Zimbabwe's energetic capital — sadza, braai culture, and a remarkably warm city
Harare is one of southern Africa's most underrated capitals — a city of jacaranda-lined avenues, excellent street food, and a population whose warmth makes it one of Africa's most welcoming places to visit. The food culture centres on sadza (maize meal) with nyama (beef stew), roadside braai (barbecue), and the KwaMereki food court where Zimbabwean home cooking is served at communal tables. The city's art scene, centred on Mbare Musika market, is among the most vibrant in Africa.
Harare (Fort Salisbury to the British) was founded in 1890 as a colonial outpost of the British South Africa Company. It became the capital of Rhodesia, then Zimbabwe at independence in 1980, renamed Harare for Chief Neharawa of the Shona people. The economic crises of 2000–2009, including hyperinflation that required printing 100-trillion-dollar banknotes, left deep scars; the surviving notes are now sold as souvenirs. The city has rebuilt considerably since.