Car Hire Harare

Harare is a big city, home to two million people. Many years ago it was a bustling, thriving city with attractive buildings and good infrastructure. Desperate economic times have led to the city taking on a rundown look and with public amenities falling into disrepair. Things are looking up a little as a review of the economy and currency has slowed inflation and allowed foreign investment, particularly from China, in return for mineral rights. However the city regularly features in the liveability indices as the worst city in the world to live in.

Getting to Harare?

Harare has its own airport, Harare International Airport, which has seen a drastic decline in flight and passenger numbers over the last decade as economic and social conditions have worsened in the country. Most flights to the city come from neighbouring countries with the longest distance flight being from Dubai. Most people now travel to Johannesburg and take a short flight into Harare from there as Air Zimbabwe, the country’s national carrier, collapsed in early 2012.

Things to do in Harare

Despite the parlous state of the country, there are several important buildings housing interesting collections of art or artefacts from colonial times. The most interesting is the home of the National Archives where documentation is on display from the days of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, many penned and signed by well-known figures such as Cecil Rhodes or Winston Churchill. The National Gallery is also a good place to visit as it holds the national collection of art including some important pieces.