Zimbabwe

Cost of living

What a month costs

Much of Harare runs on hard US dollars, so imported goods and good rentals cost close to Western prices. Budget extra for a solar system or generator, since power cuts are a daily fact of life.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Harare

1. National Gallery of ZimbabweThe country's leading art museum, strong on modern Zimbabwean painting and stone sculpture.
2. Zimbabwe Museum of Human SciencesFormerly the Queen Victoria Museum, covering the region's archaeology, wildlife and cultures.
3. Harare GardensThe big central park, all lawns and shady trees, the green heart of downtown.
4. National Botanic GardensIndigenous trees and quiet paths on the north side of the city.
5. Mukuvisi WoodlandsA protected patch of msasa woodland inside the city with zebra, giraffe and walking trails.
6. Chapungu Sculpture ParkAn open-air park in Msasa devoted to Zimbabwe's famous Shona stone carving.
7. Epworth Balancing RocksThe gravity-defying granite boulders southeast of town that once featured on the banknotes.
8. Wild Is Life and the Zimbabwe Elephant NurseryA well-known wildlife sanctuary near the airport that rehabilitates orphaned elephants.
9. National Heroes AcreA striking monument and memorial on the western edge of the city.
10. The KopjeThe granite hill on the edge of downtown that gives the best overview of central Harare.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Lake Chivero Recreational ParkA dam and game park about 35km southwest, good for boating, birds and easy game drives.
2. DomboshavaGranite hills and ancient rock paintings roughly 30km north, with big views over the bush.
3. Ewanrigg Botanical GardenAloes, cycads and lawns about 40km northeast, a relaxed picnic escape.
4. Nyanga and the Eastern HighlandsCool green mountains, waterfalls and trout streams a few hours east, Zimbabwe at its most alpine.
5. Great ZimbabweThe vast medieval stone city near Masvingo, the ruins that gave the country its name, a long but classic weekend south.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Cafe NushA much-loved local cafe chain with branches at Sam Levy's Village and Arundel, good coffee and cake.
2. 40 Cork RoadA leafy cafe and craft courtyard in Avondale, a relaxed spot for a long coffee.
3. The Bottom DrawerA long-running garden cafe in Belgravia, popular for tea and homemade bakes.
4. Pariah StateA buzzy cafe and bar in Newlands that draws a young, creative crowd.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. AmanziAn upscale restaurant set in a beautiful garden in Kamfinsa, a Harare favourite for a special dinner.
2. Victoria 22A restaurant and gallery in Newlands with a smart, arty setting.
3. CoimbraA long-established Newlands institution famous for peri-peri chicken.
4. Gava'sA well-known Portuguese-style restaurant in Milton Park.
5. La FontaineThe formal dining room at the historic Meikles Hotel downtown.
6. The Butcher's KitchenA reliable grill in Borrowdale for steaks and burgers.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Cafe NushDependable breakfasts and strong coffee at its Sam Levy's Village and Arundel branches.
2. The Bottom DrawerA gentle garden setting in Belgravia for eggs, toast and tea.
3. 40 Cork RoadMorning coffee and pastries in the Avondale courtyard.
4. Pariah StateA lively brunch stop in Newlands popular at weekends.