Mutare - Gateway to the Eastern Highlands
Mutare (formerly Umtali) is Zimbabwe’s third-largest city and the capital of Manicaland Province. Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains at the foot of the Eastern Highlands, this charming city offers the perfect blend of urban amenities and easy access to Zimbabwe’s most dramatic mountain scenery. Just 8 kilometers from the Mozambique border, Mutare also serves as the gateway to cross-border adventures.
Why Visit Mutare
Highland Gateway
Base for exploring Bvumba Mountains, Nyanga, and Chimanimani - all within day-trip distance
Border Access
Easy day trips to Mozambique and access to the Beira Corridor to the Indian Ocean
City Comforts
Good hotels, restaurants, and services while staying close to mountain wilderness
Scenic Setting
Beautiful valley location surrounded by Christmas Pass and mountain ranges
- Budget-friendly base for Eastern Highlands exploration (cheaper than mountain lodges)
- Portuguese and Mozambican influences in food and culture
- Historical significance as a pioneer and railway town
- Authentic Zimbabwean city life without heavy tourist infrastructure
- Year-round pleasant climate due to altitude (1,100m)
Top Attractions
Nature & Outdoors
Christmas Pass
Spectacular mountain pass with panoramic views:
- Historic route connecting Mutare to Harare
- Viewpoints overlooking the city and into Mozambique
- Named for discovery on Christmas Day 1890
- Photography hotspot, especially at sunrise/sunset
- Walking trails near the pass
- Memorial to pioneer column
- Location: 10km west of city center on A3 highway
- Access: Free, roadside viewpoints
- Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon for light
Cecil Kop Nature Reserve
Urban nature reserve with hiking and wildlife:
- 1,700 hectares of natural woodland
- Hiking trails through indigenous forest
- Small wildlife population (antelope, zebra, giraffe)
- Excellent birdwatching (250+ species)
- Rock formations and viewpoints
- Picnic facilities
- Location: Northern edge of city
- Hours: Daily 6am-6pm
- Entry Fee: $5 USD
- Best For: Morning walks, birding
Murahwa Hill
Rock art site with panoramic views:
- Ancient San Bushman rock paintings
- Granite formations and caves
- 360-degree views from summit
- Moderate hiking (1-2 hours round trip)
- Important archaeological site
- Peaceful, rarely crowded
- Location: 5km from city center
- Entry: Small fee, local guides available
- Difficulty: Moderate climb
- Allow: 2-3 hours
Tiger's Kloof Dam
Local recreation area near the city:
- Scenic dam in hill setting
- Fishing opportunities
- Walking paths around water
- Birdwatching
- Popular with local families
- Peaceful alternative to city bustle
- Location: 10km north of Mutare
- Access: Free
- Best For: Relaxed afternoon, fishing
Cultural & Historical Sites
Mutare Museum
Regional history and transport collection:
- Local history from pre-colonial to independence
- Transport section with vintage vehicles
- Natural history displays
- Ethnographic collection
- Beira-Mashonaland Railway heritage
- Art gallery section
- Location: Aerodrome Road
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm
- Entry: $3 USD
Utopia House Museum
Historic home and garden attraction:
- 1920s period house museum
- Beautiful ornamental gardens
- Colonial-era furnishings
- Tea garden on premises
- Craft shop
- Quiet retreat from city
- Location: Jason Moyo Drive
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9am-4pm
- Entry: $2 USD
National Gallery (Eastern)
Eastern Highlands branch of national gallery:
- Contemporary Zimbabwean art
- Rotating exhibitions
- Local artist showcases
- Stone sculpture collection
- Workshop space
- Small but quality collection
- Location: City center
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9am-5pm
- Entry: $3 USD
Cross Kopje
Hilltop landmark with city views:
- Large illuminated cross visible citywide
- Hiking trail to summit
- Panoramic views over Mutare
- Historic significance
- Best at sunset
- Location: Central Mutare
- Access: Free, short hike
- Best Time: Late afternoon
Markets & Shopping
Sakubva Market:
Mutare’s largest and most vibrant traditional market:
Mutare City Centre: Compact downtown with colonial-era buildings:
- Huge selection of fresh produce
- Crafts and traditional goods
- Second-hand clothing section
