Discover Harare, the "City of Flowers," and Experience a Different Zimbabwe
Discover Harare, the "City of Flowers," and experience a different Zimbabwe.
1. Pre-trip Preparations
1. Visa: Zimbabwe offers a visa-on-arrival policy for Chinese citizens. Application requirements include a passport with at least six months of validity remaining, round-trip air tickets, hotel bookings or a valid invitation letter, completing an application form at the port of entry, and a fee of USD 60. You can also apply for a visa in advance at the Zimbabwean Embassy in China, located at No. 7, Dongsanjie Street, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District, Beijing.
2. Currency: The main currency used in Zimbabwe is the US dollar. Please be aware of the foreign exchange shortage in Zimbabwe. Traveler's checks cannot guarantee access to foreign currency cash, so it is recommended to carry an appropriate amount of US dollar cash.
3. Clothing: Harare is situated at an altitude of 1,480 meters and has an average annual temperature of 18°C. The weather is cool and spring-like year-round, making it pleasant in all seasons. However, there can be significant temperature differences between day and night, so it's advisable to bring a light jacket. If you plan to visit nature reserves, comfortable and lightweight outdoor clothing and athletic shoes are recommended.
4. Other items: Essential medications (such as cold medicine, stomach medicine, mosquito repellent, etc.), sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat), and a travel adapter (local voltage is 220-240V, with British-style three-pin sockets).
2. Best Time to Travel
April to August are the best months for travel, as there is less rainfall during this period. June and July are the coldest months of the year, with sunny days and possible frost at night. October to January is the hottest period, with December and January being the rainy season. However, Harare is suitable for travel year-round, with different scenery in different seasons. For example, from mid-September to October, the jacaranda trees lining the streets are in full bloom, creating a beautiful "purple snowfall" effect over the city. However, October is also the hottest month of the year in Zimbabwe.
3. Transportation Guide
1. International Transportation: Currently, there are no direct flights between China and Zimbabwe, so you will need to transit through a third country. For example, you can choose Ethiopian Airlines, which stops in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, before flying to Harare.
2. Local Transportation:
- Taxis: Taxis are a convenient option for getting around the city. However, be sure to choose a reputable taxi company and negotiate the fare before getting in to avoid being overcharged.
- Car Rental: If you prefer to travel independently, renting a car is a good option. However, keep in mind that Zimbabwe drives on the left side of the road and follows British driving rules and regulations. You must strictly adhere to local traffic laws. Turning on a red light is prohibited, and roads near the Presidential Palace are closed after 6 pm, so plan alternative routes. When driving in rural areas, be aware of livestock and wildlife that may cross the road unexpectedly. Stop and give way to animals crossing the road.
4. Must-See Attractions
1. Balancing Rocks Park: Located south of Harare, this park is famous for its incredible balancing rocks. The park is filled with towering rock formations in various shapes and sizes, such as the Flying Boat Rock and the Egg Rock, resembling a giant's game of building blocks. It's a perfect spot for art sketching and enjoying the beauty of nature.
2. Chapungu Sculpture Park: This park is representative of Zimbabwean stone sculpture, which was hailed by Newsweek as the artistic expression of 20th-century Africa. Here, you can admire exquisite stone sculptures and experience the unique artistic charm of the region.
3. WILD IS LIFE Animal Sanctuary (closed on Sundays and Mondays): This sanctuary operates on the principle of "ONE BY ONE," rescuing every wild animal in need. Here, you can see baby giraffes lower their heads to touch your cheek and baby elephants raise their trunks to kiss your nose. You can get up close and personal with these adorable animals and understand the importance of animal conservation.
4. National Gallery of Zimbabwe: The gallery houses a vast collection of works by Zimbabwean and other African artists, including paintings, sculptures, and handicrafts. It's a great place to learn about African art and culture.
5. Holiday Market: Open almost every weekend, locals bring their interesting wares to sell. You can find various handicrafts, including Zimbabwe's famous wood and stone carvings, at almost every stall. After dusk, you can enjoy the energetic beat of African drums and watch original dance performances by local youths, immersing yourself in the vibrant local atmosphere.
5. Local Cuisine
1. Sadza: This is Zimbabwe's traditional staple food, made from cornmeal and water, resulting in a soft and sticky texture. It is typically served with a meat stew called Nyama, usually made with beef or chicken, and occasionally with crocodile or antelope meat. You can find Sadza in various restaurants in Harare, including local specialty restaurants and popular eateries. Locals typically eat Sadza with their hands, but restaurants also provide cutlery for tourists.
2. Local Barbecue: Various meats are grilled over charcoal, creating a mouthwatering aroma. Served with unique sauces, it offers a distinct flavor. You can find barbecue at street stalls or restaurants.
3. Chinese Restaurants: If you're not accustomed to local food, Harare has several Chinese restaurants, such as the Shangri-La Hotel and the Great Wall Hotel, where you can enjoy familiar Chinese dishes to satisfy your cravings. Dishes like hot pot chicken, stir-fries, and noodles are available.
6. Accommodation Recommendations
1. Meikles Hotel: This five-star hotel offers high-quality accommodation with comprehensive facilities and attentive service. Located in the bustling city center, it provides convenient access to shopping and transportation.
2. Rainbow Towers Hotel: Another five-star hotel with stunning views and a comfortable environment. The hotel typically features restaurants, a fitness center, and other amenities.
3. Harare Wanyi 43 Homestay: This homestay offers a more local experience at a potentially more affordable price. It allows you to experience the local living atmosphere and is suitable for travelers seeking a personalized stay. The homestay owner may also provide practical tips for local excursions.
7. Important Notes
1. Safety: Some areas of Harare pose safety risks. The city center can be crowded, so be vigilant against pickpockets and avoid displaying valuables. Keep your handbags and briefcases secure at all times. Unless you have pre-arranged transportation with a reliable operator or are familiar with your destination, avoid driving or walking at night to prevent getting lost or becoming a target. Also, avoid carrying excessive cash or displaying expensive items.
2. Photography Restrictions: Avoid taking photos of sensitive areas such as military installations, the US Embassy, the Presidential Palace, the Parliament Building, and government departments. After 6 pm, the road near the Presidential Palace is closed to traffic, and photography is also prohibited in this area.
3. Customs Regulations: You must complete a customs declaration form upon entry and exit, accurately declaring all items you are carrying. There are no restrictions on the amount of currency you can bring into the country, but you must declare it at customs. You can bring in goods worth up to USD 200 duty-free. Any amount exceeding this limit is subject to customs duties. Knives, pornographic materials, alcohol, and other toxic chemicals are strictly prohibited. Ivory, rhino horn, and their products are also prohibited. Personal items such as cameras, laptops, binoculars, mobile phones, golf equipment, sportswear, and camping gear are allowed duty-free. You can take up to USD 2,000 or equivalent currency out of the country.
4. Health Issues: Zimbabwe has a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Malaria and other diseases occasionally occur in Victoria Falls City, Lake Kariba, and parts of Masvingo Province, which border Zambia. Take precautions against mosquito bites and malaria if traveling to these areas. Additionally, cholera outbreaks occur from time to time in Zimbabwe. Pay attention to food hygiene, avoid drinking unboiled water, and avoid consuming raw or unprocessed seafood.