HANG LIKE THE LOCALS

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Lush at the Country Club, Newlands 

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The Country Club is an experience one simply cannot miss out on. It's infamous among the citizens of Harare and it took us one step through the door (or should we say one sip of a cocktail) to see why. By day, it's a cool spot for a family meal and maybe a catch up over a quiet drink or two with friends. By night, it becomes a glamourous hangout spot incorporating a seated indoor area and a sheltered outdoor patio that offers an endless supply of scrumptious food and drinks. Really, what more could you want?

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WHERE TO BE SEEN

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Queen of Hearts, Highlands

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After paying this venue a visit, it will become the queen of your heart too. During food services, be ready to choose from sushi, Indian cuisine, pizza, breakfast delights and an in-house bakery. Later in the evening, cocktails made from fresh ingredients and tantalising flavours will take you into the new era of world class Zimbabwean hospitality. This lavish venue is available to rent out for private events as well as big table bookings for special occasions with a large garden encompassing the indoor areas to suit all seasons.

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TRENDY NEIGHBOURHOODS TO STAY IN

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Harare Central

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Once part of the Sheraton international group of hotels, Rainbow Towers has now had a makeover. Boasted as one of the trendiest places to stay in town, Cresta Jameson Lodge, Monomotapa and Meikles hotels can offer similar standards of luxury for your stay in Harare. Rainbow Towers is a personal favourite due to its location, the adjoining nightclub/bar and the staff's own signature vocabulary. Expect to hear "Refreshing Day" as a greeting upon your arrival whilst getting the five star treatment on all other aspects of your stay.

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DAYS OUT

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Mukuvisi Woodlands, Hillside

 

Mukuvisi is located on the outskirts of the bustling city in a neighbourhood called Hillside. Although a quaint nature reserve, it boasts wildlife such as zebras, giraffes and bushbuck with the intent of educating visitors about these fascinating animals and their way of life. Twice a day, the four legged residents of Mukuvisi emerge from their sanctuary for feeding time which is a great opportunity for pictures and closer observation.

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OUR TIPS

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1. Financial Setback

Think of the most expensive item you buy in your weekly grocery shop and add another two thirds to that to get the average price of that same item in Zimbabwe. Inexpensive luxuries such as phone data and toiletries are very expensive there although this is somewhat counteracted by the low costs of other services such as nightlife and eating out. The rule of thumb is to over save because getting money out from cash machines or banks is rare and will carry heavy charges if withdrawing from international money transfer services.

 

2. When to Haggle

Contrary to what you may have heard about haggling in places such as China or South America, the art is rather different in Zimbabwe. Being nice goes a really long way so building a rapport with people is the key to cutting a deal. Try not to be too forthcoming with how much you are willing to spend and let the person quote you a price before you decide how much you can whittle it down to. The more money someone knows you have, the more they are more likely to demand from you so make sure you aren't flashing rolls of money and be firm but diplomatic.

 

3. Driving at Night

Generally speaking, Zimbabwe is safe as long as you remain as vigilant as you would in any other holiday destination. However, there have been cases of people smashing windows on cars which have stopped at red lights after dark. For this reason, many drivers in Harare don't usually stop at red lights during hours of darkness so remain on alert if you do find yourself stopping along the road at night for whatever reason.  

 

4. Bond Notes and Digital Currency

USD was always the preferred currency up until recently when other legal tender such as Ecocash and Bond Notes were introduced. This has been a welcome change by both tourists and citizens as there has been an increasing shortage in USD notes circulating around Zimbabwe. Keep in mind that you get better value for money when using either of these so consider signing up for a local phone carrier service e.g. Econet, NetOne account which will allow you to convert your money into digital currency or find people who can change USD into Bond for you.

 

5. The Rise of Online Business

Zimbabwe is opening itself up to innovations in online hospitality which is becoming evident by the growing popularity of AirBnb. Ranging from mansions to cottages, there is something for all price ranges which also doubles as an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in your surroundings from a safe and reliable base. Instagram is also a medium which Zimbabwean businesses are fully utilising and can act as a useful directory while you are there.

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OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

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1. Trout Beck Resort, Nyanga

 

2. Vumba Botanical Gardens, Vumba

 

3. Leopard Rock Hotel, Mutare

 

4. Devil's Pool, Victoria Falls

 

5. Kariba Dam and Zambezi River, Kariba