The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Tourism Correspondent
ZIMBABWE enjoys the privilege of owning a number of hot springs, including the ones dotted across Manicaland.
The Nyanyadzi Hot Springs are one of the most popular hot springs in the country and they attract tourists from the entire southern Africa.
The hot springs are both thermal and mineral springs comparable tov the Karlovy Vary which was discovered in Czech Republic by Roman Emperor King Karl in 1370.
After a visit to Nyanyadzi Hot Springs which is 80km from Mutare along the Mutare-Masvingo Highway, one’s mind is rejuvinated.
One will appreciate the global health and wellness resource.
The therapy derived from natural spars such as hot springs is more soothing and satisfying than wellness derived from using modern thermal activities.
Stepping into the water for a few minutes brings a great sense of satisfaction and hydrotherapy which takes the pressure off the joints.
And then there is balneotherapy when one strips naked and soaks in the water for a few minutes.
Omens and superstitions are popular as well.
An interaction with the custodians of the hot springs revealed that it is believed that swimming in the pool eliminates bad luck.
Others claim that sounds of drum beating are heard at night, with the drummers remaining invisible.
It is said a beautiful mermaid is seen during summer time.
These are just some of the myths, truths, half-truths and misconceptions associated with the majestic Hot Springs in Nyanyadzi.
Most visitors who frequent the place usually choose to embrace the general notion that the water from the springs have medicinal and healing properties.
The curative hot water continuously discharges from the ground and it becomes warmer as it enters the pool.
The bottom of the pool is littered with local and foreign coins, ranging from new and rusty ones, believed to have been thrown by visiting tourists.
There are bricks that were put around the spring to protect it from domestic animals and foreign objects and it still remains in its pristine condition.
For those who love the outdoors, a visit to the springs is a worthwhile experience.
Tourism expert, Mr Willard Madhombiro, encouraged the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) to develop hot springs into more attractive tourism sites.
“According to the Global Wellness Institute 2019 report, global health and wellness has US$4,3224 trillion consumption, with hot springs only accounting for US$56 billion. Destination marketing organisations such as ZTA therefore need to swiftly ring fence the Zimbabwean jewel, the hot springs, and develop them into real tourism sites as there is a lucrative global market for such products,” he said.
“Local authorities should ensure that stands for industrial and residential purposes are not allocated near the hot springs. For any allocation, the impact analysis should be done first.
“Government should also have policies to safeguard waterfalls and deforestation. Mining depletes these resources.
“Identification and ring fencing of all potential tourism sites is key to sustainability and ensuring that future generations will also enjoy the God-given tourism products,” said Mr Madhombiro.
Ndau Arts Festival (NDAFA) manager, Mr Phillip Kusasa chipped in: “Visiting there is a great experience, so there is need to extensively market the places. We can also produce documentaries for such sites.”
Ms Mellisa Chirozva who recently visited the place said she will cherish her experience for a long time.
“I enjoyed my visit there. It is actually the myths and superstitions associated with the place that attracted me there. It is a refreshing experience to feel the warm waters springing from the ground.
“The kids enjoyed it more and we also threw coins into the pool and took one-litre of the ‘sacred’ water. The natural mystiques is what makes Manicaland exceptional and unparalleled in terms of tourism,” she said.
