Harare is the capital of Zimbabwe.
Understand
Its name is a derivative of a Shona tale. A King was seriously ill and his subjects thought that he was not going to 'sleep' and live another day. In Shona 'Ha a rare' literally means He will not sleep. And the place where the sick king lived became to be known as 'Chikomo che HA A RARE' meaning the mountain where he won't sleep.
Harare is home to some two million people, with most in central Harare but some 500,000 in the surrounding districts of Rural Harare, Chintungwiza and Epworth. Once a city of modern buildings, wide thoroughfares, numerous parks and gardens, it is now in increasing disrepair thanks to Zimbabwe's economic downward spiral.
Get in
By plane
Harare's airport is the major gateway for flights into the country. Air Zimbabwe also operates a small network of domestic flights. International flights are easily available, with Air Zimbabwe with flights direct to London and Johannesburg. In recent times Air Zimbabwe flights often had to be cancelled due to a lack of spare parts and fuel. Flights are however more frequent now foreign airliners include South African Airways and low-fare Kulula.com , both flying from South Africa's Johannesburg International Airport.
By car
A National Road from Johannesburg allows easy access. Buses are easily available ranging from greyhound to the local ones for those saving
Get around
Although the best option to get around is by car, it can become difficult, as there are fuel shortages in Zimbabwe.
Since Zimbabwe redistributed farms, there have been limited exports, meaning there is no foreign currency available to import fuel into Zimbabwe. All gas stations in the country have been closed since about 2004, and the only way to buy fuel is on the black market from someone who has brought it in bottles in the back of his or her car from a neighbouring country. Buying and selling fuel is illegal in Zimbabwe, so be discreet. Prices are about 30-40% higher than those in South Africa (where the bulk of smuggled fuel comes from)
Roads: The condition of the roads in Zimbabwe has deteriorated dramatically in recent years since the government has failed to maintain them. Most of the country is now without street lights. The main highways are still in a good state of repair outside of the cities - traffic is so light now that damage from trucks is minimal. You should be OK without a 4x4 unless you head into rural areas and game parks. If you enter from South Africa, be sure that your insurance waiver is valid for travel in Zimbabwe.
See
There is a strong appreciation for the city's cultural and historical heritage and a number of the older buildings have been preserved. The Mining Pension Fund Building at Central Avenue and Second Street is one example and many more are to be found along Robert Mugabe Road between Second Street and Julius Nyerere Way.
