ZIMBABWE - HIGHLANDS & SOUTHEAST
This stunning area forms Zimbabwe’s natural border with Mozambique, offering a dramatic contrast to the rest of the country. Characterised by a cooler, wetter climate, it features misty mountains, deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and lush, green landscapes.
It is a paradise for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts, spanning three major mountain areas: Nyanga, Bvumba, and Chimanimani
Why Visit The Eastern Highlands & Southeast?
Spectacular Hiking: Climb Mount Nyangani, the country’s highest peak, or traverse the rugged trails of Chimanimani National Park.
Unique Natural Beauty: Discover dramatic waterfalls like Mutarazi Falls and explore the rare flora of the “Mountains of Mist.”
Cool Climate Escape: Enjoy a refreshingly cool and humid climate perfect for outdoor activities, a welcome change from the hot Lowveld.
Smart Travel
Dry/Winter Season (April-October): This is the ideal time to visit for hiking and outdoor exploration. The weather is cool, dry, and clear, with minimal rainfall.
Wet/Summer Season (November-March): The region is lush and green, but expect heavy afternoon showers and morning mists. This is the best time for birdwatching as migratory species arrive.
Shoulder Season (April, October): Offers the best of both worlds—pleasant temperatures, good hiking conditions, and the start/end of the rich birding season, with fewer crowds than peak winter months.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Nyanga National Park & Highlands
Located in the north, this area is home to Zimbabwe’s highest points, including Mount Nyangani and the spectacular Mutarazi Falls. The park is famous for its rolling hills, evergreen forests, trout fishing in clear rivers, and archaeological sites.
Your Smart Tip: To truly appreciate the scale of Mutarazi Falls, try the exhilarating Mutarazi Falls Skywalk and Skyline zip-line experience for incredible views of the gorge.
Bvumba Mountains (‘Mountains of Mist’)
South of Mutare, the Bvumba (Shona for ‘mist’) is known for its coffee plantations, soft cheeses, and the magnificent Bvumba Botanical Gardens. This area is characterized by low cloud cover, lush rainforests, and spectacular views reaching into Mozambique.
Your Smart Tip: Visit the Botanical Gardens in the early morning to catch the mist rolling in—it’s the perfect time for photography, and later enjoy a coffee tasting nearby.
Chimanimani National Park
The southernmost and most rugged area, featuring fierce granite peaks and deep ravines. It is a haven for serious hikers and climbers, offering challenging trails and a unique array of plant and bird life. The remote nature ensures a truly untouched wilderness experience.
Your Smart Tip: For a challenging but rewarding trek, consider the multi-day hike to the Chimanimani Mountain Hut, a base for exploring the high-altitude plateau.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is Montane Sub-tropical. It is generally cooler and wetter than the rest of Zimbabwe, with temperatures in Nyanga typically varying from 5ºC (41ºF) to 23ºC (73ºF) in winter, and 15ºC (59ºF) to 30ºC (86ºF) in summer. Frost can occur in the high areas during winter.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: Shona is the main language spoken in this region. English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and main towns.
Greetings: A friendly and respectful greeting is highly valued. A handshake is common, often with the right forearm supported by the left hand as a sign of respect.
Respect for Nature: The mountains and falls are considered sacred by some local communities; treat the natural environment with the utmost respect, especially at high-altitude sites.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Basic lodges/guesthouses ($40–$70), mid-range hotels/resorts ($90–$150), luxury/boutique hotels ($180+). Camping in national parks is very affordable.
Food: Local meal (Sadza and relish) ($5–$10), dinner at a mid-range hotel/restaurant ($15–$30 per person), fine dining ($40+).
Transport: Inter-city bus (affordable but slower), private taxi/transfer (variable), car rental ($50–$80/day).
Activities: National Park entry fee ($10–$20/day for non-residents), guided hike/tour ($30–$60).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $70–$100 (basic lodging, local food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $110–$180 (mid-range hotel, varied meals, park fees, self-drive).
- Luxury: $200+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private transfers/tours).
Getting Around
By Car: A 4×4 or high-clearance vehicle is recommended for accessing some of the more remote areas and national park roads, particularly during the wet season.
By Bus/Coach: Inter-city coaches connect the region’s main towns like Mutare to Harare, but local travel is best done by private vehicle or taxi.
By Private Transfer: Many lodges and hotels can arrange private transfers from Harare or between major attractions, offering convenience and local insight.
Must-Try Food
Sadza (SAH-dza): The staple food, a thick porridge made from maize meal, eaten with relish.
Nyama (Nee-YAH-ma): Meat, usually beef, chicken, or game, often served as a stew or grilled.
Muriwo Unedovi (Moo-REE-woe Oo-NEH-doh-vee): Greens (like pumpkin leaves or covo) cooked in a rich, delicious peanut butter sauce.
Mabhonzo emombe (Ma-BOHN-zoh eh-MOM-beh): A hearty and flavourful beef bone stew, often served with Sadza.
Kapenta: Small, dried fish from Lake Tanganyika/Kariba, often fried and served as a savory snack or relish.
Madhumbe (Mah-DOOM-beh): A local type of yam (taro/cocoyam), often boiled and popular in Manicaland province.
Trout: Freshly caught from the Nyanga rivers and dams, often served grilled or pan-fried at local lodges.
Mapopo Candy: Candied papaya, a sweet treat.
Seasonal Fruits: Locally grown peaches, bananas, avocados, and mangoes, often available at roadside stalls.
Biltong/Chimukuyu: Air-dried or smoked strips of marinated meat, a common high-protein snack.
Must-Try Drinks
Local Coffee/Tea: Grown and processed right in the region (e.g., Chipinge and Honde Valley), often enjoyed at Bvumba hotels and estates.
Opaque Beer (Ngoto): A traditional, sorghum-based alcoholic beverage, known as Ngoto in the local context, often consumed at celebrations.
Maheu (Ma-HAY-oo): A traditional, non-alcoholic drink made from fermented maize meal, sweet and energy-giving.
Mazoe Orange Crush: A highly popular, locally produced concentrated cordial that is mixed with water.
Cider/Fruit Juice: Freshly pressed juice, especially apple or tropical fruit, often available at farms and local markets in the cooler climate.
Traditional Lager/Beer: Local brands like Zambezi Lager or Castle Lite are widely available.