Located in the Eastern Highlands is one of the finest places you’ll find in Zimbabwe. Known for its breathtaking views, amazing landscape and moderate climate, also known as Little London, Nyanga is one of the Places Zim which you must visit. In this post we feature some of the places to visit in Nyanga and activities you can do to have a great experience.

In Nyanga you will find so many sites to enjoy, ranging from rivers, waterfalls, mountains, lakes and historical sites. There is a lot to do, you can never visit Nyanga and have dull moments because there is enough to keep you engaged, and excited. We have curated 6 places you will love to experience when you visit Nyanga. 

Mutarazi Falls. 

Nyanga is home to the highest waterfall in Zimbabwe, and second highest in Africa! These are the Mutarazi Falls, located adjacent to the southern border of the Nyanga National Park, flowing from an escarpment and forming a horsetail into the Honde Valley. 

The falls are a heart stopping sight, the heights will give you an adrenaline rush, whilst the views will stun you. As you take a walk to see the falls from the car park, you’ll enjoy the beauty of natural vegetation growing around, the sound of birds chirping, chilling breezes and an aura of serenity. We do not encourage you to get to the steep edges of the cliff, regardless of how tempting it is for a great picture shot.

At Mutarazi Falls, you can do the zipline and skywalk, activities offered by Far and Wide. These are daredevil activities, for the skywalk, you’ll walk across a high bridge, from one edge of the escapement to the other, past dizzying heights as you can see the valley below. It’s literally walking across the sky! 

For the zipline it’s like flying across the clouds! For approximately 400 meters you sail over the valley, speeding across, as you suspend on the zipline. It’s a daredevil stunt, not for the faint hearted. 

Because of these activities, Mutarazi Falls has become the highlight of any trip to Nyanga.

Nyangombe Pools. 

This is an interesting feature formed from the cascading Nyangombe river, which forms some rapids and then water flows into a natural pool. The pool accommodates even those who can’t swim, they can just play within the pool and enjoy the chilling water.  Surrounding the pools is a sandy beach where you can also seat and have a picnic or just bask in the sun’s warm rays. 

Apart from being a picturesque spot, the pools are a great place to go out and relax with family, a partner or solo.

Nyangombe Falls. 

This is another scenic site in the Nyanga National Park. The falls are formed from the cascading Nyangombe River. They are a feature which you can get closer to and adore from close range, however we do not advise you to walk on the slippery rock as it can be dangerous. 

The fast, heavy flowing water is thrilling, and many love to take pictures here as the falls make an absolutely amazing backdrop. As you enjoy the falls, also enjoy the sound of birds chirping, the natural views, and the sunset from here. 

World’s View. 

This is one of the most beautiful places you will find in Nyanga. Located in Little Connemara, World’s View is the highest point you can drive to, and from here you can get incredible views of the world around you. Whilst you may not see the whole world, your eyes will probably see the farthest from here. The guardians at this place say that on a good day, you can see as far as Harare! 

You can also take a hike up the Nyamutoro Mountain, a good test of endurance and boldness, as the heights can be frightening. From the summit, you’ll see Mozambique, and also the beautiful Connemara lakes. It’s a great idea to carry binoculars when visiting World’s View. 

The World’s View is a perfect spot for having a sundowner. For interest’s sake, the World’s View is the beautiful site which features in local artist Jah Prayzah’s video of his hit song Chikomo. You can also buy some granite sculptures at the crafts shop located here at the premise, and also learn about the trust which runs the place and history at their office space.

Mount Nyangani

Another iconic place to visit in Nyanga, is the highest mountain in Zimbabwe, Mt Nyangani. It stretches up to approximately 2600 meters in height, and is a massive sight to behold. It presents a challenge for visitors who would want to take a hike, an experience which takes up to 3-4 hours. 

The mountain is covered in grass, has some well marked footpaths, and some streams flowing with cold water. It’s best to go on a hike early morning, clad in proper footwear and with the assistance or advice of a guide provided by ZimParks.  It may be dangerous to step on loose slippery stones as well as to hike when it’s misty. Stories are shared about tourists going missing in the mountain, some to never be found again, whilst some are found later on not recalling what happened to them.

Locals, especially the Manyika people treat the mountain as sacred, they say supernatural things happen in the mountain. They advise that if one comes across something unusual like a strangely colored snake, a clay pot with smoke coming from its sides but without any flame, or anything fascinating,  they must keep walking as if they did not see it. They discourage pointing at things, and talking, as one many say things that are not permissible in the mountain which leads to disappearance. 

An interesting fact is that the Nyangani Mountain is usually covered in mist especially in the afternoon. The mountain is a source of three rivers that are popular in Nyanga; the Gairezi, Nyamuziwa and the Pungwe. All these three are scenic rivers, which are great spots to see. On the Pungwe River, tourists can do white water rafting, on the Nyamuziwa, some beautiful waterfalls can be seen. The Gairezi and Nyamuziwa are tributaries of the Mazowe River which is a tributary to the Zambezi River. 

Pit Structures

This is an archeological site where structures made of stone without mortar are found. They are located on sloping ground, have floors paved with stone, and have no roofs. Surrounding the pit structures are grass thatched huts which give the impression that the pit structures may not have been for human habitation but were used for another purpose. There are many theories which try to explain their purpose, all of them cannot be reconciled, however one thing that’s true is that they are an interesting place to visit and experience something historical from Nyanga. 

Rhodes Museum 

When Cecil John Rhodes came to Zimbabwe, he visited Nyanga in 1896, and it is said to he fell in love with it. He bought the land which now makes up Nyanga National Park, built a home, which still stands and is now the Rhodes Hotel. In the same premises, the Rhodes Museum is found, and it contains items that he would use during his stay in Zimbabwe. 

“Dear McDonald, Inyanga is much finer than you described. I find a good many farms are becoming occupied. Before it is all gone, buy me up quickly up to 100 000 acres [400 KM²], and be sure to take in the Pungwe Falls. I would like to try sheep and apple growing. Do not say you are buying for me. Yrs. C.J. Rhodes.” 

The hotel also offers a brief history of Rhodes, with some of his items making part of the decoration to the reception, lounge, bar and other rooms. 

It is an interesting place to visit and gives you a little bit more understanding on the thought process of Rhodes.

There’s more to Nyanga, but we assure you that if you visit these places, you’ll have a great and unforgettable experience. 

For a curated trip to Nyanga, you can contact us and we will assist you. We will make sure you have a great time in Nyanga. 

tinashe@travelzimbabwe.co.zw