Conference Venue

Harare Institute of Technology

277 Ganges Rd, Belvedere, Harare, Zimbabwe
 

About Harare

Harare, often called the "Sunshine City," offers a unique blend of urban dynamism, rich culture, and unexpected natural beauty. While it's not typically the primary destination for international tourists visiting Zimbabwe (that honor usually goes to Victoria Falls), it serves as a vital hub and provides a compelling experience for those who delve into its offerings.

Here are several reasons why you might consider visiting Harare:

1. Vibrant Arts and Culture Scene:

• Shona Sculpture: Harare is a global hub for Shona sculpture, a renowned art form. You can visit numerous galleries and sculpture parks, such as the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Chapungu Sculpture Park, and various smaller studios and markets, to see exquisite stone carvings and learn about the artists.
• Museums: Explore the Zimbabwe Museum of Human Sciences for a deep dive into the country's history, archaeology, and traditional cultures.
• Contemporary Art: Harare has a growing contemporary art scene, with galleries like First Floor Gallery Harare and Tsoko Gallery showcasing emerging and established Zimbabwean artists. You might even stumble upon vibrant street art.
• Live Performances: The city offers various venues for live music, dance, and theater, providing a taste of local talent and cultural expression.

2. Green Spaces and Wildlife within the City:

• Mukuvisi Woodlands: This sprawling conservation area just a few kilometers from the city center offers a surprising encounter with native wildlife like giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and various bird species. You can enjoy guided walks, horse riding, or simply relax in the serene environment.
• National Botanic Gardens: A peaceful oasis showcasing a diverse range of indigenous and exotic plants, including various Zimbabwean woodland types. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll and birdwatching.
• Harare Gardens: The city's main public park, offering a tranquil retreat with well-maintained lawns, vibrant flowers, and a small pond – perfect for a picnic or a relaxing break.
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Places like Wild Is Life & ZEN and Twala Trust Animal Sanctuary provide opportunities to see rescued animals and learn about conservation efforts.
• Game Parks: For a more extensive wildlife experience without venturing too far, Haka Game Park and Lion and Cheetah Park offer mini-game drives and a chance to see larger animals.

3. Historical Significance:

• National Heroes' Acre: This important national monument commemorates Zimbabwe's liberation struggle and honors those who fought for the country's independence. It offers insights into the nation's political history.
• Balancing Rocks: Located in Epworth, these geological formations are not only a natural wonder but also an iconic symbol of Zimbabwe, often featured on local currency.

4. Local Markets and Shopping:

• Avondale Flea Market: A bustling marketplace where you can find a wide variety of goods, including local crafts, clothing, and souvenirs. It's a great place to interact with locals and experience the city's vibrant energy.
• Mbare Musika: While potentially overwhelming for first-time visitors, this is Harare's largest and most bustling market, offering everything from fresh produce to traditional crafts.

5. Gateway to Other Zimbabwean Attractions:

• Harare serves as a convenient starting point for exploring other parts of Zimbabwe. You can easily arrange day trips or longer excursions to places like:
  • Great Zimbabwe National Monument: A UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing the impressive ruins of an ancient African city.
  • Lake Chivero Recreational Park: Popular for boating, fishing, and watersports.
  • Chinhoyi Caves: A series of limestone and dolomite caves with a deep, clear pool.
  • Victoria Falls: While a longer journey, flights connect Harare to Victoria Falls, making it easy to combine a city visit with one of the world's most spectacular waterfalls.

6. Authentic African City Experience:

• Harare offers a genuine African urban experience, with its bustling streets, lively markets, and friendly locals. It's a chance to witness daily life, engage with different cultures, and savor local cuisine.

In essence, Harare provides a multifaceted experience that goes beyond typical tourist attractions. It's a city where history, art, nature, and urban life intertwine, offering a deeper understanding of Zimbabwe's identity and a memorable journey for curious travelers.

Where to Stay?

Hotels/Lodges with some proximity indication:

• The Palace Guest House: Located at 115 Bishop Gaul Ave, Harare. One source indicates it's 2.2 miles from the city center, and another says 2.5KM from Harare Showground. While not directly to HIT, Bishop Gaul Avenue is relatively close to the Belvedere area where HIT is located.
• Island Hotel: Located at 3 Herbert Chitepo Ave. No specific distance to HIT is given, but Herbert Chitepo Avenue is a central Harare street.
• Goshen Creek: Located at 3, 58 Stidolph Cresent. While no distance to HIT is given, it's mentioned as being "perto de Harare Institute of Technology (HIT)".
• Grand View Lodge Harare: Located at 20 Le Roux Dr. Similar to Goshen Creek, it's listed as "perto de Harare Institute of Technology (HIT)".

More Central Hotels (may require a short drive to HIT):

These hotels are generally well-known and often considered for their central location in Harare, meaning they would be accessible to HIT by taxi or a short drive.

• Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles: Corner 3rd Street and Jason Moyo Avenue, Harare. A 5-star hotel in the city center.
• Rainbow Towers Hotel and Conference Centre: 1 Pennefather Ave, Samora Machel Ave. Approximately 1.2 miles (1.9 km) from Harare city center.
• New Ambassador Hotel: 88 Union Ave.
• Cresta Jameson Hotel: Samora Machel Avenue Park Street, Harare South.
• Bronte Hotel: 132 Baines Avenue, Harare.
• Cresta Oasis Hotel: In the heart of Harare, within a 10-minute walk of African Unity Square.
• Holiday Inn Harare: Corner Samora Machel Avenue and 5th Street.

TRANSPORTATION

Harare, Zimbabwe, has a diverse transportation landscape, primarily relying on road-based options. Here's a breakdown of how to get around:

• Metered Taxis: These are generally available and can be hailed on the street or found at taxi ranks (e.g., near popular attractions and transport hubs). It's crucial to negotiate the fare before starting your journey to avoid overcharges, as prices can vary significantly between drivers. Some official taxis are silver, while minibus taxis are often white.
   
• Ride-Hailing Apps: This is a popular and increasingly reliable option for getting around Harare. Several apps operate in the city, offering convenience and often upfront pricing. Key players include:
   
  • Bolt (formerly Taxify): A widely used ride-hailing service known for its affordability.
  • Uber: A global leader in ride-hailing with a strong presence in Zimbabwe, offering cashless transactions and real-time tracking.
     
  • inDriver: Unique in that it allows users to directly negotiate fares with drivers in real-time, giving more control over pricing.
     
  • Vaya Africa: A subsidiary of Econet Wireless, focusing on transportation and logistics across Africa, including ride-hailing in Harare.
  • Yango: Part of the Yandex.Taxi group, offering dependable and efficient ride-hailing services.
     
  • Hwindi: Another local app that connects riders with drivers.
     
• Booking in Advance: For reliability and peace of mind, especially for airport transfers or important appointments, pre-booking a taxi with a reputable provider is recommended. Some hotels can also assist with this.
   

2. Kombis (Minibus Taxis):

• Dominant Public Transport: Kombis are the most common form of public transport for locals in Harare. These are privately owned mini-buses that follow informal routes.
• No Published Schedules/Routes: Kombis generally don't have fixed schedules or published routes. Locals learn the routes by asking around.
• Affordable but Can Be Crowded: They are a very cheap way to travel but can be crowded and might not be the most comfortable option for tourists.
• Safety Concerns: Due to the informal nature and sometimes aggressive driving, they are generally recommended for locals or seasoned travelers.
• ZUPCO Kombis: The state-run Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) also operates kombis, typically for shorter distances (e.g., within 20km of the CBD) and at set fares.
   

3. Buses:

• ZUPCO Buses: The Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) operates bus services in Harare, serving both urban and intercity routes.
   
• Private Bus Companies: Private bus companies like City Link and Pathfinder offer intercity travel between major cities like Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls, often on a more reliable schedule. These are generally more comfortable for longer journeys.
   
• Terminals: Long-distance buses often arrive at the Mbare Musika bus terminal (southwest of the city center), which can be chaotic. "Luxury" buses (like Eagle Liner, Greyhound, Intercape) use the more modern Roadport terminal (in the city center).
   

4. Car Rental:

• Flexibility: Hiring a car provides the most independence and flexibility for exploring Harare and its surroundings.
   
• Availability: Rental car companies are present throughout the city (e.g., Europcar, Avis).
   
• Road Conditions: While major highways are generally in decent condition, be aware that many roads within Harare can have potholes, and streetlights may be absent in some areas. Driving at night is generally not advised outside of well-lit areas.
• Fuel: Fuel is generally available, often for cash or through coupon systems.
   

5. Walking:

• Limited for City Exploration: While parts of the city center can be explored on foot, Harare is quite spread out, making walking for long distances impractical.
• Safety: It's generally advised against walking after dark in the city.

6. Trains:

• Limited Network: Zimbabwe has a limited train network, primarily for freight, with some passenger services connecting major cities like Harare, Bulawayo, and Mutare.
   
• Infrequent and Unreliable: Passenger trains can be infrequent and have faced maintenance and reliability issues. First Class can offer more space and security compared to buses.
   

Key Considerations for Transportation in Harare:

• Currency: While the primary legal tender is the Zimbabwean dollar (ZiG), the US dollar is widely accepted for transactions, especially for transport services. Confirm payment methods beforehand.
• Negotiate Fares: Always agree on a fare with taxi drivers (and sometimes kombi drivers) before starting your journey, unless using a ride-hailing app with upfront pricing.
   
• Safety: Be aware of your surroundings, especially when using informal transport or walking at night. Choose reputable taxi services or ride-hhailing apps for safety.
• Traffic Jams: Harare can experience significant traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, which can lead to travel delays.