The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Tourism Correspondent
NYANGA Mountain is a hiker’s dream, an adventure to adrenalin junkies and a possible nightmare to the physically weak and superstitious.
A trip to Nyanga Mountain, formerly Mount Inyangani, is fulfilling and satisfying.
Enduring the mammoth hike and its seven levels to get to the peak gives you a feeling like you have conquered the world as you stand on top of it.
The aura and refreshing breath at the 2 593 metre altitude reinvigorates all the energy sapped by the hike.
However, the myths associated with the mountain can give you goosebumps at every turn.
One can hike up Nyanga Mountain once every year to help conquer some fears.
Located within Nyanga National Park, Nyanga Mountain is the highest mountain in Zimbabwe at 2 592 metres and is the signature attraction in the district.
Annual rainfall totals are high (around 2 200mm), but long spells of dry weather occur during the winter period of May to August.
The mountain is divided into seven levels or rather resting stages for guiding purposes and to allow people to take some breaks.
Among other hiking guidelines, a traveller, upon reaching level three, you will not be allowed to quit.
You are also not allowed to hike alone without a National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority guide, while no-one is allowed to hike in the mountain after 2pm.
The hike can take more than three hours from the bottom to the apex of the mountain and as you go up, the temperatures become cool, thereby making the aura around the thick forests both soothing and intimidating.
The mountain has an eye-catching scenery and is home to leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, kudus and zebras which live in harmony with indigenous and exotic birds such as Cape bunting, Scarce swift and Collared sunbird.
It is, however, difficult to talk about the beauty and the splendour of the mountain without talking about its enigma, deep and devilish bowls of the mountain which has feasted on unsuspecting tourists of all ages.
The mountain is heavily pervaded with myth, legend and bizarre mysteries with one of the known legends being colourful snakes surrounding a smouldering clay pot and attractive gold bricks.
A lot is said about the mountain, whether fact or fiction.
Stories of trees with breasts are prominent, the disappearing waterfall myth on level two is popular and so is talk of baboons and mysterious animals being seen in the mountain.
The mountain, in 2014, almost swallowed a British tourist, Mr Thomas Gaisford, who was then a second-year Human Science student in the United Kingdom.
He had chosen to come to Zimbabwe after winning an award — Wallace Watson Award Lectures — from Oxford University in the United Kingdom.
The award encourages and assists undergraduate and graduate members of the college to undertake expeditions or travels of a challenging nature, in a mountainous or remote area.
Narrating his ordeal to this reporter after the great survival, Mr Gaisford, who had climbed to the summit of the mountain as part of the award’s objectives, said he did not take heed of the advice he had received from concerned guides.
He did not know what was ahead of him.
“I climbed to the summit of the mountain. It was very difficult, but I endured up to the top. I was caught in a mist as soon as I reached there. I started getting uncomfortable and got scared after heavy rains started falling.
“The fog engulfed the whole place I was, and surprisingly it was in the afternoon around 3pm. I could not see anything. I was confused. I lost my way down and pitched a tent. I prayed and slept there for 10 hours. Several scary snakes approached me. I never disturbed them.
“They came in their numbers, but I remained resolute. Various animals frequented the place and I could see shining red eyes of several animals staring at me. My character was tested. I remained steadfast. I woke up the following morning after the fog had cleared. I climbed down before I proceeded to Leopard Rock on foot,” he said.
Another tourist, Mr Zayd Dada, went missing during the same year after embarking on another hiking expedition.
Facts surrounding his disappearance still remain unclear with the National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority saying he could have slipped and fell into a cliff or ridges, while another common school of thought says he was another victim of angry spirits surrounding the mystical mountain.
Mr Dada had gone hiking with his wife and another couple. He continued with the expedition on his own after his colleagues got weary and returned to their chalets.
He never returned and was never found.
Then former Deputy Minister of Finance, Cde Tichaendepi Masaya’s children also vanished in the thickets of the mountain in 1981. They disappeared without trace.
Tourism players in Nyanga and the Eastern Highlands at large say there is need to demystify myths, misconceptions, truths and half-truths associated with the mountain to fully explore its tourism potential.
Mr Brian Nyakutombwa, who is the general manager of Montclair Casino and Hotel which is situated within the vicinity of the majestic wonder, says some tragic occurrences which happened over the years have made the place unsafe for some travellers to visit.
“We need to demystify this attraction (Nyanga Mountain) as it is portrayed. I understand there are certain protocols that need to be observed such as time permitted or recommended to climb it, what to do and or say when you are on the mountain.
“I understand when you are up there and come across mysterious things you are not supposed to comment. I think engaging with the local traditional leadership so that they shed more light, especially on how to interact or conduct oneself on the mountain, is important,” he said.
Pine Tree Inn general manager, Mr Winfrey Madhlayo said he enjoyed the hiking experience, but did not reach the apex of the mountain.
He said tourism players in and around Nyanga are working on setting up a website that will provide relevant information on Nyanga’s tourism products, including Nyanga Mountain.
“I have been to the mountain twice and I loved the experience. It was enjoyable. I literally ignored the myths and misconceptions associated with the place and chose to dwell on the beauty of the forests, the dwalas and rocks. I am yet to reach the peak.
“I think there is scope for more content such as articles and videos of the mountain to publicise the product.
“As stakeholders, we are working on a website which will showcase all these various places in Nyanga. I think there is also need to participate in local and global expos to promote the attraction,” he said.
Eastern Highlands Experience chairman, Mr William Chatigu said the mountain, just like Mutarazi Falls in Nyanga, should be complemented with exciting activities and other packages so that it can be marketed to the world.
“People should feel free to share their experiences. As players, there is need to conscientise people about the mountain and the activities that can be done there. Obviously as the highest mountain, a hiking experience will be memorable. The adrenaline-filled experience will make you feel closer to the clouds.
“There are more activities that can be done and it has to complement its majestic nature. What can be more exciting are the activities that will be associated with the mountain itself.
“Mutarazi Falls, the second tallest waterfall in Africa, was little known, but when the Skywalk and Zipline were introduced it became more attractive. There is need for innovation and there is need for Government to be involved and be supportive through the National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
“They should team up with other operators and include more packages. There is also need to educate visitors on the guidelines in terms of dos and don’ts with the consultation of traditional leaders,” he said.
National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) Eastern Region marketing officer, Mr Lloyd Makonya, who is also a hospitality and tourism analyst said more awareness materials on different media platforms are critical.
“Gym owners and fitness trainers can also be incorporated to host boot camps in Nyanga as part of health tourism promotion drive,” said Mr Makonya.
