Things to do in Harare
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Amanzi's
Set in a stunning former colonial house with African décor and an even more amazing garden, Amanzi's has the tastiest food from around the world and a great vibe. You can also buy a painting from a local artist on the way out. A must.
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Victoria 22
Yet another restaurant set in what was once a colonial house, this is a favourite of well-heeled locals. It is pretty formal (for Harare standards), with choices within a set menu of four courses, and probably has the best food in town.
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Patrick Mavros
At the end of Haslemere Lane, 1km off the Umwinsedale Rd, is this place; it is signposted. It's set atop a spectacular hill, overlooking a picture-perfect valley complete with giraffes and buffalo - a visit is a must. The studio and gallery sells designer silverware from jewellery to tableware and whimsical paperweights (collector items or presents for the person who has everything). Mavros's signature style in his jewellery is the ndoro shell, the original currency of Zimbabwe. He also has a shop in Knightsbridge, London, though this one is cheaper!
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Harare Gardens
Harare Gardens, the city's largest park, is a haven from the city bustle just a few blocks south, and a favourite spot for wedding photos and canoodling couples. Look for the island-like stand of rainforest with its miniature Victoria Falls and Zambezi Gorge.
Despite its peaceful atmosphere, Harare Gardens is notorious for crime, so always avoid short-cutting through the park at night and watch your belongings carefully by day. No cycling is allowed.
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Shop Café
Most perfect for brunch and lunch any day except Sunday, the Shop Café serves some of the yummiest food in Zimbabwe, from its amazing homemade muesli, yogurt and stewed fruit to vegetable moussakas and fish curries. The food here will put you in the right mood for shopping in the attached shop for hand-printed textiles, hand-painted ceramics and cane and teak furniture - double yum.
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Doon Estate
Has a number of shops, including Art Mart, which is stocked with the work of dozens of local artisans and crofters. The Cocoa Tree (more commonly known as the Belgian chocolate shop), also here, has to be experienced to be believed. Eat and drink in or takeaway - its novelty chocolates make great presents.
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Sopranos
Named after the long-running American TV series, Sopranos caters for the whole family, with food and an indoor climbing gym for kids, and steak, fish and vegetarian meals for grown-ups.
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Ster-Kinekor Cinema Complex
Cinemas offering recent films, and cheap and comfortable seats (around US$3), include the Ster-Kinekor Cinema complex, opposite the Eastgate Centre.
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Avondale Markets
Visit the Avondale markets on top of the old car park at Avondale Shopping Centre for carvings, beaded jewellery and other crafts.
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Mukuvisi Woodlands
The nearest thing to a zoo in Harare is the Mukuvisi Woodlands, also given the trendy title of 'environmental centre'. Two-thirds of this 265-hectare woodland reserve, 7km east of the city centre, is natural msasa parkland, ideal for picnics, walking and bird-watching. The remaining area is a wildlife park where antelopes, zebras, giraffes and warthogs roam free.
Mukuvisi is at its best when there are special events on such as lectures or family days, which are advertised via banners around town.
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Parliament
The Parliament was originally built as a hotel in 1895, but was soon commandeered for army barracks. It has undergone several renovations since and is now used by the senate and legislative assembly. It's not normally open to the public, but requests to sit in the gallery during the fiery political debates can be arranged by ringing the Chief Information Officer (700181). You may also be lucky enough to join a free weekly tour.
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National Archives of Zimbabwe
Founded in 1935, the National Archives of Zimbabwe, off Borrowdale Rd, is the repository for the history of Rhodesia and modern Zimbabwe. It features fascinating colonial artefacts and photos, accounts of early explorers and settlers, and a display about the Second Chimurenga. Prints of excellent oil paintings of Victoria Falls, among other places, are sold at the entrance.
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Tobacco Floor
Tobacco used to be one Zimbabwe's major foreign-exchange earners and the country produced the best leaf in the world. Today there is talk that the famous tobacco floor will be closed. If you get the chance, check it out before it goes! Although the quantity traded now is a fraction of the amount in years gone by, it remains a fascinating look at where the ciggie begins.
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Celebration Centre
A huge new church/concert hall/event centre with a café on the ground floor at the entrance which stays open later than other cafés. You don't have to be religious to pitch up for the best cakes in Harare, and great coffee too. Rub shoulders with regionally famous gospel singers. Swan Dr is parallel to Borrowdale Rd.
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National Gallery of Zimbabwe
The National Gallery of Zimbabwe is in the southeast corner of Harare Gardens. It has a mix of contemporary Zimbabwean and African art including paintings (you can usually purchase paintings), stone sculptures, masks and carvings. The attached shop is excellent for sculptures, crafts and books on art.
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Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences
The small Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences has enough fossils and dioramas to keep most museum buffs happy for an hour or so. The highlights are the archaeological displays and the exhibits of traditional Shona crafts, arts and music. The museum is a 10-minute walk west of the city centre.
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Book Café
This café is fairly dead during the day but at night hosts popular local musicians, poets and writers, and is crowded and lively when there's a performance. You can eat traditional food here, especially sadza (white maize meal porridge) - the staple and national obsession.
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Keg & Maiden
Try this place, off Fifth St, for a pub meal and check out the magnificent international cricket ground (sadly, minus cricketers). Tuck into bangers and mash or steak and chips in a cheerful pub atmosphere. You can also order a veg meal. On Saturday nights there's live music.
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Town House
The Town House dates back to 1933. This primarily Italian Renaissance-style structure houses the mayoral, city council and town clerk's offices. The centrepiece of the gardens is a colourful floral clock and fountain. Free visits are available by calling the official number.
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National Botanic Gardens
The 58-hectare National Botanic Gardens contain examples of the diverse flowers and greenery that thrive in Harare's pleasant climate. Most Zimbabwean species are also represented, as well as specimens from Southern Africa. It's a great place to spend the day.
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Wild Geese Lodge
One restaurant that is open on Sundays for a good ol' Sunday roast is this place off Alpes Rd. It's a thatched complex 10 minutes' drive north with views across the grassy highveld to wildlife. It also has accommodation: nine private suites.
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Royal Harare Golf Club
The most famous of the seven golf courses around Harare is the internationally acclaimed Royal Harare Golf Club, a 15-minute walk north of the city centre. Guests are welcome for a temporary membership fee of around US$12.
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Heroes' Acre
On a hill overlooking Harare is the obelisk of Heroes' Acre. This dominating monument - built in true North Korean-style - serves as a memorial to the Zipra and Zanla forces who died during the Second Chimurenga.
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40 Cork Road
Like many businesses in Harare, this is a house-turned-restaurant with a huge garden. It also has an art gallery and an interiors and plant shop. It has some of the best coffee and cakes in Harare.
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Umwinsivalley Ceramics
Along the Umwinsedale Rd, this is a workshop, gallery and shop, specialising in hand-painted china and set on the top of a hill overlooking a valley. The view alone is worth the trip.
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