DISTANCE FROM HARARE AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTRE

Formerly it was known as Harare International Airport, the Robert Gabriel Mugabe Airport is the main airport of Harare. This airport serves the populace of the city and is situated at a distance of 14 kilometers from the airport. Usually, it takes about 20-30 minutes to travel from the airport to the city center, though this might vary depending on a variety of factors like road conditions and traffic. You might have booked your ticket on economy flights or first class flights you can definitely be assured of easily commuting from Harare Airport to go to the destination of your choice in the city.

HARARE AIRPORT TRANSPORT

You can easily go from Harare International Airport to the city center. A detailed description of the different modes of commuting is given right below:-

Taxi: The taxi takes about 25 minutes to go from the Airport hub to the center of the city.

Ride Sharing Apps: Additionally, you can also avail of services of ride-share apps like Handei and G-Taxi in the city.

Airport Pick and Drop Services: The added benefit of taking First Class flights is that the airline will arrange for your pick and drop from the airport.

These vehicles are available at locations right outside the airport terminal. Public buses and minibusses called “kombis” also operate between the airport and the city center. The only flipside is that they can be crowded and their schedules might be erratic.

While selecting the mode of transport to travel from the airport to the city center be sure to weigh different parameters like cost and convenience.

FLYING TIME FROM GATWICK TO HARARE

It takes roughly 10 hours to travel between Gatwick to Harare. However, the length of a flight might vary based on a variety of parameters like:- 

Weather

Flight Path

Exact route chosen

Air traffic 

It is advisable to book your flight on business class flights or premium economy flights if you wish to travel in a carefree manner. The main benefit is that, on these particular flight classes any specific requirement that you might have such as onboard Wi-Fi, in-flight entertainment, or special meals will surely be addressed.

ATTRACTIONS IN HARARE

The city of Harare is surrounded by sprawling African plains and wondrous wildlife. Traveling in this dynamic and charming city, you can lose yourself for days. A list of the locales to visit in Harare, Zimbabwe are:- 

“Wild is Life” Grand Zimbabwe: “Wild is Life” makes for an unforgettable afternoon, where you will be able to see how wild animals are treated with the utmost respect before releasing them back into their native habitat. You will be definitely in awe to observe the conservation efforts undertaken by the Zimbabwean authorities to preserve the country’s natural heritage.

The Thetford Game Reserve: Covering about 3300 hectares of beautiful countryside as well as mountainous terrain, it is located about 30 kilometers from the center of Harare. It''s around 30 kilometers from the center of Harare and has about 3300 hectares of stunning rural and mountainous terrain. With over 150 types of birds that are exclusive to Africa, it is a veritable wonderland filled with exotic animals. It is truly an idyllic piece of paradise, which is teeming with rare flora and fauna unique to Africa.

National Botanic Gardens: Situated a few kilometers from the city center, in the suburbs of Alexandra Park, the National Botanic Gardens is home to many exotic trees and plants from faraway places like South America, India, and the Far East. The park makes for an excellent picnic setting and a welcoming retreat on scorching Harare afternoons.

National Heroe’s Acre: The shrine was established to honor the efforts of brave freedom fighters of Zimbabwe. Every year it’s the central venue to host Independence Day celebrations. The “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” is one of the other noteworthy sites in its vicinity.

Chapungu Sculpture Park: The Chapungu Sculpture Park was created in 1970 as a venue to properly showcase the skill of local stone sculptors. Since then, it has flourished to become one of the most prominent exhibitions of Zimbabwean stone sculptures. You will be able to witness works done by many important sculptors from all over the African continent. 

Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences: Well-known for housing some really old artifacts and relics that tell you loads about ancient African life in the region. Popular artifacts include stone sculptures, ancient crockery, and stone utensils. The most popular attraction of the museum is the Lemba artifact Ngoma Lungundu, the oldest wooden object ever found in sub-Saharan Africa. To cap it all you can also view, stone instruments known as the ‘drum of the dead’ which are famous for finding usage in various oral traditions of the area.

Over the years, this city has cemented its standing as a good tourist destination. A visit to the destinations written above will surely help you get a better idea of what this city is all about.

SHOPPING IN HARARE

Founded as a small trading outpost in 1890 by British settlers, over the years it has grown into one of the best shopping hubs in Southern Africa. In the markets, you can purchase things unique to Zimbabwe such as Fabrics, Ceramics, and basket Weaving Equipment. Fully soak in the ancient history, craftsmanship skills par excellence of the people of this wondrous land.

Patrick Mavros: If you are on the lookout for authentic jewelry, then this is the place to visit. On display, you will find artifacts that are both authentic and affordable. The shop is situated in a location where you will get a truly spectacular view of the wildlife in the valley inside the city. The basic objective of the owners of this brand is to become Africa’s definitive luxury brand, as well as creators of ladies’ and men’s jewelry in silver and gold and exquisite art objects for display at home.