- Bustling, authentic atmosphere
- Cross-border trade with Mozambique
- Best visited with a local guide
Mutare City Centre: Compact downtown with colonial-era buildings:
- Main Street shopping precinct
- Banks and services
- Coffee shops and restaurants
- Bookshops and craft stores
- Supermarkets (OK, TM Pick n Pay)
- Fresh produce market
- Crafts and curios
- Local snacks
- Central location
Day Trips from Mutare
Bvumba Mountains (25-30km)
The misty Bvumba (also spelled Vumba) offers Zimbabwe’s most accessible mountain experience:Bvumba Botanical Gardens
- 30 hectares of indigenous and exotic plants
- Over 800 species of trees and shrubs
- Stunning mountain setting
- Walking trails through gardens
- Tea room with mountain views
- Orchid collection
Bunga Forest Botanical Reserve
- Indigenous rainforest
- Rare and endemic species
- Excellent birding (African Pitta territory)
- Forest walking trails
- Mystical, misty atmosphere
Mozambique Border Trips
Forbes Border Post is just 8km from Mutare center, opening opportunities for cross-border experiences: Day Trip Options:- Manica Town - Closest Mozambican town (15km from border), Portuguese architecture, different atmosphere
- Chimoio - Larger city with markets and restaurants (100km)
- Shopping - Mozambican beer, seafood, prawns
- Visa requirements vary by nationality (many can get visa on arrival)
- Border hours: 6am-8pm
- ZW and US dollars accepted at border towns
- Roads good to Chimoio
Other Day Trips
| Destination | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Nyanga | 120km (2hrs) | Waterfalls, mountains, Mt. Nyangani |
| Chimanimani | 150km (2.5hrs) | Hiking, mountain village |
| Penhalonga | 20km | Mining history, scenic valley |
| Honde Valley | 80km | Tea estates, banana plantations |
Food & Dining
Mutare offers diverse dining options, including Portuguese and Mozambican influences:Local Cuisine
Recommended:
- Sakubva Food Stalls - Authentic local sadza and stews (very cheap)
- Green Cockerel - Traditional dishes in pleasant setting
- Frieda’s Restaurant - Local favorites with views
- Sadza with beef stew
- Grilled chicken peri-peri style
- Mazoe orange juice (local origin)
- Portuguese-influenced seafood dishes
International & Fine Dining
Recommended:
- The Wise Owl Motel Restaurant - Diverse menu, reliable quality
- Ann Bruce Coffee Shop - Excellent breakfasts and coffee
- Leopard Rock Hotel (Bvumba) - Fine dining with mountain views
Cafés & Quick Bites
- Ann Bruce - Best coffee in town
- Nando’s - Reliable peri-peri chicken
- Savanna Lodge - Garden setting, light meals
- City center bakeries - Fresh bread and pastries
Mozambican Influence
Cross-border trade brings Mozambican flavors:
- Prawns and seafood (from coast via Beira)
- Peri-peri sauces and marinades
- Portuguese-style bread rolls
- Mozambican beer (2M, Laurentina)
- Prego rolls (steak sandwiches)
Accommodation
Mutare offers good accommodation at lower prices than mountain lodges:Luxury/Upscale:
- Leopard Rock Hotel (Bvumba) - Historic castle-hotel with golf course, 30km from city
- Inn on the Vumba - Mountain retreat with stunning views
- Tony’s Coffee Estate - Coffee farm lodge experience
- The Wise Owl Motel - Reliable, central location
- Savanna Lodge - Garden setting, quiet
- Mutare Holiday Inn - Business-standard hotel
- City centre guesthouses - Various options
- Backpacker lodges - Several options in town
- Church guesthouses - Simple, clean, cheap
- Self-catering apartments - Good for longer stays
- Camping - Cecil Kop Nature Reserve
- Budget: $20-40/night
- Mid-range: $50-100/night
- Upscale: $150-300/night
- Stay in city center for convenience and dining
- Stay in Bvumba for mountain atmosphere (30min drive to city)
- Stay along Christmas Pass road for scenic views
Practical Information
How Much Time to Spend
How Much Time to Spend
Mutare Only:
- 1 day for city highlights
- 2-3 nights for city + Bvumba day trips
- 4-5 nights to include Nyanga or Chimanimani
- 1 week to explore entire Eastern Highlands region
- Day 1: Arrive, Christmas Pass sunset, city orientation
- Day 2: Bvumba Mountains day trip
- Day 3: Murahwa Hill and Cecil Kop, or Mozambique border trip
- Day 4+: Extended trips to Nyanga or Chimanimani
Getting There
Getting There
From Harare:
- Distance: 263km
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Route: A3 highway via Rusape (good tar road)
