The Eastern Highlands

The Eastern or 'East African Highlands' is a mountain range in the east of Zimbabwe and one of 4 distinct physiographic divisions on the African continent.

The range forms Zimbabwe's eastern border with Mozambique and comprises three main mountain groups - Nyanga (to the north) which contains Zimbabwe's highest mountain Mount Nyangani, Africa's second-longest waterfall Mutarazi Falls and the Honde Valley which leads into Mozambique; Bvumba Mountains (centrally situated near the city of Mutare); and Chimanimani (to the south). These regions are all sparsely populated, highland country and are covered in rich grassland and forests.

 

The Highlands have a cooler and wetter climate than other parts of Africa with higher rainfall, low cloud and heavy mists and dew as moisture moves inland from the Indian Ocean. Many streams and rivers originate in these mountains, which form the watershed between the Zambezi and the Save River systems.

 

The East African Highlands physiographic division consists of the East African Rift and Abyssinian physiographic provinces, so are part of the long chain of mountains that runs down East Africa and share much common plant and animal habitats with other mountain areas in the east of the continent.

 

 

EXPLORING THE EASTERN HIGHLANDS

Nyanga National Park is situated in one of the most scenic areas of Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands. Rolling green hills and perennial rivers transverse the 47 000 hectare Park. Altitudes between 1 800 and 2 593 meters provide cool weather and fresh mountain air, perfect for rest and relaxation. With its stunning mountainous views, numerous waterfalls, varied activities and unique flora and fauna, Nyanga National Park can provide the visitor with an unforgettable holiday experience. The park is located about 268 km from Harare along a well tarred highway.
The mountainous terrain is home to a variety of animals including the mysterious waterbuck, wildebeest, kudu, zebra, impala, sables, eland to mention but a few .The sparkling fresh water rivers are an envelope of fresh water fish such as the Nyanga trout which is a delicacy to many visitors.

The Bvumba mountains or Vumba mountains lie on the Zimbabwe-Mozambique border about 25kms south of one of the main cities in Zimbabwe, Mutare. These mountains are referred to as the "Mountains of Mist" taken from the shone word "Bvumba" meaning "mist". Visitors to the area can explore the surrounding countryside with its forests and rare flora & fauna, visit the Botanical gardens with the one of the best views in the Africa, play golf, or enjoy tasting home grown coffee at one of the various coffee shops, and restaurants in the area. Click link below to read more information.

** Read Detailed Information**

Nyanga

Inn On Rupurara

Granite mountains and hillsides covered with abundant woodland provide the exquisite setting of this Inn. The Inn is built on a private estate stocked with a variety of plains game, and also offers great birding. Activities on the estate include, game drive, walking & horse riding with a professional guide, trout fishing and rock climbing. Inn On Rupurara has 17 lodges, with a capacity of 36 guests overall. Six of these are known as the Waterfront suites, overlooking a superb water feature nestling in the valley. The others are known as the Valley View suites, providing guests with spectacular views of the local mountains and valleys, covered with Msasa trees and a variety of indigenous highveld or mountain vegetation.

Pine Tree Inn

Surrounded by craggy mountain peaks and nestled in a cosy, wooded valley, Pine Tree Inn is a mountain retreat that will appeal to visitors of all ages. Nearby attractions include the Nyanga Mountains, rock climbing, ancient ruins & waterfalls, horse riding, golfing and trout fishing. Nestled in a forested valley, the Inn has 14 rooms, all with en suite facilities and most of them with a view across to the mountains of the Nyanga area.

Vumba

Genaina Guesthouse

Located 24km peg along the Bvumba Road en route to Leopard Rock Hotel. This is a three bed roomed guesthouse which offers dinner, bed and breakfast services. The restaurant has seating capacity for 35 and is also open to non-residents 7 days a week. The restaurant is open from 7.30 in the morning until 9.30pm every day. Breakfast is served from 7.30am to 9am.Lunch is served from 12 till 3pm. Snacks and teas are served in between meal times. Activities include bird watching for the avid bird watcher, a walk in the nearby Bunga Forest. There is a trail within the property for those who need to stretch their legs. Being located just 3km from Leopard Rock Hotel, Genaina is ideal for guests who enjoy the golf and casino facilities offered by the Hotel but prefer to stay in smaller more intimate venues. Another must do in the Vumba - Tony's Coffee Shop is located on the Genaina property.

Inn on the Vumba

The Inn is situated only a few kilometers from Mutare, Zimbabwe's eastern most city, with a superb view across the valleys into neighbouring Mozambique. The Inn stands at the gateway to the spectacular Bvumba Mountains, an area of incredible beauty with a variety of natural attractions. Within easy reach of the Inn are golf courses, including the championship-rated Leopard Rock course. Other attractions include Botanical gardens, museums, national monuments, a casino & stone sculpture markets. Inn on the Vumba features four 2-bedroomed cottages as well as 18 suites in two blocks reaching north and south of the central area.

Leopard Rock Hotel, Casino & Golf Resort

Sitting at the foot of the famous Leopard Rock in the beautiful Bvumba mountains of Zimbabwe, Leopard Rock Hotel and Championship Golf Course is set in its own country estate and enjoys spectacular views up into the Mozambique mountains. This elegant hotel, with its understated charm, has played host to world statesmen, royalty and numerous regional decision makers over the years. Guests can enjoy great golf, try their luck at the Casino, hike in the forests or relax by the pool or on the sweeping terrace. Leopard Rock Hotel is the epitome of romance and elegance with all the rooms decorated in a French Chateaux style. The majority of the rooms enjoy spectacular views of the Burma Valley and the distant Mozambican mountains and are equipped with a host of features that add to the comfort of your stay, guests can choose from a range of bedrooms and suites to ensure the right room for the occasion.

Torksey Guest House

The house is a 21st century architectural interpretation of an Edwardian farm house. The interior ambience follows the same mood through its exquisite furnishings of the same period. The hallway which opens from the Porte Cochere leads to the spacious lounge with an intimate view of well-trimmed lawns; folding panel doors reveal a charming dining room. Off the lounge is the master bedroom with full en-suite facilities and a separate dressing room. Below the hallway is an attractive cellar, where by special arrangement, small buffet cocktail parties can be held. From the hallway a banistered staircase leads up to a gallery and four bedrooms, the eastern Sharon Room is especially attractive in a feminine Edwardian style. Also upstairs is the splendid Wren Library which is available for exclusive conferences of up to 10 people. There is accommodation for up to 8 people in the grand old style and is inclusive of dinner and full English breakfast. The whole aim is relaxed, stress free comfort. The catering is under personal supervision of the patron Dirk Fouche whose modern cooking draws on traditional Cape Malay and Mediterranean cuisine especially those of Greece, Italy and Southern France.
Flameliner Tours Plc © 2000 - 2013. All Rights Reserved :: Site Webcrafted by CyberCrest Systems