brenlowe

Hi gang,
Nearly positive I'm going to Harare this week to observe the Independence Day proceedings. I'll be traveling by myself, so I'll talk a ton of precautions, but I'm wondering whether a) anyone who is reading this is in Harare, b) if it's incredibly naive and foolhardy to think I'll be able to do this safely (I'm 21) and c) what Independence Day is like.
Thanks for your help,
Brendan
([email protected])

luangwablondes

You must not be keeping up with what is going on in Harare. I am all for seeing Zimbabwe, but it just plain inviting trouble to pitch up in Harare at that time. IMO. Even white Zimbos head out of town during those celebrations.

suzic

I think you should lay quite low, and stay in the hotel if anything starts up. You should be safe, as the people are not upset with anyone but the government. I would just stay out of gatherings of people, and do not draw attention to yourself. Mugabe and the military/police etc are brutal in his bid to stay in power. I DO keep up with the happenings, as I have friends in Harare who I worry about. I am planning a trip to Harare this November. You should just keep aware and informed, stay out of crowds, an watch Mugabe waste lots of money on Independence Day celebrations that could help his people with food/ meds etc. From what I understand, fireworks, speaches, and shows of power should all be evident.
Be Careful!! suzi

tuckeg

Personally, I wouldn't go at this time. I was in Harare last fall and it was fine but I was sure to call a friend of a friend who lived there and confirm that it was safe to travel in the area. Unless you can get that kind of feedback, given the current political situtation I think you are taking a very big risk going.

rockabelle

I was there about a year ago. We were told not to leave the hotel after dark (except by taxi), as it wasn't safe, and every evening we got kicked out of the office before dusk so we could make it back before it got dark. I never felt that worried, but equally, was aware that the women in the office wore rape alarms as necklaces, and carried mace sprays when they walked to their cars.
I enjoyed Harare (fabulous food), and the people couldn't have been nicer. If you do decide to go (the situation having got even worse now than it was then), find out what supplies people really need - when we were there, you couldn't buy sugar, toothpaste or tampons, and they hadn't been able to for months.

brenlowe

Thanks for all the comments. I know the situation there is deteriorating, but what violence there is seems to be targeted at the opposition, not at travelers, and my visit would (if everything goes right) be brief and inconspicuous. Does anyone recommend a place to stay (or go) and, more importantly, does anyone have a contact in Zim I could call to get an opinion from someone on the ground, or even crash there? Thanks so much for taking the time to respond, it's much appreciated

hills27

The violence may be targeted at the opposition, but it is incredibly easy to find yourself in the middle of a bad situation in mere seconds with no way out, especially if you are not familiar with the city. Personally, I think you are insane, but pray for your safety.

Zambezi

GO!---But, be careful. I would always remain at the perimeter of any crowd and I would NEVER, EVER go out at night. The most recent of my many visits to Southern Rhodesia/Zimbabwe was in late October, 2006. I stayed at the Bronte Hotel, a gem with nice rooms, a well-tended interior garden courtyard, and good food. Carry plenty of US cash, but hidden as close to your body as you can get it. ZZ