The Aloe Route is found in the Odzi area and accessed from Musangano Lodge. Odzi is a moderately sized village and serves as a small trading centre for tobacco and mixed farming. The four marked trails which are the Riverine Trail, Mount Chikanga Trail, Musangano Ridge Trail and Secret Valley Trail distinguish this walking site in Zimbabwe as it is conducive for good leisurely walks for novice hikers, but also presents more demanding trails such as Mount Chikanga to the seasoned hikers. About halfway up the trail is a colony of Aloe Aculeata, which is where the trail derives its name. The abundant birdlife and indigenous trees is perfect for those interested in bird watching!
The Aloe Route is rich in indigenous tree species such as Msasa and Miombo woodlands. The trail has a variety of bird species, including Woodland Kingfisher famous for hunting and eating fish that will excite bird lovers. The striped Kingfisher and weaver birds can also be found around the lodge. The Variable Sunbird can also be seen, and it is one of the most colourful birds around the lodge.
The starting point of the walk is Musangano Lodge. It is a 2.5 hour walk. You will need approximately 2,5-hours to 4-hours to access the trail and back to the lodge. The trail is 3.32 km of steep incline that is well marked, with visible signage. A person of average fitness, meaning those who walk regularly will enjoy the trail more, however, novice walkers can take their time, although they will find it a little challenging. The trail starts off in typical Brachystegia woodland but as it ascends the acacia dominates. Near the summit the hike is challenging but there are large granite rocks that provide convenient resting places. The 360-degree view is breath-taking, and on a clear day, you can see Mutare towards the east and Odzi in the west. Looking north a patchwork of fields indicates the highly intensive agriculture of the area.
The sunset at the peak is spectacular but be sure to start the return journey back to the lodge before dark. The approximate altitude level is 210 metres. It is a premier walking trail leading to the summit of the ridge to the south; the Grand Reef Aerodrome Airstrip lies adjacent to a resettled government property of Mutare.
The Riverine Trail: The shortest and least demanding trail. It is only 2 kilometres. The trail goes through typical miombo woodlands and it is in flat country. It is a deal for an afternoon, leisurely stroll of about an hour.
Secret Valley Trail: It is marked by yellow squares on the trees and follows a rocky stream bed for a distance before heading on a hill on where the largest tank is. The length of the trail is 2,4 kilometres. From the top of the hill, which also has a good view, the trail heads south along a ridge before descending into another valley and meandering along another stream bed. The trail crosses the “up” section of the Aloe Trail, and finally joins with the “down” section of the Aloe Trail leading back to the Lodge. Time of the trail would be between 2 to 3 hours. All the trails cross the vlei, which is a flat grassy area, where the Lodge´s borehole is situated.
This is a geological feature characterised by rich black clay soil that is very water retentive. In the past people grew cotton in the vlei, but today it has reverted back to its natural state. Along all the trails, one can see how men shape the environment once he starts utilising it. At first sight the vegetation appears completely natural, yet at a closer look it becomes obvious how thin most of the trees are.
Musangano Ridge Trail: It will take 3 hours since its length is 5 km and it is for serious hikers. The climb to the ridge is uneven but passes through attractive miombo woodlands with Msasas. The walk along the ridge top is easier. One reaches the trail by taking the Riverine Trail first and then branching off into the Secret Valley before the Ridge Trail. The walk along the ridge is easier than what went before and offers magnificent views both north and south as one walks through the woodland. At the eastern end of the ridge the descent to the Musangano slope begins, at first quite steep but soon more gentle and passing through varied vegetation. On the last section the trail re-joins the Riverine Trail and eventually the trees give way to more open country with grassland dotted with bushes, the home of the property’s borehole which supplies the camp with all water.
Mount Chikanga Trail: Allow about 3 hours for this varied and interesting trail, which involves a steady, fairly demanding climb through a rocky woodland environment. The length of the trail is 5 km. The reward is a superb view of the surrounding countryside and distant Osborne Dam in its National Park plus some ancient walls and an iron ore smelting site. On the summit sits a clay pot used in ancient rainmaking ceremonies.
Your guide transports you the 8 km to the starting point along Chikanga Road, a rough track linking the main Harare–Mutare road to Grange Road. First the trail leads through communal farmland and scrub to a typical village populated by subsistence and resettled farmers. Shortly after this, the trail bears left and upwards. Having negotiated the barbed wire fence you follow the arrows painted on the rocks and the steady climb begins.
Rock paintings can be found in two separate caves along the way but are rather indistinct, worn away by years of water flowing over them. However, local animals and scenes of village life can still be identified. Luckily the paintings are in red which survives better than the usual white. They show man, the hunter with his equipment and woman, the gatherer with emphasis on her reproductive role.
Something for the biking enthusiasts
Serious bikers can try the established mountain and road bike routes. There are four biking routes that you can enjoy, namely; Riverine Trail, Secret Valley Trail, Musangano Ridge Trail and Aloe Trail. The bike routes allow you to view the scenic area. The distances range from 10-65 kilometres. The trails cross both the Mutare and Odzi Rivers, offering you magnificent views of the miombo woodland.
Where can I stay when visiting the Aloe Route?
On the lower slopes of a tree covered hillside lies Musangano Lodge. Musangano means a place where people meet. The lodge offers a variety of services and facilities to suit the needs of travellers, families, couples and backpackers. Musangano has 5 chalets with one bedroom and takes 2 people, mainly suitable for couples. It also has 3 lodges with 2 bedrooms taking 4 people each. Their three four bedroomed lodges can accommodate 6 people each and are suitable for groups. The lodges are spacious and have a tastefully furnished kitchen and have cosy luxurious bedrooms. From the covered porches you will be able to view the Odzi River Valley. You will be able to view the magnificent river from a high point.
If you are visiting the Eastern Highlands, you can easily visit Musangano Lodge. A visit to Aloe trails will complete your Eastern Adventures. Book your Eastern Highlands tour with Tiritose Sustainable Travel for amazing adventures.
For more inspiration, follow them on their social media handles:
Facebook: Tiritose Sustainable Travel – Home
Twitter: Tiritose Sustainable Travel (@TiritoseTravel)
Instagram: Tiritose Sustainable Travel (@tiritose_sustainable_travel)
Pinterest: Tiritose Sustainable Travel (tiritose_sustainable_travel) – Profile
LinkedIn: Tiritose Sustainable Travel | LinkedIn
