaxed atmosphere that resembles more of a garden city than an African capital. The National Gallery of Zimbabwe, one of the best art galleries on the continent, houses the world's most significant collection of contemporary Shona sculptures — an art form that has made Zimbabwe world-famous: abstract and figurative stone sculptures made from serpentine, verdite, and opal, found in international museums and collections. The Chapungu Sculpture Park on the outskirts displays these works outdoors, among Msasa trees and rock formations. The Kopje, a granite hill in the city center, offers the best view over Harare and is also a historical site — here the British flag was raised in 1890, marking the beginning of colonization. The National Archives and the Museum of Human Sciences document the richer history: the Great Zimbabwe Civilization, the Matabele and Shona kingdoms, and the liberation struggle. Harare is also the gateway to Zimbabwe's spectacular natural wonders: the Victoria Falls (1 hour flight), the Great Zimbabwe Ruins (UNESCO, 4 hours by car), Hwange National Park, and the Eastern Highlands are all accessible.