Cash, checks. debit/ credit cards. (Harare)

I will be spending two months in Harare and would appreciate some advice about how to deal with money while I am there. Should I bring along several thousand dollars in small denominations? I'm concerned about safety traveling with cash" What do I do after I arrive? Is there a bank where i can deposit the bills. Or is this idea out-dated. What about getting cash from ATMs? What about wiring cash to a bank in Harare and withdrawing when I need to? I am sure there is a simple answer since people travel to Harare all the time, but from what I read you have a cash economy, and small bills are supposed to be useful during transactions.