Eastern Highlands holidays

The Eastern Highlands comprise three main mountain groups – Nyanga (to the north), Bvumba (centrally located) and Chimanimani (to the south). These regions are all sparsely populated highland country with a cooler and wetter climate than other parts of Zimbabwe. With spectacular gorges, waterfalls and valleys, Zimbabwe’s highest peak Mount Nyangani standing at 2,592 metres is also found in the north of the mountain chain in the Nyanga Highlands. A big commercial forestry area, there are a number of private reserves and parks such as the Chimanimani National Park, well stocked with plains wildlife.

The highlands are also home to the Bvumba Botanical Gardens, which contain many different species of trees and shrubs that have been gathered from all over the world, located close to the town of Mutare. The area is also known for its hiking, camping, fishing and abundance of birdlife, while providing some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in southern Africa. The highlands, however, do not attract the large number of international tourists who flood to the safari and wildlife parks elsewhere in the country, but are a popular holiday destination for Zimbabweans themselves.