Attractions in Eastern Highlands (Nyanga, Chimanimani)
Where mist-covered mountains meet family adventure 🏔️
Showing 30 attractions · Sorted by importance
Mount Nyangani
📍 Nyanga
🏔 Scenic ViewThe highest peak in Zimbabwe, providing a rewarding trek for active families looking for panoramic views of the Eastern Highlands.
Mutarazi Falls
📍 Nyanga
🏔 Scenic ViewThe highest waterfall in Zimbabwe, plunging 762 meters down a sheer granite cliff with an adjacent skywalk for breathtaking valley views.
Nyanga National Park
📍 Nyanga
🏔 Scenic ViewZimbabwe's oldest national park offers stunning mountain vistas, rolling green hills, and diverse wildlife for family hiking and scenic drives.
Vumba Mountain Drive
📍 Mutare
🚗 Road TripA 30km paved winding mountain road (2-3 hours) ascending from Mutare into the 'Mountains of the Mist.' Key stops include the Prince of Wales View, Bvumba Botanical Gardens, and the Leopard Rock Hotel. The route is famous for its lush cloud forests and views into Mozambique.
World's View, Nyanga
📍 Nyanga
🏛 LandmarkA famous viewpoint managed by the National Trust offering spectacular vistas across the northern Nyanga plains and the Escarpment.
Ziwa National Monument
📍 Nyanga
🏰 CastleThis vast archaeological site features ancient agricultural terraces and stone pit structures that offer a fascinating glimpse into Zimbabwe's Iron Age history.
Chimanimani Mountain Hut Trail
📍 Chimanimani
🥾 Hiking & Cycling8km return, expert difficulty, 5-6 hours duration, 800m elevation gain. A steep, rocky climb from Mutekeswane Base Camp to the mountain hut. Known for its verticality and unique quartzite formations.
Honde Valley Tea Estates
📍 Hauna
🐄 FarmA massive emerald-green tea plantation offering guided factory tours and scenic walks through the rolling hills of the Honde Valley.
Mount Nyangani Ascent Trail
📍 Nyanga
🥾 Hiking & Cycling7km return, challenging difficulty, 3-4 hours duration, 600m elevation gain. This is the primary route to Zimbabwe's highest peak (2,592m). Hiking equipment and guides can be arranged via Far and Wide Zimbabwe (farandwide.co.zw).
Mutarazi Falls SkyWalk & SkyLine
📍 Nyanga
🧗 AdventureA breathtaking skywalk suspension bridge and zipline offering unparalleled views of the 762-meter Mutarazi Falls.
National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Mutare
📍 Mutare
🖼 Art GalleryHoused in the historic Kopje House, this gallery showcases a rotating collection of contemporary Zimbabwean fine art, traditional crafts, and sculptures in a beautiful colonial setting.
Nyanga Scenic Loop
📍 Nyanga
🚗 Road TripA 100km paved circular route (4-6 hours) through Zimbabwe's highest terrain. Highlights include Nyanga National Park, the scenic Troutbeck area, Nyangombe Falls, and the viewpoint at World's View. The road passes through pine plantations and rolling alpine downs.
Vumba Botanical Garden and Reserve
📍 Mutare
🌿 GardenA lush, mist-shrouded garden in the Bvumba Mountains featuring indigenous ferns, colorful hydrangeas, and terraced lawns perfect for a family picnic.
Aberfoyle Adventure
📍 Honde Valley
🧗 AdventureAn outdoor activity hub featuring a 400-meter zipline over lush tea plantations, white water rafting on the Pungwe River, and forest canopy tours.
Cecil Kop Nature Reserve
📍 Mutare
🦁 ZooA small urban wildlife reserve on the outskirts of Mutare where visitors can see elephants, giraffes, zebras, and primates including vervet and samango monkeys at close range.
La Rochelle Botanical Gardens
📍 Mutare
🌿 GardenFamous for its world-class orchid house and rare exotic trees, this historic estate offers serene walks through meticulously manicured formal landscapes.
Mutare Museum
📍 Mutare
🏰 CastleOne of Zimbabwe's four national museums, it features a diverse collection of cultural artifacts, vintage vehicles, and natural history exhibits suitable for all ages.
Nyanyadzi Hot Springs
📍 Chimanimani District
♨ Hot SpringNatural geothermal springs featuring high mineral content with temperatures reaching approximately 60°C at the source. The facility consists of large outdoor concrete pools fed by the springs, renowned locally for therapeutic and medicinal properties. It is a historical landmark in the Manicaland province.
Pungwe Falls and Gorge
📍 Nyanga
🏔 Scenic ViewA spectacular series of rapids and waterfalls cutting through a deep, dramatic gorge surrounded by virgin forest.
Rhodes Nyanga Museum
📍 Nyanga
🏰 CastleHoused in the former stable of Cecil John Rhodes, this museum showcases historical artifacts and colonial-era furniture within the scenic Nyanga National Park.
Skeleton Pass Trail
📍 Chimanimani
🥾 Hiking & Cycling12km return from the Mountain Hut, challenging difficulty, 7-8 hours duration, 450m elevation gain. A historic path crossing into the Bundi Valley and reaching the Mozambique border. Features incredible rock monoliths.
The Chimanimani Approach (Mutare to Chimanimani)
📍 Mutare
🚗 Road TripA 150km paved route (2.5 hours) from Mutare to Chimanimani village. The drive features the dramatic descent at Skyline junction, providing breathtaking views of the jagged Chimanimani mountain range and passing through vast tea and coffee estates.
Bridal Veil Falls
📍 Chimanimani
🏔 Scenic ViewA picturesque, delicate waterfall that drops into a clear pool, easily accessible and perfect for family picnics and photographs.
Castle Beacon Hike
📍 Mutare
🥾 Hiking & Cycling3.5km return, moderate difficulty, 1.5-2 hours duration, 250m elevation gain. The highest point in the Bvumba Mountains, offering panoramic views of the Mozambican plains and Leopard Rock Hotel area.
La Rochelle MTB Trails
📍 Mutare
🥾 Hiking & Cycling15km network, easy to moderate difficulty, 1.5-2.5 hours duration, 300m elevation gain. Well-maintained trails through private botanical gardens and forest estates. Mountain bike rentals available at La Rochelle Country House (larochellecentre.com).
Mutare Museum Snake Park and Aviary
📍 Mutare
🦁 ZooA specialized wildlife section within the national museum featuring a collection of indigenous Zimbabwean reptiles, snakes, and birds in a family-friendly educational setting.
Nyanga Mountain Bike Trails
📍 Nyanga
🥾 Hiking & Cycling25km network, moderate to challenging difficulty, 2-4 hours duration, 500m elevation gain. Dedicated mountain bike loops through pine forests and montane grasslands. Bike rental available at Far and Wide Zimbabwe (farandwide.co.zw).
Rhodes Nyanga Trout Hatchery
📍 Nyanga
🐄 FarmA tranquil mountain facility within the national park where families can learn about cold-water fish farming and see trout in various stages of growth.
Rupisi Hot Springs
📍 Chipinge
♨ Hot SpringNatural thermal mineral springs situated in the southern reaches of the Eastern Highlands. The facility offers outdoor bathing pools utilizing naturally heated geothermal water. It is a traditional site often visited for the water's perceived healing qualities for skin and joint ailments.