Chimanimani
Nature At Its Best
CHIMANIMANI NATIONAL PARK
Come Visit Us!
The border between Zimbabwe and Mozambique runs north / south along the highest peaks of the Chimanimani’s. These mountains are really for those who like to explore by foot and feel the grandeur and majesty of being alone in a wild place. There is a deliberate policy to limit development within the National Park to preserve its natural, pristine beauty and the wild landscapes of this mountainous area. Chimanimani is one of the best places to visit in Africa
For walkers’ familiar with the south-western Cape the Chimanimani feels and looks very similar. The difference being that Chimanimani has far fewer visitors, however has greater sense of isolation and a feeling of being very much in touch with wild nature.
The Chimanimani National Park also includes the Eland Sanctuary. It is a mountainous terrain with peak heights of 2,436 metres (7,992 feet) and is the source of many streams and springs and natural falls such as in the Bridal Veil Falls in the Eland Sanctuary and spectacular views of the Pork Pie Mountain Range.
Wildlife
Wildlife in the Chimanimani National Park is not abundant. This includes species such as eland, sable, bushbuck and blue duiker, and less frequently seen are klipspringer and leopard. Although the entire mountain range of about 50 kilometres is called the Chimanimani, the name really only applies to where the Musapa River passes through the range. The name Tshimanimani (to be squeezed together) describes the narrow gorge through which the river forces a passage.
The Chimanimani National Reserve (CNR) is part of the Chimanimani Trans-frontier Conservation Area created by Mozambique. Although not trans-frontier, the Parks do form one large wilderness area.
Hiking
Guided hikes up the mountain are very much recommended. Be warned, however that most are quite arduous and require a certain degree of fitness and stamina. There are four distinct ranges within the Chimanimani separated by streams and broad valleys, most being within Mozambique. The highest point in the Chimanimani’s is at Mount Binga in Mozambique at 2,436 metres.
If you like the challenge of exploring further than the average day-tripper and are happy to carry all your food and shelter the possibilities are endless. Every ridge opens up new perspectives and scenery. Stops are advisable to take in the bizarrely eroded granite rock forms on Mawenje Mountain. Look out for the wildlife as well. The mountain flora includes the rare Barrosus Palm tree and other endemic flora.
There are no roads around the park, just footpaths which have been tramped for millennia by travelers seeking a route into the interior of modern-day Zimbabwe from Mozambique. The paths wind up the mountain slopes through deep forests. They then emerge onto a grassy plateau where different varieties of protea, Erica, Leucospermum and golden-yellow everlasting (helichrysum nitens) all flourish.
The mountains are made up of water-deposited sediments. This is evident as the pathway reaches the top of the Chimanimani Range. It reveals an outlandish collection of giant rocks eroded into twisted and bizarre shapes. These upper valleys of the Bundi River act as a vast natural sponge with the river winding across the plateau through tannin brown crystal pools and feeding into the southern lakes before cascading down the slopes and then tumbling down Martin’s Falls. The sound of the waterfalls gives you the unique African sound that makes all visitors fall in love with Africa.
Camping
Visitors to the Chimanimani are allowed to camp at a nominal charge anywhere within the National Park, except at base camp. Camping is at the your own risk and includes sleeping in Terry’s or Peter’s caves, or the mountain hut, a two to three hour hike directly up Bailey’s Folly for those that like challenges, or up the Banana Grove (actually strelitzia) route for those less fit. The mountain hut, at 1,630 metres, acts as a refuge and rest point and is un-furnished and has ablution and cooking facilities for up to 20 people at a time on a communal basis, which means no exclusive party use, it must be shared.
The walk up Banana Grove is really enjoyable, the sheer cliffs on either side almost blocking out the sky, baboons barking to remind walkers that they can see them from the very top of the cliffs, a duiker may spring from cover and disappear just as quickly; the slopes covered alternatively with the Brachystegia woodlands and tropical undergrowth. Leopards love this habitat, but are rarely seen, eland were once common in the hills and plateaus of Chimanimani, but these days are so scarce as to be almost never seen. Near Peter’s cave is a spectacular waterfall, where men and children for generations have brought out their inner dare-devils and challenged each other to leap the seven metres into the icy water below. A further challenge is swimming in the icy waters at Digby’s waterfall. Before hiking overnight in the Chimanimani mountains in the rain seasons, visitors are warned not camp near a river; stay on higher ground as flash floods are common and dangerous.
Best Time to Visit
Best time of year to go? Temperatures drop below zero degrees Celsius in winter (May-August) and the rain may spoil the hike if you are without appropriate equipment in the wet season (November-February). If new to the region – March/April and August/September are always good times to visit this National Park. Walkers should really carry warm, wind and waterproof clothes, a warm hat and a really warm sleeping bag and torch; also a basic first-aid kit with antihistamines, plasters, arnica oil for sprains and an antiseptic for stings and cuts. On the edge of the Park is the “Outward Bound” organisation, reputedly one of the best world-wide and known for its educational courses, mountaineering, abseiling, team-building, super-fitness training and orienteering to name some of the activities they offer.
If you are less inclined to hike in the mountains, then head to Corner Camp near the Chikukwa rural village, north of Chimanimani village through Martin Forest where visitors can swim in the Muhohwa River, or visit the Muhohwa Falls. Other things to do include seeing the rare Barrosus Palm tree and the unique rock formation of the Mawenje Mountain, or go south to visit the Nyakwaha and Haroni Botanical Reserves, as well as the Haroni and Mukurupiri waterfalls.
The National Park remains a stunningly beautiful wilderness area offering huge skies, crisp clear air and wide open spaces, a wonderful sense of isolation, the most incredible rock formations, majestic mountains, crystal clear rivers, beautiful waterfalls, golden grassy plateaux, abundant wild flowers and maybe some wildlife.
Accommodation
Mountain Hut
The hut at 1630 metres above sea level is not furnished. It acts as a refuge and rest point and may be used on a communal basis, but not exclusively by an individual party. The ablution and cooking facilities are ideal for up to 20 visitors. However, daring visitors have the option of spending the night in either Terry’s or Peter’s caves (disused mine shafts).
Base Camp
The base camp is available for limited numbers of visitors wishing to spend the night at the foot of the Mountains. There is a car park, an information office and ablution facilities at the base camp and visitors have to pay the prevailing camping rates for use of this facility
The Bridal Veil Falls
The Bridal Veil Falls is worth every step, it is located 4 km from Chimanimani Village. Bridal Veil falls has a pool where you can enjoy swimming. Bridal Vail Falls is worth every step. Bridal Veil falls has a pool where you can enjoy swimming. In Africa, this ranks as one of the best places to visit.
The Eland Sanctuary
Located within the Chimanimani National Park and development within the area has been limited in order to preserve the natural, pristine beauty and wild landscapes of this mountainous area. Forest lovers are will take delight in the virgin forests of the area. Wildlife species found in the area include eland, sable, bushbuck, blue duiker, klipspringer and an occasional leopard
Reservations Details:
Eastern Highlands Regional Office
+263 777 195 888
+263 20 20 20118
+263 20 20 62581
+263 20 20 62534
Facebook: Eastern Highlands Region
How to get here:
From Mutare take the A9 Chimanimani Road heading south, 66.5 KM turn left onto the A10, 79.5 KM turn right and continue on the A10, 129.60 KM turn left for Chimanimani village, 148.30 KM reach Chimanimani village, 165.5 KM reach ZPWMA base camp
When to visit:
All year around Monday to Sunday 8am to 5pm
Fee:
Entrance and accommodation fees are payable