Scenic appreciation is a mental meal of its own, with an ability to give a stomach-full of psychological refreshment. The atonement of mind and nature stands on a spectrum of good healthy living lifestyle that one needs to experience. One ideal pharmacy for such a prescription is the glorious Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe range. It’s one magnificent bundle of ecstatic scenicity to indulge in.
EASTERN HIGHLANDS – THE UNTOUCHED LAND
This rugged and scenic range of mountains in the east of Zimbabwe is not to be missed when exploring the country. The area is full of waterfalls, streams, gorges and valleys that will fill you up with new and pure energy! You are constantly surrounded by small pieces of paradise that will take your breath away. The region was unbelievably wonderful that the early British occupiers named it “Little England” and the British Royal family would often visit.
WHY YOU MUST ADD THE EASTERN HIGHLANDS TO YOUR BUCKET LIST?
Eastern Highlands is a mixed bowel of delectable views of the beauty of nature. Added to the hospitable culture and preservation of the locals, it stands as a dreamy getaway. A magical gateway feature to welcome you to the area stands the Christmas pass, a dizzying spectacle which bisects the mountain, providing an eccentric view of the valley below. At night, the view from the Christmas pass is ablaze with tiny lights from the various distant infrastructure in the valley below, almost looking like the pattern of Christmas lights on a tree at night thus the fantastic creative name in my fair opinion. Eastern Highlands is a three-hour drive from Harare, and it will take you about four hours on a bus.
Mount Nyangani
THE SACRED MOUNTAIN
Mount Nyangani is a sacred highland. 3–4-hour drive from Harare, and well worth it to become the tallest person in Zimbabwe for a bit, while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding areas. Have a look at a blog compiled after an overnight visit to Inyanga: click here. Mount Nyangani is 2.592m and located within the Nyanga National Park. The challenging climb is something to remember for hike enthusiasts. One (a person of average fitness) might need about 3 hours for a hike. The mountain is a must visit for any person who likes taking up new challenges. The walk can be explored by both fit children and adults. Reaching the mountain summit will allow you to catch beautiful views if the clouds haven’t closed in. The mountain is a source of 3 rivers which then feed into the Mighty Zambezi River which is a must visit as well.
WHY NYANGA?
The beauty of myths and history of the landform, as told by the locals makes it a go-to priority resort. The area holds vast attractions to couple your tourism and visit with nothing but fun and entertainment. Accommodation stands unlimited and set inside the beautiful montane forests of the Mutarazi National Park. The diversity of Flora and fauna in this park will have you jaw dropping and literally speechless.
WHAT WILL COMPLETE THE MOUNT NYANGANI HIKE?
A visit to the World’s View is something else to look forward to when visiting Nyanga. It has the highest point in the country and has a breath-taking 270 degrees outlook from the Toposcope. The skyline is something to look forward to when you visit Nyanga. You may find yourself flying through the sky over the second highest waterfall in Africa (Mtarazi Falls). The Skyline and zip line activities are an experience not to miss out on, especially for the high-altitude adrenaline rush fanatics. The high-speed Zip line is a heavenly fun activity to enjoy with friends and family. The Skywalk provided by Far and Wide is completely unique and allows you to fully view the Mtarazi Falls. Other fantastic activities to indulge in here include abseiling, birding, swimming in natural water pools, canyoning to mention a mere few.
Vumba Mountains – walker’s paradise –
THE ENCHANTING MOUNTAINS AND FORESTS
A walker’s paradise that ticks all the boxes of a great hike! There are plenty of trails on these misty mountains; walkers are surely spoilt for choice. The mountains overflow with life all year. It is the only untouched part of Zimbabwe. The Vumba mountains are the border between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Although ‘Friends of Vumba’ and the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife have started initiatives to make these trails more accessible by placing signage, it is still far from desirable, so a local guide is a must have if you want to avoid getting lost. The Vumba mountains provide a picturesque paradise of landscapes and some serene havens.
ARE YOU AN ANTHOPHILE?
The Bvumba Botanical Garden is an extensive herb and flower garden and is home to hundreds of plant and flower species. The gardens are also the best place to picnic whilst enjoying the beauty of flora.
