Wanzyanji and four other Zambian content creators had a famil trip to Harare, enjoying the sights, flavours and sounds of the sunshine city.
It is 8:10 AM Central African Time, and we have just landed in Harare at RG Mugabe International Airport. That was a smooth and quick flight, I overheard someone saying behind me, of which it was. The fastjet flights to Harare from Lusaka was enjoyable with the onboard service as excellent as can be. The wind is gusting, the sun is deceiving us, and we need a hot drink. In no time, our content-creator senses are heightened; it is showtime – capturing the iconic control tower designed to resemble the Great Zimbabwe, an ancient city in the southeastern city of Masvingo, which served as the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, which is the largest stone structure city in Southern Africa.
We were met with a brief history lesson from the fastjet crew, which would not only reassure us of the beauty that Zimbabwe beholds, but also an understanding that every brick and motor, high and low, wide or narrow, has a story to tell.
Let’s be honest: What comes to mind when you hear the word Zimbabwe? Do you still find yourself influenced by the negative narrative often associated with this beautiful country? If so, it might be time to explore the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and resilient spirit of its people that often go unnoticed. Zimbabwe offers a wealth of experiences, from the majestic Victoria Falls to the ancient monuments of Great Zimbabwe, showcasing a vibrant heritage that deserves recognition beyond the headlines and not to forget the warmth and smiles of every face you see.
After checking in at the 5-star The Hyatt Regency Harare, The Meikles Hotel, we were welcomed with a hearty breakfast and glimpses of African dignitaries that shared the space during a high-level convening. If you told me that the next weekend spent in the heart of Harare would not only live in my mind rent-free but also fill up my gallery, then I’d be lying. On our first day, we made our way to the popular Star FM to register our presence in the big city on the popular drive time show; striking conversations on the similarities that Zambia and Zimbabwe share, neighbourhood names, roads and, including who has view of the best view mighty Victoria Falls, this argument shall be settled on my third trip.
This weekend’s itinerary was packed with excitement, and trust me, Harare’s nightlife is not to be underestimated. There was an event and a venue for every preference, but this time we made our way to Upstate and Denga in Highland Park. The experience? A perfect balance of fine dining and exclusive clubbing. My meal of choice: a well-done steak with fries, glazed in rich mushroom sauce. Paired with a smooth Zimbabwean gin, a chef’s kiss! We stayed out late, connecting with the people at our table, only to discover we shared a common passion, travel, topping the list.
The next day took on a more relaxed pace. We strolled through Sam Levy’s Village, a picturesque destination with its signature red-brick charm. It’s dotted with clothing stores, flower boutiques, and cosy cafés. Waiting to welcome us was none other than Samantha Musa, better known as Misred. Radiant as always, she stepped in as our tour guide for the day.
Without wasting a moment, we dove into deep conversation, sharing experiences in the media space as we drove out to Kelly’s Cutting for lunch. A haven for content creators, Kelly’s Cutting boasts stunning flower gardens, friendly domestic animals to keep the kids entertained, and an atmosphere ideal for a laid-back afternoon. We capped the day with a scenic drive through Borrowdale Brooke Estate, an affluent neighbourhood that showcases some of the most exquisite home designs and breathtaking scenery, the kind of luxury many of us dream of.
Harare is called the sunshine city for a reason. The sun was setting it delivered some amazing kaleidoscope of colour and reflections on the ponds and brushes of the Borrowdale Brooke Golf Estate. That moment was one of the best sundowners experiences I have had in my life. I will drink to that.
Dinner time promptly followed and this time at another five-star establishment aptly called Three Monkeys. Their logo says it all, three monkeys depicting the iconic, see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil. The food was a gastronomy journey that way beyond my wildest dream steered by an animated waiter who delivered Zimbabwean humour that was as enjoyable as the food. To wash it all down, we were treated to some Zimbabwean wine, curated by Tinashe Nyamudoka. Kumusha wine paired with my steak was Zimbabwean hospitality at its best. With dinner done, we said our goodbyes, Misred smiled and said, “Wear sneakers tomorrow…it’s going to get dirty!”
