"Harare - Passing Through" a Harare Travel Page by TaberTouch

...at least that's one name for this spectacular tree, also known as Flame Tree. It's probably a Delonix regia, native to Madagascar. Get used to non-native vegetation. Apparently the British imported stuff from all over while they were in charge, so just because there's a lot of it, doesn't mean it's local.

We were only here overnight to catch an early flight out, so didn't really get a feel for what the city has to offer.

We stayed at the Bronte Hotel - well, actually, its annex, the Queensgate Hotel across the street - and had access to its extensive grounds. The combination of European architecture and tropical plants from around the world are disorienting. What gives a distinct sense of place are the massive stone carvings and the amusing wire sculptures that grace the grounds. Here a wire heron fishes from the side of a courtyard pool.

The succession of arcades and courtyards linking the Bronte's buildings feel timeless. Only the discreetly placed fixtures - could that be a security camera above the archway? - suggest that we're not in the 1800's.