Kikis: A Dutch-owned arts and craft shop situated just a short distance from Patrick Mavros. This enterprise specializes in dealing in local furniture, hand-painted porcelain artifacts, and wooden stools. Visitors may anticipate a distinctive shopping experience that includes personalized treatment to go along with the extensive selection of gifts, African artifacts, furniture, fabrics, leather ware, jewelry, and ceramics available.

Eastgate Center: Most of the merchandise which is sold in this outlet are works showcasing local styles. Also, several restaurants are serving local and international dishes. The most unique thing about this shopping mall is its unique design inspired by a termite mound. A truly classic example of eco-friendly building design inspired by nature. 

Avondale Shopping Center: This hotel is situated about 3kn North of the Central Business District in Harare. A hit with backpackers, this shopping venue is home to many cafes, restaurants, and bars. There are also shops selling all kinds of electronic devices such as smartphones, Apple products and laptops.

Mbare Market: An authentic outdoor Zimbabwean market that is full of cultural diversity, this is truly a must-see for anybody visiting Harare. A distribution center for agricultural produce in Zimbabwe, you definitely will not beat the prices that you get in this amazing wholesale outlet. You will also find world-class artistically crafted handmade products of different sorts. The experience will truly be one of a kind.

No trip to Southern Africa should be complete without paying a visit to the markets of Harare. You will surely find many souvenirs as well as happy memories to take back home with you. Including the above destinations in your itinerary is a must.

NIGHTLIFE IN HARARE

Harare has a thriving nightlife with a variety of entertainment opportunities for both locals and tourists. Harare boasts an exciting nightlife, with a plethora of hip clubs, bars, and discos thumping to the newest African beats. For residents, foreigners living abroad, and tourists hoping to party late into the night, it is a veritable paradise. There are plenty of gaming and entertainment options to meet your needs in this wonderful city. Some of the popular venues for you to visit at night are:-

Bars and Nightclubs: Looking for a night of fun in Harare? There are many things for you to do in this vibrant city. A few of the popular avenues are The Volt, The Book Café, and Club Sankayi. One of the main hangouts for young people in the city is these nightclubs, which contain gastropubs and microbreweries specializing in a variety of beers. If you know about how the people of Harare have a good time, here is the place to go.

Live Music Venues: It can be asserted with full confidence, that the music scene here is extremely vibrant. You will find bands and artists playing music from a range of genres. Afro-jazz, reggae, and hip-hop are the types of music that are most popular with locals in this city.

Restaurants and Wine Bars: Maestro Restro Lounge & Bar, The Centurion Pub and Grill, and Tin Roo are a few of the locations frequented by people looking for a lively atmosphere accompanied by quality entertainment. With options like live music, DJ sets, or themed night the restaurants in Harare offer everybody an opportunity to get a fantastic dining experience in addition to great entertainment.

Casino: Harare is a city in Zimbabwe containing many gambling avenues. Home of the largest Casinos in the country, namely the Regency Casino Harare & Rainbow Towers Hotel you should feel free to try out your luck at winning a lottery.

Like most metro cities in the globe, Harare truly comes alive at night. Just step out and have a wonderful nocturnal adventure in this metropolis. This city undoubtedly provides everything you could want, whether you''re searching for a place to go dancing, take in live music, or just have a drink with your travel companions. With individuals from various walks of life getting together and having a great time, weekends are especially exciting.

WHERE TO GET FOREX CONVERTED IN HARARE

There are many places in Zimbabwe where you can go and convert the British Pound to the local currency, the Zimbabwean Dollar. A brief list of the different venues where you can go in the city and have the money converted are:

Airport: Travelers can easily convert foreign currencies at airports and some hotels in Harare. The locations may have extremely expensive service charges, which is the only drawback to using this currency exchange option.

Financial institutions: You may exchange currencies at some institutions in like Zimbabwe, Including Stanbic Bank, Nedbank, First Capital, and FBC Bank Limited. You may be required to pay between one and three percent of the total conversion cost.

GREAT EATING PLACES IN HARARE

Harare, the bustling capital of Zimbabwe boasts of a wealth of varied restaurants. Are you in town, and are on the lookout to grab a bite? Read on below to know which outlets are where you can visit:-

Emmanuel’s Restaurant at Bronte Hotel: Looking for an exceptional dining experience? Then Emmanuels Restaurant will surely fit the bill. You will be offered great service and a delightful and exhaustive menu. For all enthusiasts of fine dining, this upscale Victorian-style restaurant surely will not disappoint you. The perfect place where a tired traveler can come and dine comfortably after a tiring day of sightseeing. 

Victoria 22: This an exceptional location to enjoy your meal, away from the grind of Harare. The highlights of the menu are a diverse selection of dishes ranging from French-inspired delicacies to other African creations. Set up in an old colonial building, this place is a hit with both the citizens of Harare and visitors from abroad. Surely the outlet is one of the best venues where you should visit if you wish to savor continental cuisine while in Harare.

