PLENTY TO DO IN NYANGA
Reminiscent of the Scottish highlands and English moors, rather than tropical Africa, the Eastern Highlands make up the longest mountain range in the country. Nyanga lies on the north end of this chain and boasts breathtaking views, numerous waterfalls, varied activities and unique flora and fauna. The area consists of Nyanga town, a few villages, the 47,000ha Nyanga National Park, Zimbabwe's highest mountain (Mount Inyangani at 2,592m), as well as its highest waterfall, the Mtarazi Falls, which drops 762m into the lushly tropical Honde Valley, on the border with Mozambique. Rolling hilltops studded with huge, smoothly rounded granite outcrops towering over steep gorges and wide valleys dominate the landscape. The Pungwe River has carved a spectacular route southwards and eastwards from the foot of Mount Inyangani. Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands have been populated since the dawn of man and are rich in archaeological sites, including remnants of Iron Age villages and hilltop forts, such as the Chawomera and Nyangwe Forts inside the park.
Activities
Beside the majestic views, refreshing waterfalls and strenuous walks, Nyanga offers many exciting activities. Some of the finest trout fly fishing in Africa can be found in many of the Park's rivers and lakes, all of which are kept well-managed and stocked. For the fit and brave, activesports.co.zw provides a calendar of sporting events in the area.
Walking, hiking and cycling
Nyanga is Zimbabwe's top spot for walkers, hikers and cyclists. Walk up to Mount Inyangani from the car park in the National Park. This is the finish of the grueling Blue Cross (bluecross.co.zw) - a 500km walking and cycling race from the lowest to the highest point in the country, that takes place every August. Visit the Nyangombe Falls next to Udu lodges, or the Pungwe, Mtarazi and Nyamuziwa Falls inside the Park. If you want to get wet, careen down the natural rock slide into the clear crips water of the Nyangombe "swimming pool". Take in World's View above the Troutbeck Inn or climb one of the giant granite kopjes scattered around the area for spectacular 360° views. Cycle to Bonda, Nyanga, Troutbeck or in the National Park. If you're feeling adventurous, you can download hiking and mountain biking trails onto your GPS from http://plotaroute.com. If you wish to stay closer to home, ask our caretaker Marcus Manjoro to show you around. Marcus is from the area and knows it like his back pocket.
Fishing
For some of the best fly fishing in Africa you should visit the Gairezi Valley. The National Parks' and private dams provide good fishing for Brown and Rainbow Trout. National Park dams, where boats can be rented, include Mare, Udu (for bream), Rhodes, Gulliver and Purdon dams. Trout were introduced from the Cape in 1934. They have flourished and stocks are maintained by the National Parks service. Nyanga's annual trout fishing tournament will take place this year from 2 to 4 October. Contact National Parks or the Rhodes Nyanga Hotel for more information.
Golf
Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands offer some of the finest mountain golf courses. The nine-hole courses at Claremont and Troutbeck will leave you gasping for breath, not only because of the surroundings, but also from climbing up to the tee boxes and dragging yourself up the fairways. Further afield, the world-class Leopard Rock course in the Vumba mountains is a golfer's dream, and the Aberfoyle Tea Estate in the Honde Valley is the perfect venue to combine a round of golf with a birding walk.
Birding
Nyanga and the Honde Valley provide some of the most exciting birding in the country. In the summer months, the open montane grasslands are home to the endangered Blue Swallow. Other grassland species to look out for include the Singing Cisticola, Wailing Cisticola, Cape and Fan-tailed Grassbirds and the Common Quail. The Augur Buzzard and Long-crested Eagle are the most common raptors in the area and can often be seen perched on telephone lines along the main roads. The large variety of Aloes attract a host of sunbirds, including the Malachite Sunbird, Miombo Double-collared Sunbird, Variable Sunbird, Bronzy Sunbird and Olive Sunbird. Around the forest areas, look out for Livingstone's Turaco, Cape Robin-Chat, Whyte's Barbet, White-tailed Crested Flycatcher, Blue-spotted Wood Dove and Robert's Warbler. The Honde Valley offers a wide range of species difficult to find in other parts of the country.
