Chimanimani is derived from the Manyika name meaning squeezed together and it describes the narrow pass in the mountain range where the Musapa River flows. The name Chimanimani brings to mind towering peaks of mountains, sparkling waterfalls and untouched forests for anyone who has connected with the place. Chimanimani is a place for those who want nothing more than to immerse in the heart-soothing loveliness of nature.
The beauty of the mountain wilderness has also drawn adventurous travellers. Tiritose Sustainable Travel works with knowledgeable local tour guides who know about the area’s hiking trails and offer tours at affordable rates. You will never get lost in the mountains with us as your travel buddy. The best time to visit for warm weather activities is from mid-April to early May and late August to mid-November. The name Chimanimani brings to mind towering peaks of mountains, sparkling waterfalls and untouched forests.
CHIMANIMANI RAW NATURE
The park is home to huge granite stones, which provide stunning views once you get to the top. It is the wildest part of the Eastern Highlands and probably Africa’s least known nature reserve, making it a true hidden gem. It covers 171 square kilometres at the southern point of the Eastern Highlands, stretching some 50 kilometres along the Zimbabwe-Mozambique border.
The park is riddled with caves and rock overhangs. It is all about the scenery in this part of the world. You will be able to have the beautiful, rugged mountains to yourself. The most exciting news is that you can camp anywhere in the park for free except at the Base Camp found at the foot of the mountain. The Chimanimani Trans frontier Conservation Area brought the governments of Zimbabwe and Mozambique to help each other protect and preserve the natural beauty of the area
Something for birding enthusiasts: Chimanimani is one of the last strongholds of the highly endangered Blue Swallow bird. It is an intra-African migrant that breeds in the Eastern Highlands from September to May each year. The Blue swallow is identified by two long feathers, which seem to float behind the bird. Another special bird you can see when you visit the Bridal Veil Falls is the Scarce Swift. The Scarce Swift is famous because it is a fast-flying bird, with speeds ranging from 69 km per hour. To find the bird you have to listen to the distinctive call early in the morning or in the afternoon. Gurney’s Sugarbird are seen all year and can be easily seen feeding on the nectar from protea flowers.
The rocky Mount Binga with unique views that are very different to any other in the entire country – Chimanimani Mountains presents raw nature. If you have not experienced things speaking to the heavens/sky, well this is your chance. Mt Binga is the second highest mountain in Zimbabwe, and borders Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The view of Mozambique from the ridge line will be the most impressive. Although it is possible to hike up to the summit in one day, 7+ hours, it is always better to spend the night at the overnight mountain hut.
The mountain hut sits at 1630 m above sea level. If you are brave you can spend the night in either Terry’s or Peter’s caves (disused mine shafts). Inside the park, you can of course nestle inside the caves overnight, I am sure you agree that it makes for a better experience! Hikers who cannot hike to the mountain hut can camp at the Corner Camp Area that borders the Chikukwa Village.
The graceful Bridal Veil Falls that drops smoothly down just like syrup and swishes over the rocks joyfully. The Bridal Veil Falls are within the Eland Sanctuary. The Eland sanctuary has fine sandy soils that are white as salt and Miombo Woodlands, endemic protea and dry montane forests. The waterfall has a beautiful serenity-pool at the bottom where you can swim and refresh after a challenging hike. From the base of the falls you can enjoy magnificent views of the Porkpie Mountain Range.
The area is protected by the National Parks of Zimbabwe and shows a nicely preserved area of green vegetation. It is famed for its beauty. The best way to enjoy the place is to go by foot through the pork pine mountain with the Tiritose Sustainable Travel guide who will make the walk memorable. The place is an ideal picnic site. You can spend the day climbing up the falls and sunbathing with your family friends and family. You can braai and this means you should purchase the meat from the local butcher before visiting the falls.
Natural Swimming Hole – Tessa’s Pool
It is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in Chimanimani. The pool is found at the end of a series of cascades on the Hadange River. There are also rock art paintings to see near the falls making the whole experience exciting. The area is surrounded by rocky Brachystegia woodland, but the sandy soils are heavily influenced by quartzite creating a romantic rocky beach for sunbathing. The pool is crystal clear and extremely cold meaning the brave one will be able to dip in. It is a beautiful, enclosed area, which will give you the peace you need.
Does Chimanimani have any other activities we can enjoy besides hiking?
Mountain Biking
Chimanimani has many tracks, little traffic and magnificent views making it home for a serious mountain biker. The Chimanimani terrain will test and challenge your biking skills in every way. The trail is steep, rocky and bumpy allowing you to find and learn new biking skills that will allow you to defeat the trail. It will reward the fittest of you with spectacular views and new biking tricks. The trails need a fit person and they can be very steep and rocky. You cannot hire any bikes in Chimanimani, and this means you can either bring your own or hire them from Eastern Adventures in Mutare on your way to Chimanimani. Bike rentals cost $5 per hour.
To be safe you will need your headgear in case of any falls. There is the Cashel Scenic Route 130 km both ways. The Cashel Scenic Route is a narrow road with some steep slopes with beautiful scenic views. The first people who identified Chimanimani used the route till they reached Chimanimani. The route allows you to fully view the Chimanimani Mountain Range. The route also allows you to see ancient memorial buildings and farms used by the white people who stayed over 120 years ago. The Tiritose Sustainable Travel guides can help navigate the trail and also find new trails for you to enjoy. You get the opportunity to explore the mountain forest and rolling hills on a bike and enjoy the stunning views.
Authentic and unique experience of Zimbabwe – Cultural tour
This is a chance for you to see and meet many locals and learn how they live daily. It is important to see how the locals live as it will help you get an understanding of why they respect the nature they have been blessed with. The locals are always keen to meet and interact with new people. When you book a tour with Tiritose Sustainable Travel, safety should be the least of your worries. The homes are carefully selected to make sure you have the best cultural experience. You also get to cook local meals and live with an African family. To make sure you make the best out of this experience you have to be prepared to embrace a new culture. You can also get a chance to visit a local healer and learn how they use different herbs to heal people. This experience will show or teach you how traditional people live a healthy life by making use of herbs. You might find herbs for one of the ailments you might have.
With diverse scenery from rugged mountains, sparkling waterfalls, and natural swimming holes, Chimanimani deserves a chance. Tiritose Sustainable Travel offers private tours to Chimanimani that allow you to connect with the mountain wilderness and get the best of everything. Book now and have the beautiful rugged mountain range to yourself.
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