WANT TO FIND OUT WHY THE SAYING GOES, “THE HIGHER YOU GO THE COOLER IT BECOMES”
“Experience this by exploring the super breeze at the Prince of Wales viewpoint, at the same time, grabbing an ecstatic aerial view of both Zimbabwe and Mozambique”.
DOES VUMBA HAVE ANYTHING ELSE TO OFFER BESIDES THE COOL BREEZES AND VIEWS?
Want a true family or relationship bonding tourism experience? Vumba Mountain range is one such secret place to achieve this proudly sponsored by nature. If one is a fanatic of bird viewing, Vumba offers lush botany and luxuriant forestry to give the true tropical experience. The Marindi Falls are Vumbas hidden gem. Marindi Falls will become your favourite place in Zimbabwe as they are a little piece of heaven. Leopard Rock Hotel is moreover a spectacle of its own to marvel at. This marvel offers both scenicity and luxury. This world class hotel offers a wide range of activities like fly-fishing, castle tours and golf. Horseback riding is another super activity you can indulge in for this experience. The magnificent view is also a romantic and peaceful feature allowing for lovely picnics.
DOES VUMBA HAVE SOMETHING FOR US COFFEE LOVERS?
Vumba is home to the award winning Arabica medium roast coffee. Vumba has the perfect growing conditions and High Mountain peaks for coffee. If you are a coffee lover it is worthwhile to visit the place.
Chipinge
THE UNDISTURBED THICK FOREST
It is absolutely beautiful but very remote. South of the city of Mutare you find a tropical baobab tree area, and further out is Chirinda Forest where you will become amazed by the 600-year-old mahogany. The climate is characterised by high temperatures and high rainfalls. The Chirinda Forest is what makes Chipinge popular. It is a botanical reserve that is home to subtropical evergreen plants. Chirinda Forest covers over 950 ha. It is classified as a Zanzibar-Inhambane type of a rainforest. And those of you who have been to either of those two places (Tanzania and Mozambique) will understand what I am talking about.
THE TALL ANCESTRAL TREE
The Forest is known for the Big Tree (tallest indigenous tree in Zimbabwe). The tree is 65 metres tall, a red mahogany. The Big tree is considered to be not less than 1000 years old and is a national monument.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE INTERESTING BESIDES THE THICK TREES?
Various birds such as Swynnerton’s Robin, Crested Guinea fowl, Livingstone’s Turaco, lemon dove, green pigeon, owls and nightjars can also be seen. You can also expect to see the Samango Monkey, which likes this type of ecosystem. There is a camping option for those that want to sleep in the forest.
TOO HOT?
Rupise hot springs are Chipinge’s hidden gem. Hot springs are a result of a natural geyser beneath the surface of the earth and water is pushed up to the surface. Some believe the springs have healing properties but it all depends on your beliefs.
HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO VISIT COFFEE PLANTATIONS?
Chipinge is also a coffee growing region and will excite coffee enthusiasts. You can also visit Tanganda Limited for coffee plantation tours. You can take part in the production process whilst learning how the coffee is grown. Chipinge coffee exemplifies a fine East African Coffee. What makes everything exciting is that the tours are free.
Honde Valley
THE GREEN FERTILE VALLEY
It extends from the eastern border of Zimbabwe into Mozambique. It is a low lying valley. For more activities in Honde Valley you can visit Aberfoyle Lodge. Aberfoyle lodge offers activities such as the Bum slide, Tree Canopy Tour, Tea Factory Tour and guided walks.
ANYTHING NEW TO SEE?
A hidden gem in Honde Valley is the spice garden. It is the largest organic pepper garden in the world. The garden is a must visit for anyone. The mermaid’s pool is also a hidden gem in Honde Valley. The mermaid pool is set in the magnificent forest and has a little pebble beach.
Burma Valley
BANANA HUB
It is a low lying area between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It is a rich banana farming area and a vibrant tourist destination. The vast banana farms, which cover the valley give the area the aura of an equatorial rainforest. If you love bananas, then this place will definitely excite you as you learn how bananas are grown.
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