Harare
Harare is the capital city of Zimbabwe and the base of operations for all incoming flights, trains and even self-drive trips around the country. With a wonderful climate – warm to hot in summer and cool and dry in winter, the city has a natural tendency to look attractive with its wide streets and lovely trees and champagne air.
Of main interest are the craft markets and the unique Shona sculptures which are prolifically created throughout the region from wood or soapstone. The city is built in the highveld, 1,500m above sea level and was first developed by early pioneers looking for gold. Originally called Salisbury in Cecil John Rhodes' time, the city has seen three dramatic changes in government; from the British to the Rhodesians to Robert Mugabe’s Shona party ZANU-PF.
The name "harare" is borrowed from the first Shona inhabitants called Ne-Harawa after the regional chief – Haarare ("one who does not sleep"). Built on top of a kopje (inselberg), it was controlled by the Mbare people who inevitable fought with the next tribe to come along; Chief Gutsa and his followers. The Mbare people eventually moved up north of the Zambezi Valley while the Chief Gutsa was overtaken by the arrival of Major Frank Johnson who led the British South Africa Company.
Used mainly as an overnight stop before or after a safari, as it has several very good hotels convenient to the airport. There are a few safari lodges which are not far from the city that offer game viewing activities as well as great opportunities for day trips.
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Our Recommended Tours
Lower Zambezi River - Kariba to Chirundu - 3 days/2 nights
Special price valid November to June (low season).
This semi-participatory canoe safari options begins and ends in Kariba (we can meet you in Lusaka and transfer you to Kariba); we recommend spending the night prior to trip departure in Kariba town. This is a self-contained safari. All equipment and food is carried in the canoes and there is no vehicle back up apart from pick-up and drop off. They are to a small extent participatory; however the guides do the cooking and washing up.
Lower Zambezi River - Mana Pools to Chewore - 4 days/3 nights
Special price valid November to June (low season).
This semi-participatory canoe safari options begins and ends in Kariba (we can meet you in Lusaka and transfer you to Kariba); we recommend spending the night prior to trip departure in Kariba town. This is a self-contained safari. All equipment and food is carried in the canoes and there is no vehicle back up apart from pick-up and drop off. They are to a small extent participatory; however the guides do the cooking and washing up.
Lower Zambezi River - Kariba to Mana Pools National Park 6 days/5 nights
Special price valid November to June (low season period).
This semi-participatory canoe safari options begins and ends in Kariba (unless by other arrangement); we recommend spending the night prior to trip departure in Kariba town. This is a self-contained safari. All equipment and food is carried in the canoes and there is no vehicle back up apart from pick-up and drop off. They are to a small extent participatory; however the guides do the cooking and washing up.
Lower Zambezi River = Mana Pools to Kanyemba - 6 nights/5 days
The special price is valid November to June (low season).
This semi-participatory canoe safari options begins and ends in Kariba (unless by other arrangement); we recommend spending the night prior to trip departure in Kariba town. This is a self-contained safari. All equipment and food is carried in the canoes and there is no vehicle back up apart from pick-up and drop off. They are to a small extent participatory; however the guides do the cooking and washing up.
Lower Zambezi - Chirundu to Kanyemba - 8 days/7 nights
Special price valid November to June per person (low season).
This semi-participatory canoe safari options begins and ends in Kariba (we can meet you in Lusaka and transfer you to Kariba); we recommend spending the night prior to trip departure in Kariba town. This is a self-contained safari. All equipment and food is carried in the canoes and there is no vehicle back up apart from pick-up and drop off. They are to a small extent participatory; however the guides do the cooking and washing up.
Other Options
Harare is the hub for accessing the rest of Zimbabwe including the Zambezi River - Victoria Falls, Mana Pools National Park and Lake Kariba.
Daily scheduled flights to Bulawayo encourage visiting the Matobo and Gona-re-Zhou and self-driving to the Eastern Highlands and Great Zimbabwe on tarmac roads is achieved relatively easily from Harare.
Zimbabwe Safari Spots
Victoria Falls | Mana Pools National Park | Matusadona National Park | Lake Kariba | Hwange National Park | Gona-Re-Zhou | Eastern Highlands | Matobo Hills | Great Zimbabwe | Mavuradonha | Chizarira | Bulawayo
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