- Bus: Regular coaches, $15-20 USD
- Distance: 580km
- Time: 7-8 hours
- Route: Via Harare or via Masvingo
- Forbes Border Post 8km east
- From Beira: 300km via Chimoio
- Grand Reef Airport (small, limited flights)
- Most visitors fly to Harare and drive
- Available in city center
- Recommended for Highland exploration
- Book ahead during peak seasons
Getting Around
Getting Around
In City:
- Taxis available but negotiate fares
- Walking possible in city center
- Local kombis (minibuses) - for adventurous travelers
- Car rental essential for flexibility
- Some lodges offer transfers
- Tour operators can arrange day trips
- Cross-border taxis available
- Tour operators arrange day trips
- Self-drive possible with paperwork
Money Matters
Money Matters
- ATMs available (Ecocash, major banks)
- USD widely accepted
- Credit cards at hotels and main restaurants
- Carry cash for markets and small vendors
- Lower prices than Harare or tourist areas
- Mozambican meticais useful if crossing border
Safety
Safety
General:
- Mutare is relatively safe for a Zimbabwean city
- Normal urban precautions apply
- Avoid walking alone at night in less-populated areas
- Sakubva market - be vigilant with belongings
- Forbes border is safe and organized
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash visibly
- Be aware of unofficial “helpers” at border
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Year-Round: Mutare’s altitude (1,100m) ensures pleasant temperaturesBest Months:
- April-May: Green landscapes, comfortable temperatures
- August-October: Clear skies, warm days, cool nights
- November-March: Rainy season - afternoon thunderstorms, lush scenery
- June-July: Cooler, misty in mountains (atmospheric but cold)
- Manicaland Agricultural Show (annual)
- Local cultural festivals
Mutare for Different Travelers
Budget Travelers
Why Mutare Works:
- Much cheaper than mountain lodges
- Good backpacker infrastructure
- Local transport to highlands
- Cheap, authentic food at markets
- Base here and day-trip to mountains
- Eat at Sakubva market stalls
- Use local kombis for adventure
- Self-catering apartments available
Business Travelers
Infrastructure:
- Several business-class hotels
- Conference facilities at main hotels
- Banking and business services
- Reliable electricity (mostly)
- The Wise Owl and Holiday Inn are business-friendly
- Morning meetings allow afternoon highland visits
- Good cell coverage in city
Families
Family-Friendly:
- Cecil Kop - Easy nature walks
- Bvumba Botanical Gardens - Space to explore
- Leopard Rock Hotel - Pool and grounds
- Local parks and picnic spots
- Rent a car for flexibility
- Pack picnic supplies from supermarkets
- Mountain lodges often have family cottages
Adventure Seekers
From Mutare:
- Gateway to Chimanimani hiking
- Rock climbing at various sites
- Mountain biking opportunities
- Cross-border adventures to Mozambique
- Link with local hiking clubs
- Chimanimani requires planning - use Mutare for supplies
- Consider guides for remote areas
History of Mutare
Timeline:1890: Pioneer Column reaches area on Christmas Day (Christmas Pass named)1891: Town of Umtali founded as base for gold mining1896: Original town relocated 12km to current site when railway arrived1897: Beira-Mashonaland Railway completed - linking to Mozambican coast1899: Municipality established1971: City status granted1982: Renamed “Mutare” (from Shona) after independenceToday: Manicaland’s capital, population ~200,000, important commercial centerHistorical Significance:
- Early settler history visible in architecture
- Railway heritage from Beira Corridor
- Role in liberation war (eastern front)
- Portuguese/Mozambican cultural influences
Mutare Insider Tips
Nearby Destinations
Bvumba Mountains
30km - Botanical gardens, forests, scenic views
Nyanga
120km - Waterfalls, Mount Nyangani, trout fishing
Chimanimani
150km - Premier hiking destination
Eastern Highlands
Complete highland region overview
Harare
263km - Capital city connection
Provinces Guide
Understanding Zimbabwe’s regions
Related Guides
Planning:- Sample Itineraries - Including Eastern Highlands routes
- Budget Travel - Affordable Zimbabwe travel
- Self-Drive Guide - Road trip information
- Hiking & Trekking - Mountain trails
- Things to Do by Region - Eastern region activities
Last updated: January 2025