Along with being the largest city, Harare also functions as the administrative, communication and commercial hub of Zimbabwe. It was founded in 1890 by John Cecil Rhodes as a fortification for armed forces. In 1935, the settlement was given the status of a city and it became the capital of Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. On Zimbabwe’s independence on 18^th April 1980, the city, then known as Salisbury became the country’s capital. On 18^th April 1982, during Zimbabwe’s second Independence Day, the name Salisbury was changed to Harare.

Harare International Airport receives all international flights making Zimbabwean capital, the main port of entry for the country. A number of African carriers offer flights to Harare connecting Zimbabwean capital with cities in and out of the African continent. The national carrier of Zimbabwe, known as Air Zimbabwe, connects Harare with; Dar es Salaam, London, Lilongwe, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, Blantyre, Lusaka, Dubai, Lubumbashi and Bulawayo. TAAG Angola Airlines connects Harare with Luanda and Lusaka while South African Airways connect it with Johannesburg.

Kenyan national carrier, Kenya Airways runs flights from Nairobi, Air Botswana from Gaborone and Air Malawi from Blantyre and Lilongwe. Two private companies, Airlink and Comair also serve flights to Harare from Johannesburg. Thus getting into this city is not difficult for tourists as, out of this wide range of scheduled services, travelers can select cheap flights to Harare in accordance with their budgets.

To roam around the beautiful city and check out its parks, gardens, museums and other attractive sights and sounds, there are a number of ways. For this, it is best to rent out a car. Since Zimbabwean roads are not in very good conditions any longer, a 4×4 is recommended. After seeing a big crisis regarding petroleum, Zimbabwe has overcome all the issues and petrol is available in the country. Fuel for the vehicles can be bought on cash or a coupon system. Roads within the city are often deteriorated but the highways out of towns and cities have been well maintained and are in relatively better conditions. Due to lack of street lighting however, some travelers may find it hard to ply around. The solution for this is to go for public transport, which includes taxis and minibuses.

For no more than 5 rand, a minibus should be available at any time of the day and anywhere in the city of Harare. Desired destination and the stops of the buses need to be confirmed and with the right one in place, it can be boarded. Taxis are also not very expensive but the night fares are slightly more than those charged during the day. Until daylight, one can travel in taxis for like $2-$3 while for nights, rates increase to $5. They rise further if taken out of town or somewhere or to some longer distance. Typical of Africa, hardly any taxi would be found that would not be filled over the capacity.

Due to its tourist friendly climatic conditions all year round, it is feasible to visit Harare at any time of the year. Tourist attractions are innumerable ranging from archeological to cultural. Tours of Zimbabwean capital are further enhanced with the friendly attitude of the locals.