(Part One)
Liberty Dube
Tourism Correspondent
THE Sanganai/Hlanganai World Travel Expo, one of the most prominent tourism events in Zimbabwe and beyond, is this year set to make history as it moves to Manicaland for the first time in its 18-year existence.
This is undoubtedly a milestone to celebrate for the province, marking a grand opportunity like never before in its history.
Traditionally held in Bulawayo for close to 18 years, this year’s relocation marks a pivotal moment for the tourism sector, offering a new and exciting platform for hoteliers, tourism players, accommodation facilities, and media to showcase their services to both local and international markets.
The week-long Zimbabwe’s premier tourism showcase, slated for September 10 to 12 at the spacious Mutare Sports Club, promises to be an invaluable occasion for industry stakeholders to network, share knowledge, and build strategic partnerships that will benefit the broader tourism industry.
For hoteliers and tourism operators, especially in Mutare, Vumba, Nyanga, Honde Valley and other areas, the event presents a golden opportunity to tap into a wider clientele by presenting their offerings to a diverse audience of potential tourists and business partners.
With Manicaland being a region very rich in natural attractions and cultural heritage, the expo provides an ideal backdrop for businesses to highlight their unique products and services, attracting both regional and international interest.
The presence of accommodation facilities and service providers at the event will also be crucial in raising awareness of the province’s tourism potential, encouraging investment, and stimulating economic growth in the province.
The expo will undoubtedly be a game-changer, catalysing growth in the tourism sector, benefiting a wide array of stakeholders, and showcasing Zimbabwe’s rich tourism potential on the global stage.
This landmark event will, not only draw attention to Manicaland, but also solidify its place as a premier destination within Zimbabwe’s tourism landscape.
Entering Mutare through the breathtaking Christmas Pass offers an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
The road, winding its way up and down the mountain range, reveals some of the most spectacular views in the Eastern Highlands, making it a standout feature of the region.
Driving through the pass, especially at night, is an enchanting experience as the city’s lights shimmer from a distance, creating a mesmerising scene.
Mutare, located at the heart of the Eastern Highlands, serves as the gateway to a stunning array of landscapes stretching from Nyanga in the north to Chimanimani in the south.
As more than 500 visitors are expected to attend the Sanganai World Travel Expo, they will undoubtedly be captivated by the allure of the Christmas Pass, along with other remarkable tourism sites in the region. These natural wonders promise to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
Among the most cherished activities for tourists are visits to tranquil dams and rivers.
Imagine sitting beside the calm waters for hours, listening to the gentle lapping of the water, the birdsong, and the rustling of leaves swaying in the breeze — all while basking in the warmth of the African sun.
This peaceful retreat offers a much-needed escape from the pressures of everyday life, providing the perfect environment for relaxation.
In today’s fast-paced world, where adult responsibilities can feel overwhelming, there is nothing more revitalising than the simple pleasure of quiet reflection and the calming embrace of nature.
Whether it is the stillness of the dam or the soothing rhythm of the natural world, these moments offer true relaxation and a chance to reconnect with both yourself and the world around you.
Some of the must-visit dams in Manicaland include, Small Bridge, Odzani, Osborne, Marovanyati, Rusape, and Mpudzi, among others.
Small Bridge (Lake Alexandra)
Located just 40 kilometers from Mutare, Small Bridge Dam lies upstream from Lake Alexander, along the scenic Odzani River.
Built in the 1980s following the creation of Lake Alexander, this serene dam is a hidden gem.
Visiting the dam offers numerous therapeutic benefits, providing a perfect escape from the stresses of daily life and a chance to reconnect with nature.
The peaceful surroundings and natural beauty of a dam can have a calming effect on the mind and body, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.
The serene atmosphere of a dam, with the gentle sound of water flowing, the rustling of leaves, and birds chirping, can play a significant role in reducing stress levels.
The quiet environment allows for mindfulness and meditation, helping to clear the mind and improve mental well-being. Activities that can be done there include, boating or canoeing, swimming in the dam, fishing and braaing.
Osborne Dam
The lake spans an impressive 16 kilometers, extending to Odzi River, and 15 kilometers along the Nyatande River tributary. With a width of over six kilometers and depth of 66 metres, it offers a breathtaking landscape.
The region enjoys a mild climate, with an average temperature of 24°C, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities.
The refreshing breeze and gentle waves of the water create a mesmerising experience, especially during a boat cruise.
The expansive waters provide boating enthusiasts with the perfect space for kayaking, racing, or leisurely cruising.
These excursions offer an unforgettable experience for couples, families, and solo travellers, allowing them to immerse themselves in the therapeutic beauty of nature, appreciate life’s simple pleasures, and create lasting memories.
The forests are a favoured birding habitat with birds such as dark-baked weavers, yellow-streaked and stripe-cheeked birds a common sight and offering a beautiful eye therapy.
The vast fresh water is home to some fantastic species of fish such as Tilapia and catfish which has seen fishing being an added on visitors’ holiday packages’.
The Osborne Dam site on Odzi River was identified in the 1950s by the planning engineers of the then Ministry of Water. Cored drilling investigations on the two possible alignments were completed in the 1960s.
Construction of the dam started in 1991 and was completed in 1995. It is possible to access the lake from the Harare-Mutare Highway. Visitors to the dam have to travel 36km from Mutare through Odzi farmlands, or by using the Koodoosberg Road off the Nyanga–Mutare Road.
Gairezi River
Gairezi River begins on the slopes of Zimbabwe’s highest mountain, Nyanga Mountain situated in Nyanga.
0As it winds its way north from the Eastern Highlands, and for more than 60 kilometres, it subsequently forms the border between Zimbabwe and Mozambique before joining Mazowe and Zambezi Rivers — as well as the Luenha River, a tributary of Zambezi — at approximately 160 kilometres upstream.
Visiting the site is quite a worthwhile experience. It is one of the finest fly-fishing rivers in Africa and great picnic outing is a fantastic community run conservation area (campfire).
Activities such as kayaking and watercourse trout fishing can also provide a fulfilling experience. The river has clear waters and it is safe to swim in.
Pungwe River
Pungwe River is a 400km long river in Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
It rises below Nyanga Mountain in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe and then flows southeastwards through Manica and Sofala provinces of Mozambique.
Pungwe River enters Urema Valley, the southernmost portion of the Great Rift Valley, where it forms the southern boundary of Gorongosa National Park.
Urema River joins it, and the river follows the rift valley southward.
Large seasonal wetlands form around Pungwe and Urema rivers in the rift valley section.
It empties into the Mozambique channel at Beira, forming a large estuary.
It is one of the major rivers of Mozambique and often causes floods.
Administratively, the Pungwe Basin covers parts of Sofala and Manica provinces in Mozambique, and a large part of Mutasa District in Zimbabwe.
The Pungwe Gorge and Falls can be viewed from the scenic Pungwe viewpoint or drive through the Pungwe Drift for a closer view of the river and lush forest.
The Pungwe Gorge and Falls can be viewed from the scenic Pungwe viewpoint or drive through the Pungwe Drift for a closer view of the river and lush forest offering a visitor an unforgettable experience.
