Zimbabwe - A World of Wonders
- by Jacqueline van Strijp
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- 09 Nov, 2022
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Tucked between the mighty Zambezi and the rolling Limpopo River, Zimbabwe is best known for the magnificent spectacle of the Victoria Falls. Zimbabwe derives its name from the spectacular stone structures of the Great Zimbabwe ruins, a World Heritage Site with a mysterious origin. The country is home to another four World Heritage sites, including the rugged granite outcrops of the Matobo Hills, the spectacular conservation area of Mana Pools and the magnificent Victoria Falls.


The next day we set out to explore the Honde Valley region that extends from the eastern border of Zimbabwe into Mozambique. We stopped at SkyDeck Mountain Retreat perched on the edge of the Honde Valley escarpment, nestled in the afro-montane forests overlooking Mount Nyangani before we made our way down to Mutarazi Falls the second highest waterfall in Africa, for a jaw-dropping adventure activity that allows observers a never-before-seen perspective of this beautiful waterfall.
The 'sky-walk' enabled us to ‘sky-walk’ across the 762m high chasm, observing the falls head on, providing a 360 degree perspective of which has never been possible up until now. A dual 90m long zip line and cableway lie parallel overlooking the waterfall. This makes it the world’s highest Zip Line and an attraction worth visiting, all be it somewhat of a journey to get there. This 90-metre Zipline is a thrilling activity that will get your
adrenaline pumping and great fun for both young and old.
Our night came to a close at Musangano Lodge.
If you are looking for the ultimate getaway
in the Eastern Highlands, with the promise of complete tranquillity and
spectacular scenery, Musangano Lodge is the ideal location. Visitors
soon fall under its spell because of its serene and peaceful atmosphere,
charming accommodation, superb cuisine, and stunning views, which
invite to linger and unwind.
The City of Mutare
welcomed us as we arrived at Lake Alexander Resort
the following day. After visiting the Mutare Museum, National Gallery and Murambi Gardens, we were treated to an exhilarating speedboat ride and a delicious chesanyama (interactive braai) for lunch with a few of the local residents before a site-inspection at La Rochelle Country House. This
majestic converted residence is a blend between a castle and French
chateau. There are stunning forests and immaculate manicured gardens for
you to explore. The wonderful country house is an oasis of tranquillity
and charm.

Our next site-inspection was held at Leopard Rock Hotel. With its large dining area, carpeted floors and impeccable room service, it’s not hard to see why Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret stayed at the hotel during the Royal Visit in 1953. The property boasts an 18-hole golf course, game park and game viewing platform where guests can get up close and personal to the eland, zebra and giraffe while they are grazing and they also have the opportunity to feed some ostriches.
After a long drive, we arrived at The Great Zimbabwe Hotel
in Masvingo and had the opportunity to visit the Kyle Dam Wall along with St Andrew's Chapel, to view some rock paintings before heading to the Dzimbadzemabwe Cultural Village. We were greeted by lively song and dance from this village’s residents and our group members had the opportunity to join. The following day we visited the famous Zimbabwe Ruins - and we were definitely saving the best for last as this was sight to behold!
Before I knew it, our time through the Eastern Highlands came to a end! The Eastern Highland is an ideal destination to explore the rest of Zimbabwe and not only the Victoria Falls and its surrounding areas. Although logistics are a bit challenging in terms of distance, ‘toll gates’ and road conditions, the hidden gems we found in this region are well worth the drive.
