The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Tourism Correspondent
The trees, unique birds, thunderous waterfalls and pristine natural environment has made Vumba a preferred tourist attraction since time immemorial.
Waterfalls in Vumba are a safe haven for adventurous travellers, picnic lovers, those hiking as well as those seeking hydrotherapy.
Vumba houses significant majestic waterfalls that include Marindi, Excelsior, Fangudu, Chinamata and Nyachowa; and it contributes significantly into making the Eastern Highlands an area with the highest number of waterfalls in Zimbabwe.
The breath-taking Nyachowa Falls, situated 12km along the Mutare-Chigodora Road, add to the diverse picturesque natural heritage tourism products found in Manicaland.
The falls are an interesting feature to the already exciting Vumba tourism package.
It is one of the most frequented sites in Vumba and no doubt the most popular one.
Nyachowa Falls are the second largest in Manicaland after Mutarazi Falls.
The journey to the site, which is about 600 metres, is an exhilarating one. Some sedimentary rocks such as granite, basalt, schist, limestone and shale see you through to the waterfall.
The noisy, yet relaxing waterfall sounds welcome you as you reach the Nyachowa River bank.
In most cases, for a new and old visitor, some Kodak moments follow next.
And then the canopy of the huge trees surrounding the falls will invite you to relax and just forget about everything else as you absorb the wonders of mother nature.
The tranquil environment accommodates various bird and butterfly species.
It also provides shade for picnic enthusiasts and is now a perfect venue for small private parties.
Some of the trees found at the falls include Waterberry, Albizia and Strangler Fig.
The birds include the likes of the White browed robin chat, African pied wagtail, Miombo Double collard sunbird, African yellow white eye, Jameson’s fire finch, Yellow bellied waxbill, Streaky headed canary and many more.
The ever-flowing water has resulted in local villagers turning the area into a greenbelt.
Speaking on how Nyachowa can be commercialised and improved to benefit communities and the country at large, hotelier Mr Lloyd Makonya said a properly structured community based tourism project should be the starting point.
“In terms of the falls in Vumba and Chigodora, for instance at Nyachowa, there is need to put up a properly structured community sased tourism project which is run by the community, and not individuals. I understand organisations like the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority are ready to assist in providing technical support for a properly-run CBT project.
“The tourism sector knits together the agriculture, transport and entertainment sectors.
The Nyachowa community may be doing well in market gardening, but more needs to be done to have a thriving market for their produce when visitors visit the site.
“This is over and above the income generated from the entrance fees to the falls, which I believe is being channelled towards developing the site and empowering communities where these waterfalls lie in.
“In the long term as the number of visitors continue to improve, opportunities for job creation will widen along the value chain. The beautiful Nyachowa Falls offer an opportunity for women and young people to come up with sustainable tourism projects,” said Mr Makonya.
Vumba is also home to the spectacular Marindi waterfall situated 20km from Mutare, along the Chigodora Road.
Marindi is easily accessible as it is quite close to the main road.
The gorgeous waterfall has two sheets of falling water.
There is an incredible rainbow in the waterfall which is visible especially when the sun is behind a visitor.
For those who do not have aquaphobia, one can easily get into the water and enjoy the feeling of cool water on their skin.
A few metres around the falls, there is a picnic side and braai area.
There is a guide at the entry point who cheerfully escorts visitors to the falls which are about 200 metres away.
And then about 21km from Mutare’s Central Business District, there is little known, yet equally majestic Excelsior Falls.
While not popular, the site is worth visiting.
It is far from the main road and a little farther from Marindi Falls, although they are along the same river.
Upon reaching the area, there is a guide who takes visitors to the site.
A visitor has to endure a two kilometre walk to reach the falls.
Excelsior also has two sheets of falling waters.
However, unlike Marindi and Nyachowa, one cannot draw closer to the water as there is a heavy downpour connecting the falls to the river.
Not to be outdone is the Fangudu Falls.
It is, however, the furthest of them all with the distance of 41km from Mutare.
The area is not easily accessible and the roads require vehicles with high ground clearance.
A guide manning the area is always ready to escort visitors to the falls.
The waterfalls are breathtaking and at the peak of the rainy season, they are a marvel to watch.
The falls, are however, housed at a private property.
Chinamata Falls, located in Vumba, is also one of the highest in the province.
“When visiting the falls, one has to be extra-physically fit. One may need to take one or two breaks when going up. The unfortunate thing is there are no activities are the falls,” said Mr Tendai Chiroodza, a tourist who recently visited the place.
Sadly, most of the waterfalls in Vumba, despite their splendour, have one thing in common — inaccessibility — which has been a major turn-off for potential visitors.
Tourists require all weather terrain vehicles as most of the roads have slippery rocks.
Issues of wood poaching, land degradation and destroying of exotic and indigenous trees which are habitats of unique birds and other animals have also been a cause for major concern.
Friends of the Vumba Board of Trustees chairperson, Ms Emma Parirenyatwa said they are playing a huge role in preserving flora and fauna.
“When we were initially formed, we wanted to assist the Department of National Parks and Wildlife which was experiencing staff shortages to reduce poaching which was spiralling out of control. This include poaching of wood, small game, fish as well as flora.
“Over the years, our mandate has evolved as we see the different forms that conservation comes in. We are now trying to find solutions to some of the conservation challenges we face, like dumping of litter everywhere. We need to find someone to sponsor some bins that we can place strategically around the Vumba,” she said.