Amanzi Restaurant: Situated amongst the upscale Amanzi Lodge, this hotel brings unique flavors and tastes to diners in Africa. Set far from the hectic city, the decor reminds you of Africa long gone by. The unique selling point of this restaurant is fusion food sourced from all corners of the world as well as farm-to-table ingredients which are grown organically within the hall premises. If you dine here, then surely a mark will be left on your taste buds and you will be able to take home cherished memories for the fun food experience.

Sitar: The restaurant which has been founded by expatriates who have come from India, bites. Pay a visit here if you wish to try out some original Indian cuisine. These include samosas, tikkas, and a huge assortment of breads and curries. With mouth-watering food of great quality combined with pleasant surroundings as well as attentive staff, a visit here should be on the cards of somebody coming to Harare. 

Alo Alo: Do you wish to savor authentic Zimbabwean and African cuisine? Then the hotel Alo Alo is perfect for you to visit. Creating deliciously styled homemade meals and up-close and personal attention given by staff will surely make you fall in love with Alo Alo. An exhaustive menu as well as a vibrant setting is just perfect for a family outing.

Harare is a gastronome paradise. You will find many places where you will be able to go on a culinary adventure and satiate your tastebuds. All people who wish to savor typical South African cuisine should decide to visit this city.

HOTELS STAY IN HARARE

Harare is the economic capital of Zimbabwe. It is frequently visited by entrepreneurs, traders, administrators, and tourists from all corners of the globe. To cater to their needs, a thriving hotel industry has also come up in the city. Some of the best locations where you can put up during your visit to the city are listed right below:-

Meikles Hotel (5 Stars)

Address: Sam Nujoma Street, Jason Moyo Ave, Harare, Zimbabwe

For over a century, the Meikles Hotel has been acclaimed for providing visitors to Harare with charming and stellar service. With a variety of features such as stylish rooms, upscale dining options, and stunning views of the skyline, you will have an enjoyable stay here. Thanks to the intelligent efforts of the hotel staff, it has obtained top ratings on numerous blogs and magazines covering developments in the tour and travel industry.

Cresta Lodge Harare (5 Stars)

Address: Cnr Samora Machel Avenue East Robert Mugabe Road, Harare Zimbabwe

Located in tranquil surroundings on the outskirts of Harare, the beautiful Cresta Lodge provides an environment where you can mix business and pleasure in perfect harmony. With full attention to detail as well as top-quality facilities you will surely feel the true warmth of African hospitality here.

York Lodge (5 Stars)

Address: 1 York Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe

Located in the heart of Harare, just a five-minute drive away from the city center and 15 minutes from Harare International Airport, this hotel is ideal for somebody who has come for official purposes or on a holiday. With exceptional staff and round-the-clock security, you will surely feel welcome in this one-of-a-kind hotel.

The Bronte Garden Hotel (4-Star)

Address: Baines Ave, Harare, Zimbabwe

With friendly staff giving excellent services, clean accommodations, comfortable beds and a lovely view of the city this hotel is all that you might ask for after a tiring day either working or sightseeing. Thanks to the efforts of the management, the hotel has obtained top ratings on many different parameters of evaluation such as food, service, amenities, and location. All in all a wonderful destination to put up.

Willow Lodge, Harare - B&B Harare Accommodation (4 Star)

Address: 3 Willowmead Lane, Colne Valley, Harare, Zimbabwe

With popular amenities like free parking, Wi-Fi, and complimentary breakfast in a set-up with an outdoor pool and gardens this accommodation is a major hit with tourists coming to Harare. Added advantages of staying here are proximity to tourist attractions like the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Haka Game Park, and Mukuvisi Woodlands.

Cresta Jameson (4 Star)

Address: Samora Machel, Park St, Harare, Zimbabwe

This hotel offers all visitors with comfortable and affordable accommodation. The uniqueness of the facilities provided makes this resort suitable for a variety of travelers such as couples, families, and corporate guests. Probably the best aspect of staying here is that specially prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner are also available on special request. Truly, this is a one-of-a-kind hotel.

Cresta Oasis Hotel (3 Star)

Address: 124 Nelson Mandela Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe 

A truly great option for all those who value elegance and comfort. A family-friendly resort, situated near attractions like Africa Unity Square and Harare Gardens everybody looking for accommodations providing quality amenities and proximity to tourist attractions should choose to put up here.

A hit with tourists looking to travel frugally because a variety of amenities are available at really reasonable rates.

Sunbird Guest House (3 Star)

Address: 3 Moulsham Rd, Dawn Hill Estate, off Springfield Rd, Greendale Ave, Harare, Zimbabwe

A great place to stay in a nice suburb of Harare and is equipped with a variety of facilities like free valet parking and an indoor swimming pool. This resort is ideal for backpackers and middle-class travelers. Quality accommodation at affordable prices is provided here.

You might be coming to Harare on a business trip or for sightseeing, there are plenty of spaces where you will be able to put up. A truly wonderful experience awaits you in Harare. Our team of experts at Pack and Fly will be able to assist you in booking tickets and getting hotel reservations across an array of budgets.