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Harare- Zimbabwe Overview
A guide to hotels, lodgings as well as what to see and do in Harare
- the capital of Zimbabwe
Harare has no absolutely compelling sights but is a pleasant and compact
city with a population of more than a million people.
Set in the natural garden of the Zimbabwe highveld 1 500 metres above
sea level, Harare is a city of trees and gardens nurtured by champagne
air and a temperate climate.The name `Harare' means in the Shona language
`the one who does not sleep' and indeed Harare is a city with many stimulating
attractions
Harare has some very interesting markets where the visitor can find
a wealth of local arts and crafts.
Shona sculpture is unique to Zimbabwe and there are many places where
you can view or purchase works by internationally successful artists.
There are various safari camps and lodges which are not far from the
city. There is a large variety to choose from, all providing excellent
accommodation and game viewing activities as well as great opportunities
for day trips
History of Harare
The city borrows its name from the first Shona inhabitants of the marshy
flats near The Kopje (inselberg) on which it stands today, who were
themselves called Ne-Harawa after the regional chief - Haarare (one
who does not sleep). The Mbare people, under the rule of the lower Chief
Mbare, controlled the kopje itself. When Chief Gutsa later came to settle
in what is now the suburb of Hillside, the inevitable conflict between
the two groups, resulted in the killing of Chief Mbare. The Mbare people,
moved away, ultimately destined for the rugged western plateau, just
north of the Zambezi Valley. Gutsa's success at small-scale combat was
no match however for the subsequent intruders.
11 September 1890 saw the arrival of the Major Frank Johnson led British
South Africa Company's (BSAC) pioneer column, and their discovery of
Gutsa's kopje. Two days later, the Union Jack was raised at the present
site of Africa Unity Square and the anticipated settlement was named
Fort Salisbury. The Mashonaland area was believed to be favourable for
agriculture, a great source of gold and ripe for expropriation by the
colonists. The land was subdivided and the civilian members of the column
given 1250 hectares of land and fifteen mining claims each.
Booking through Afrizim / Flame of Africa
We are specialists in the area
We co-ordinate airport and road transfers and can arrange all activities
Special Tour
Packages from South Africa with flights
We offer a wide selection of accommodation and safaris with no preferred
operator at best possible rates Contact
Us. By email:
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and Do in Harare >>
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