Harare: A Comprehensive Profile of Zimbabwe’s Capital
Harare, the vibrant capital city of Zimbabwe, stands as a testament to the nation’s rich history, cultural diversity, and economic resilience. This article aims to provide both Zimbabweans and international readers with a detailed overview of Harare, covering various aspects from its geographical location to its cultural attractions.
The Weather in Harare
Harare experiences a subtropical highland climate, characterized by warm, dry winters and hot, wet summers. The temperature in the winter months (May to September) averages around 15°C (59°F), while summer temperatures (October to April) can rise to an average of 25°C (77°F). The city’s weather is influenced by its elevation, sitting at approximately 1,483 meters (4,865 feet) above sea level.
Location and GPS Coordinates of Harare
Harare is situated in the northern part of Zimbabwe, nestled between the Mazowe and Manyame rivers. The city’s geographic coordinates are approximately 17.8292° S latitude and 31.0522° E longitude.
History of Harare
The city was founded in 1890 by the Pioneer Column, a small military force of the British South Africa Company, and named Fort Salisbury after the British Prime Minister Lord Salisbury. Company administrators demarcated and ran the city until Southern Rhodesia achieved responsible government in 1923. Salisbury was thereafter the seat of the Southern Rhodesian (later Rhodesian) government and, between 1953 and 1963, the capital of the Central African Federation. It retained the name Salisbury until 1982 when it was renamed Harare on the second anniversary of Zimbabwe’s independence from the United Kingdom.
Size & Population of Harare
The city proper has an area of 982.3 km2 (378.7 mi2), a population of 1,849,600 as of the 2022 census,, and an estimated 2,487,209 people in its metropolitan province. The city is situated in north-eastern Zimbabwe, in the country’s Mashonaland region. Harare is a metropolitan province that also incorporates the municipalities of Chitungwiza and Epworth. The city sits on a plateau at an elevation of 1,483 metres (4,865 feet) above sea level, and its climate falls into the subtropical highland category.
Distance from Bulawayo City Centre to Harare
The distance between Harare and Bulawayo, the second-largest city in Zimbabwe, is approximately 441.1 kilometers (276 miles).
Travel Time from Bulawayo to Harare
The journey from Bulawayo to Harare by road takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the chosen mode of transportation.
Also Read: Charming Manyame: A Hidden Gem of Zimbabwe’s Countryside
Distance from Harare to Mutare
Harare to Mutare, another significant city in Zimbabwe, is approximately 263 kilometers (163 miles).
Travel Time from Harare to Mutare
The travel time from Harare to Mutare by road is around 3 to 4 hours.
Harare City Council Contact Details
For information related to the Harare City Council, including municipal services, residents can contact the council offices at the following address:
Address: Corner Sam Nujoma Street and Jason Moyo (Africa Unit Square)
Email: hrepublicity@gmail.com
Phone: +263 4 705085/6
Harare: A Comprehensive Profile of Zimbabwe’s Capital
Schools in Harare
Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, is home to a diverse range of educational institutions, both private and public, catering to the academic needs of its residents. Below is a comprehensive list of notable schools in and around Harare:
Private Schools:
- Arundel School
- Avenues High School
- Bishopslea Preparatory School
- Chisipite Senior School
- Cornway College
- Direct Contact School
- Divaris Macaharis
- Dominican Convent High School
- Eaglesvale High School
- École Française de Harare
- Emerald Hill School for the Deaf
- Frestar Academy
- Futures Academy High School
- Firm Foundation Christian Academy
- Gateway High School
- George Emmanuel College
- Goldridge College
- Harare International School
- Hellenic Academy
- His Mercy Christian College
