Blogs

Hi All Troutbeck has, over the past 50 or 60 years, proudly established itself as the central hub for tourism in the Eastern Highlands – all roads lead to Troutbeck! The main tarred roads taking one there from Harare are all in good nick, making the drive to this destination a whole lot more pleasant than some of our alternatives. […]

A few days back, I stopped by the Highland Park branch of Cottage Bites, one of several locations you’ll find conveniently dotted around Harare’s most popular shopping centres. While each branch offers an outside seating area, I think many people would agree that Cottage Bites has become the go-to place for a quick coffee run […]

From Friday, 31 July to Sunday, 2 August 2026, Chisipite Senior School became the home of some of Zimbabwe’s finest schoolgirl hockey as it hosted the highly anticipated Golden & Silver Girls Hockey Tournament. Bringing together talented teams from about 24 schools, the tournament delivered three days of fierce competition. The success of the tournament […]

Hi All, Way back in the 1980s the, then very influential, Computer Society of Zimbabwe used to hold an annual week-long Nyanga conference alternating between the Troutbeck and Montclair Hotels. They always invited leading authorities in computing and accounting, like chairman John Dawson, to give lectures and lead discussions on recent trends. Computers were in […]

For Harare’s wine enthusiasts, Tannin Tuesdays organised by Elixir have become a much-loved tradition. They have evolved into a regular experience that brings together people who share a curiosity for good wine, great conversation, and learning something new. This October marks two years of Elixir introducing guests to the fascinating world of wine. The experience […]

Karate – The Japanese Art of Empty Hands Karate originated in Okinawa, Japan, where local fighting methods merged with Chinese martial arts over centuries. It was later introduced to mainland Japan by Master Gichin Funakoshi, who developed the Shotokan style. The word Karate means “Empty Hand,” reflecting its emphasis on defending oneself without weapons. Karate’s philosophy extends far beyond fighting. It […]

Hi All Over the years, I have, literally, spent hundreds of nights in our Eastern Highlands. The most memorable trips have been when I’ve stayed with close friends or family in a respectable cottage or lodge for three nights or more: where there has been no TV or Internet; where evenings were spent huddled around […]

There are mornings when you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. Then there are mornings when you’ve only managed two hours of sleep, which somehow become even less after having to squeeze in an early morning activity before heading to work. That was my reality today. One question kept running […]

Last weekend I went to Springvale House, Peterhouse, where young karatekas gathered for an interschools tournament. From the tiny 4- and 5-year-olds stepping onto the mat for what was probably one of their first competitions, right through to the confident 13- and 14-year-olds. Watching young children compete is witnessing the beginning of tomorrow’s champions. The […]

by Safeguard | jul 07, 2026 | Incident reports OVERVIEW Internally, the total number of crime incidents experienced by Safeguard clients increased by 9%. Compared to the previous month, non-violent crimes, particularly petty theft incidents increased, highlighting a possible shift towards opportunistic crime. Gate motors, fuel, and vehicle batteries continue to be vulnerable targets in and […]

The VAWZ Scruffs Dog Show was one of those events that has a way of winning you over. Everywhere you looked were wagging tails, proud owners and plenty of personality. It was also reassuring to see how responsibly the event was run, with every dog on a leash and owners ensuring their four-legged companions were […]

Can we all confirm that craving comfort food in winter is a universal thing? The moment the weather turns chilly, suddenly coffee tastes better, and desserts become irresistible. Whatever the reason, this season always inspires me to continue my quest for some of the best coffee stops in Harare. One café that keeps calling me […]

In a city that’s constantly on the move, it’s refreshing to stumble across an event that encourages you to simply slow down. Recently, I attended a Gin & Poetry afternoon at a village along Kenilworth in Newlands, where guests were invited to experience three different varieties of gin, each paired with its own specially selected […]

New Moon is on 14 July and the Meerkat Full Moon is 29 July. At the start of July you will be able to see two planets after sunset in the West. Jupiter is getting low in the west after sunset. It will disappear from the evening sky, to re-appear at the end of the […]

This Father’s Day, Sam Levy’s Village was buzzing with activity as families came to partake in a festival aimed at honouring the men who guide, protect and love us daily. The event has an incredible display of the best food stands, car clubs, bike clubs, and lifestyle brands in town. It was exciting to see […]

It was one of those rare days when I had a serious sweet tooth craving, which I will tell you doesn’t happen often, despite how many times you have read pieces I have written about cakes. This meant I needed somewhere that would satisfy the craving properly. The destination became Café Pistachio, tucked away in […]

Have you ever tried planting an orchid, or any flower for that matter, only to watch it slowly wilt away despite your best efforts? You buy a beautiful pot, water it regularly, place it somewhere with plenty of light, and still it refuses to thrive. Well, as I recently discovered, watering a plant and giving […]

As temperatures drop across Zimbabwe, most of us remember to pull out our warm jackets, blankets, and heaters. Yet one of our most important daily companions is often overlooked: our vehicle. Whether you’re a private motorist, family driver, fleet manager, business owner, or professional driver, winter can place extra strain on your vehicle. A weak […]