Chipinge and Chimanimani are the southernmost destinations in the Eastern Highlands belt of Zimbabwe. Both areas are absolutely beautiful but remote; they are special for a number of reasons, therefore worth visiting. They both lie south of the city of Mutare and it can prove to be a scenic road trip to get there. The climate is characterised by high temperatures and high rainfall and the landscape includes mountain ranges, rivers, streams and gorgeous valleys with evergreen vegetation. Sadly part of Chimanimani was destroyed by Cyclone Idai of 2019, but these few interesting places remain. 

Bridal Veil Falls
The Bridal Veil Falls are located in Chimanimani. They are one of the main attractions in the area and a short distance from the heart of this little town. The area around the waterfalls is a good place to have a picnic and there are facilities for this - braai stands, seating areas as well as ablution facilities. A small fee is required to enter.  There is lush vegetation and it is a good place to spot birds too. 
 
Tessa’s Pool
Tessa’s Pool is a natural Pool that is found in the Chimanimani National Park at the base of the mountains. It is a beautiful pool that is suitable for swimming and it’s a peaceful place to spend a relaxing afternoon after exploring the area. There are also Rock art paintings to see in the area. 



Chimanimani mountains
The Chimanimani Mountains form the border between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. This mountain range is popular with hikers and offers beautiful views. Hiking in the mountains will be a rewarding experience as this gives individuals an opportunity to explore flora and fauna found in the area. There is a campsite at the base of the mountains and a rugged mountain hut for those who would like to take a multi-day hiking trip to Mount Binga. 

Chirinda Forest
The Chirinda Forest botanical reserve is a protected area which is found outside Chipinge (about 30 kilometres to the south). The forest comprises subtropical vegetation or simply thick and evergreen vegetation. The vegetation profile is quite unique and some rare plants and trees have been noted in the forest including tree species like the mobola plum, the forest toad tree, the brown mahogany, Eastern Blue bush and so on. The forest is also well known for the Big Tree ‘the tallest indigenous tree in Zimbabwe. The tree is 65 metres tall and 4.5 metres in Diameter’. The Big tree is a Nyasa Redwood (a red Mahogany). 

There are various animals and birds found within the forest including some rare birds; such as Swynnerton’s Robin, Crested Guinea fowl, Livingstone's Turaco, lemon dove, green pigeon, owls, nightjars, bee-eaters etc. It is also home to a variety of animal and insect species.  Visitors can expect to see the unique Samango monkey which favours this type of ecosystem. Thus making Chirinda forest a great place for nature lovers to visit and explore. There is a campsite nearby where visitors can stay. 



Rusitu Botanical Reserve
The Rusitu Botanical reserve is a smaller botanical reserve found in Chimanimani. The reserve has shrunk over the years due to excessive deforestation by locals while parts of the reserve have been turned into a Banana plantation. Unfortunately, there was significant destruction due to cyclone Idai as well but restructuring is taking place. The reserve was a birders’ paradise. 

Moodie’s Grave 
Thomas Moodie was a European explorer/pioneer who captained the first group to settle in the Chipinge area. He arrived and set up base in January 1893 at a place called Waterfall Farm, he named Chipinge Melsetter and it was renamed Chipinge in 1907. Moodie died in 1894 and is buried at a site which is now a historical monument. 

Rupise Hot Springs
The Rupise Hot Springs are not to be confused with the Nyanyadzi Hot Springs. They are found south-west of the Chipinge. Hot Springs are the result of a natural geyser beneath the surface of the earth and water is pushed up to the surface because of extreme pressure. Many believe the waters from the spring have healing properties, which is a highly debated issue. However, they are just an interesting phenomenon to see. 
Chipinge and Chimanimani are beautiful locations where the pace is slow, the air is cool and fresh and the landscape will definitely impress.

Contact us for information on where to stay when you visit.