Founded in 1890, and named after a local Shona chief - 'Harare' - (the one who never sleeps) the capital city has attractive multi-story buildings, and wide pavements, creating an air of careful planning and spaciousness. (beware of broken pavements). Leafy, tree-lined avenues surround the Central Business District.

Shops in the CBD offer a wide selection of commodities - there are supermarkets, florists, pharmacies, curio, clothing and bookshops as well as departmental stores. Banks and Post Offices are conveniently situated. There are quieter and more hassle free shopping complexes located in Harare's' suburbs (See Shopping Centers below)

Taxis are available, and can be contacted through your hosts. Be sure to get an estimate before your trip, especially if the taxi is not metered.

Coach and Bus Services. Harare Road Port on the corner of Robert Mugabe Road/4th Street is the terminus for coach arrivals and departures between Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, Namibia and Tanzania. (Tel. 263-4-702828 for enquiries)

Local services are as follows: - (There is a significant difference between a bus and a coach!). Mbare Musika is a bustling conglomeration of people and vehicles in a high density area of Harare. Beware of pickpockets.

Air Travel. Commercial, international, regional and local flights arrive and depart from Harare International Airport (HIA), with the exception of direct international flights to Victoria Falls. There are onward passenger flights to and from Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Kariba. For enquiries contact Department of Civil Aviation Tel. 263-4-585008-30. Air Zimbabwe Passenger and Flight enquiries 263-4-58202111-4. Charles Prince and HIA handle private and charter flights (Charles Prince Airport Manager 263-4-304569)

Railway Transport - The railway station is on Kenneth Kaunda Avenue. From here passenger trains depart daily to Bulawayo and Mutare. Reservation office hours Monday to Friday 0700 hrs – 1600hrs - Tel: 263-4-78604307 or 78604416. Their information office is available on 263-4-78604709 or 78604478. .

Security - Cameras and rucksacks attract attention. Carry bare essentials when walking and keep money out of sight. It is best not to walk alone at night. Motorists should keep handbags, brief cases and cell-phones on the floor of the car. Keep windows lowered as little possible when stop-start driving in the city and its surrounds.

Beggars -There have been cases of adults sending children to beg for them. Should you feel inclined a loaf of bread or some fruit would ensure that the child benefits.

Street Kids - our non-official car watchers. They will help you find a parking space - do not let them talk you into parking in a non-parking zone!

Parking - Pre-paid Discs for street parking may be bought from Municipal Parkade cashiers (Samora Machel Ave./Union Ave. and Julius Nyerere Way/Nelson Mandela Ave.) and from any District Office or Post Office. Parking is available in the two municipal parkades without discs, merely paying the hourly rate. There are two privately operated parkades. Beware; Harare operates a 'tow-away' policy in the CBD.

Shopping Centres - Harare has low density and high-density suburbs, all with their own shopping centres. Sam Levy's Village and Westgate are a two satellite complexes well worth a visit, the first along the Borrowdale Road and the other on Lomagundi Road. Westgate boasts a cinema and a food court. Each has its own unique characteristics, but common to both are the wide range of shops, and no road crossings to negotiate. Doon Estate in Msasa has a concentration of fascinating craft and curio shops.

Sporting Facilities include several championship golf courses, tennis, squash, bowls, horse riding and soccer.

What to Pack - Harare climate is bordering on perfect. Summer days call for comfortable cotton-type clothing with pac-a-mac and/or umbrella. Evenings are temperate - no warm clothing is necessary. Winter days outdoors are warm and sunny, with possibly a cool breeze, indoors is cold. Warm clothing that is easily shed and put on through temperature changes would be ideal. Winter evenings are cold.