Harare

Relaxed capital city, Harare reflects the colonial pattern laid down by Cecil Rhodes' British South Africa Company on the promise of rich goldfields. The commercial area and leafy affluent suburbs sit above the lively market at Mbare.

Africa Unity Square remains the focal point of the city on the site of Fort Salisbury - flashy business, upmarket shopping. Parliament Buildings date back as the legislature to 1899. The Anglican Cathedral shares its architect , Sir Herbert Baker, with Pretoria's Union Buildings and South Africa House in London.

The typical African market musika at Mbare is the biggest in the country, best visited with a guide to explain and safeguard. The area is also a good place to bargain for souvenirs.

Muhuvisi Woodland reserve has antelope, elephant and buffalo, over 200 bird species, horse rides and walking safaris. The Botanical Gardens boasts several hundred of Africa's tree species. Chapungu Sculpture Park shows off exhibits over an impressive open area with artists at work.