Yeah, those connections are a bummer! I've looked at those MFU's on that route and so far I've resisted because of the layovers.

I'm no expert on HRE but have been there recently for the first time and here's my take. The airport is modern, spacious, empty and boring. BA has a tiny hole-in-the-wall lounge. Very neat and very basic in terms of food and drink - crisps and suchlike. Not sure of its opening hours.

If you are of an adventurous disposition you could easily take a taxi into town. I say adventurous not because I believe you would be in any danger, but because only someone of that type will find Harare interesting enough to warrant the hassle. I believe there is a passable museum but I haven't been there personally. Maybe someone could put you in touch with a guide who could meet you and show you around. That would be painless and quite interesting I should think. (We were taken about by business acquaintences and it certainly was fascinating hearing the locals' take on life in Zim.)