- The Heritage School
- Hilbright Science College
- Life Long College
- Malta Academy
- Maranatha Christian High School
- Mazowe Boys High School
- Megham International College
- Noteview College
- Phoenix College
- Pinewood High School
- Royal College
- Speciss College
- St. Christopher’s School
- St. John’s College
- St. John’s High School
- St. George’s College
- St. Peter’s Kubatana High School
- Trust Academy High School
- Tynwald High School
- UUMA Elite College
- Washington Hills High School
- Westridge High School
- Wise Owl Group of Schools
Public Schools:
- Allan Wilson Technical High School
- Budiriro 1 High School
- Budiriro 2 High School
- Churchill School
- Cranborne Boys High School
- Dzivaresekwa 1 High School
- Dzivaresekwa 2 High School
- Ellis Robins School
- George Stark High School
- Girls High School
- Glen Norah 1 High School
- Glen Norah 2 High School
- Glen View 1 High School
- Glen View 2 High School
- Glen View 3 High School
- Harare High School
- Hatcliffe High School
- Highfield 1 High School
- Highfield 2 High School
- Kambuzuma 1 High School
- Kambuzuma 2 High School
- Kuwadzana 1 High School
- Kuwadzana 2 High School
- Kwayedza High School
- Lord Malvern High School
- Mabelreign Girls High School
- Mabvuku High School
- Marlborough High School
- Mbare High School
- Morgan High School
- Mount Pleasant School
- Mufakose Mhuriimwe High School
- Mufakose 1 High School
- Mufakose 2 High School
- Mufakose 3 High School
- Mufakose 4 High School
- Mukai High School
- Oriel Boys High School
- Oriel Girls High School
- Prince Edward School
- Queen Elizabeth Girls High School
- Roosevelt Girls High School
- Tafara 1 High School
- Tafara 2 High School
- Vainona High School
- Warren Park High School
- Zimbabwe–China Friendship High School
- Zimbabwe Republic Police High School
Chitungwiza:
Private Schools:
- Cornerstone Senior School
- Herentals College
- Nyatsime College
- St. Mary’s High School
Public Schools:
- Manyame Secondary School
- Mhuri Imwe Secondary School
- Ridgeview High School
- Seke 1 High School
- Seke 2 High School
- Seke 3 High School
- Seke 4 High School
- Seke 5 High School
- Seke 6 High School
- Zengeza High School
- Zengeza 1 High School
- Zengeza 2 High School
- Zengeza 3 High School
- Zengeza 4 High School
Epworth:
Public Schools:
- Domboramwari High School
- Epworth High School
This extensive list showcases the diverse educational options available in and around Harare, catering to the academic needs of students from various backgrounds.
Colleges and Universities in or Near Harare
Several higher education institutions contribute to Harare’s academic vitality.
- Harare Institute of Technology
- Sourthen Africa Methodist University (SAMU)
- University of Zimbabwe (UZ)
- Women’s University in Africa (WUA)
- Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU)
- Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU)
- Catholic University in Zimbabwe
Lodges in Harare
Harare offers a range of accommodation options, including lodges catering to both business and leisure travelers.
- Meikles Hotel
- Rainbow Towers Hotel
- Conference Centre
- Bronte Hotel
- Cresta Jameson Hotel
- N1 Hotel
- Cresta Lodge
- Highlands Lodges
- Holiday Inn Hotel
- New Ambassadors Hotel
- Art Lodges
- Grant View Lodge
- The Palace Guest
- Palm Villa
- Small World Backpackers Lodge Avondale
- Royal Guest House
- Jacaranda Hotel
- Las Palmas Guest House
- Residents Hotel Zimbabwe
- Island Hotel
- The Princess Guest House
Things to Do in Harare
- Visit the National Gallery of Zimbabwe: Explore a rich collection of contemporary and traditional Zimbabwean art.
- Harare Gardens: Relax in this picturesque public park, a green oasis in the heart of the city.
- Explore Mbare Musika Market: Immerse yourself in the local culture by browsing through this bustling market offering a variety of goods.
Trivia
Harare’s name was derived from the Shona chieftain Neharawa, whose followers established a settlement in the area in the late 19th century.