Dolce Far Niente
Get up early, brew yourself a cuppa, and watch the sun rise from behind Inyangani. Enjoy breakfast in the refreshing mountain air on our large sunny terrace, while taking in the serene silence of your surroundings. Make yourself comfortable on one of the many granite rocks strewn about the estate and contemplate the majesty of Nyanga's mesmerising landscape. Laze in one of the luxurious leather sofas and soak up the warmth of the roaring Jetmaster. Sip sundowners at the stone table on the granite outcropping next to the house, and then marvel at the Milky Way stretching like a celestial highway from the southern to the northern horizon. Ask Marcus to light up the braai on the terrace. Share a few laughs with one of our many board games.
Activities
Beside the majestic views, refreshing waterfalls and strenuous walks, Nyanga offers many exciting activities. Some of the finest trout fly fishing in Africa can be found in many of the Park's rivers and lakes, all of which are kept well-managed and stocked. For the fit and brave, activesports.co.zw provides a calendar of sporting events in the area.
Walking, hiking and cycling
Nyanga is Zimbabwe's top spot for walkers, hikers and cyclists. Walk up to Mount Inyangani from the car park in the National Park. This is the finish of the grueling Blue Cross (bluecross.co.zw) - a 500km walking and cycling race from the lowest to the highest point in the country, that takes place every August. Visit the Nyangombe Falls next to Udu lodges, or the Pungwe, Mtarazi and Nyamuziwa Falls inside the Park. If you want to get wet, careen down the natural rock slide into the clear crips water of the Nyangombe "swimming pool". Take in World's View above the Troutbeck Inn or climb one of the giant granite kopjes scattered around the area for spectacular 360° views. Cycle to Bonda, Nyanga, Troutbeck or in the National Park. If you're feeling adventurous, you can download hiking and mountain biking trails onto your GPS from http://plotaroute.com. If you wish to stay closer to home, ask our caretaker Marcus Manjoro to show you around. Marcus is from the area and knows it like his back pocket.
Fishing
For some of the best fly fishing in Africa you should visit the Gairezi Valley. The National Parks' and private dams provide good fishing for Brown and Rainbow Trout. National Park dams, where boats can be rented, include Mare, Udu (for bream), Rhodes, Gulliver and Purdon dams. Trout were introduced from the Cape in 1934. They have flourished and stocks are maintained by the National Parks service. Nyanga's annual trout fishing tournament will take place this year from 2 to 4 October. Contact National Parks or the Rhodes Nyanga Hotel for more information.
Golf
Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands offer some of the finest mountain golf courses. The nine-hole courses at Claremont and Troutbeck will leave you gasping for breath, not only because of the surroundings, but also from climbing up to the tee boxes and dragging yourself up the fairways. Further afield, the world-class Leopard Rock course in the Vumba mountains is a golfer's dream, and the Aberfoyle Tea Estate in the Honde Valley is the perfect venue to combine a round of golf with a birding walk.
Birding
Nyanga and the Honde Valley provide some of the most exciting birding in the country. In the summer months, the open montane grasslands are home to the endangered Blue Swallow. Other grassland species to look out for include the Singing Cisticola, Wailing Cisticola, Cape and Fan-tailed Grassbirds and the Common Quail. The Augur Buzzard and Long-crested Eagle are the most common raptors in the area and can often be seen perched on telephone lines along the main roads. The large variety of Aloes attract a host of sunbirds, including the Malachite Sunbird, Miombo Double-collared Sunbird, Variable Sunbird, Bronzy Sunbird and Olive Sunbird. Around the forest areas, look out for Livingstone's Turaco, Cape Robin-Chat, Whyte's Barbet, White-tailed Crested Flycatcher, Blue-spotted Wood Dove and Robert's Warbler. The Honde Valley offers a wide range of species difficult to find in other parts of the country.
Dolce Far Niente
Get up early, brew yourself a cuppa, and watch the sun rise from behind Inyangani. Enjoy breakfast in the refreshing mountain air on our large sunny terrace, while taking in the serene silence of your surroundings. Make yourself comfortable on one of the many granite rocks strewn about the estate and contemplate the majesty of Nyanga's mesmerising landscape. Laze in one of the luxurious leather sofas and soak up the warmth of the roaring Jetmaster. Sip sundowners at the stone table on the granite outcropping next to the house, and then marvel at the Milky Way stretching like a celestial highway from the southern to the northern horizon. Ask Marcus to light up the braai on the terrace. Share a few laughs with one of our many board games.