The northernmost section of the Eastern Highlands, Nyanga offers dramatic landscapes and the highest peaks in Zimbabwe:

Key Attractions:

• Mount Nyangani: Zimbabwe’s highest mountain (2,592m) with a relatively easy hiking trail to the summit
• Nyangombe Falls: Picturesque waterfall with natural pools ideal for swimming
• Mtarazi Falls: Zimbabwe’s highest waterfall with a 762m drop (accessible via zipline)
• World’s View: Spectacular panoramic viewpoint overlooking the highlands
• Nyanga Downs: Trout fishing streams and dams
• Rhodes Nyanga National Park: Historical sites including Cecil Rhodes’ cottage
• Troutbeck Resort: Iconic highland hotel with golf course and fishing
• Ancient ruins: Including terracing and pit structures from early settlements

Activities:

• Hiking on numerous marked trails
• Trout fishing in stocked dams and streams
• Mountain biking on forest trails
• Historical site tours
• Horse riding through mountain terrain
• Zipline across Mtarazi Falls gorge

The central highlands area just southeast of Mutare, known for its mist-shrouded forests and botanical gardens:

Key Attractions:

• Cecil Kop Nature Reserve: Wildlife sanctuary with hiking trails
• Bvumba Botanical Gardens: Beautiful landscaped gardens with exotic plants
• Bunga Forest: Pristine montane forest with rare birds
• Burma Valley: Agricultural valley with fruit orchards and wineries
• Cross Kopje: Viewpoint offering vistas into Mozambique on clear days
• White Horse Inn: Historic hotel famous for its fine dining
• Castle Beacon: Highest point in the Bvumba range

Activities:

• Birdwatching (over 300 species, including the rare Swynnerton’s Robin)
• Forest walks and hiking
• Botanical garden tours
• Wine tasting at local estates
• Butterfly watching (especially during summer months)
• Golf at Leopard Rock Hotel’s championship course

The most remote and rugged of the three highland areas, offering wilderness experiences and challenging hiking:

Key Attractions:

• Chimanimani National Park: Pristine wilderness with dramatic quartzite mountains
• Bridal Veil Falls: Stunning 50m waterfall just outside Chimanimani village
• Chimaninami Mountains: Challenging peaks including Binga and Kweza
• Outward Bound Center: Adventure training facility
• Haroni and Rusitu Forest Reserves: Rare lowland forest habitats with endemic plants
• Hot springs: Natural thermal springs in remote locations

Activities:

• Multi-day wilderness hiking and camping
• Rock climbing and abseiling
• River swimming in crystal clear mountain pools
• Visiting local communities and art projects
• Photography of unique mountain landscapes
• Botanical exploration (area has high plant endemism)

The Eastern Highlands offer Zimbabwe’s best hiking opportunities:

Beginner-Friendly Options:

• Nyangani Summit Trail: 4km round trip to Zimbabwe’s highest point
• Cecil Kop Nature Reserve Trails: Short marked trails near Mutare
• Bunga Forest Walk: 3km loop through misty forest in the Bvumba

Intermediate Hikes:

• Pungwe Gorge Trail: Full-day scenic hike in Nyanga
• Bridal Veil Falls Trail: 5km round trip from Chimanimani village
• Bvumba Circular Route: 12km day hike around the Bvumba peaks

Advanced Multi-Day Treks:

• Chimanimani Mountains Traverse: 3-4 day wilderness experience
• Honde Valley Trek: 2-3 day guided hike through remote communities
• Border Trail: 5-day challenging route along the Mozambique border

Important Notes:

• Local guides recommended for longer/remote routes
• Park fees apply in national park areas
• Carry sufficient water and appropriate clothing
• Weather can change rapidly in mountain areas

The region boasts numerous pristine waterfalls with natural swimming pools:

Most Accessible:

• Mtarazi Falls: Viewable from platforms; no swimming
• Nyangombe Falls: Easy access and excellent swimming pools
• Bridal Veil Falls: Short walk from Chimanimani with great swimming

Worth the Effort:

• Mutarazi Falls: Challenging hike but spectacular scenery
• Manchester Falls: Remote location in Nyanga with pristine pools
• Pungwe Falls: Scenic cascades requiring half-day hike

Swimming Safety:

• Check water conditions, especially after heavy rain
• Never dive as underwater rocks may be present
• Be cautious of slippery surfaces around falls
• Some areas have bilharzia risk - check with locals

The Eastern Highlands contain fascinating historical remnants:

Colonial Heritage:

• Rhodes Nyanga Hotel: Historic hotel built in 1899
• Rhodes’ Cottage: Cecil Rhodes’ former mountain retreat
• Pungwe Drift: Old coach road crossing point
• Cecil Kop: Named after Cecil Rhodes with wartime relics

Ancient Sites:

• Nyanga Terracing: Extensive agricultural terraces from 16-19th century
• Pit Structures: Mysterious stone structures for cattle keeping or fortification
• Ziwa Ruins: Archaeological site with stone structures and artifacts

Cultural Interest:

• Gosho Park: Traditional village reconstruction near Nyanga
• Local Craft Centers: Traditional crafts including stone sculpture and basketry

The Eastern Highlands are home to various communities with distinct traditions:

• Shona communities: Main ethnic group with rich artistic traditions
• Tea and coffee estate workers: Multi-generational communities with unique culture
• Chimanimani artisans: Known for woodcarving and stone sculpture
• Nyanga farming communities: Traditional agricultural practices

Support local economies by:

• Visiting community craft centers
• Hiring local guides for hikes
• Purchasing locally grown tea, coffee, and fruit products
• Engaging with community tourism initiatives