adminOn the slopes of a spectacular backdrop of granite grows thick vegetation that gives vivid beauty to the aiming eye but might confuse the untrained eye.
Of course, even the trained eye would struggle to figure out how things were a century ago, when Cecil John Rhodes built his cottage here, given that the property, which has now been turned into a hotel, has been beautified beyond doubt.
Rhodes Nyanga Hotel is a beautiful tourist resort with amazing views of the area, manicured lawns, fireplaces with comfortable couches for relaxing and enjoying the place’s beauty.
The adjacent Rhodes Museum tells the story of old time travelling as depicted by the array of ox- and horse-drawn carts. It is history itself.
Set in manicured gardens with a verandah overlooking the Rhodes Dam and the typical rolling moorlands, high mountain heath, cascading waterfalls, tumbling crystal clear water on mountain side rivers, the hotel is the only one in Nyanga National Park.
It is set in the heart of the National Park, the finest trout fishing location in Zimbabwe.
Cecil John Rhodes built the original cottage in 1896 and used it as his retreat and described it as “a country of mountains and cliff walls, of waterfalls, solitude and immensities, at a height of 7 000 feet above the sea.”
Rhodes built himself a retreat and this was always his solitude where he preferred to think out his colonial escapades.
The cottage was turned into a hotel in 1933, about three decades after his death.
The Rhodes Nyanga hotel consists of 24 rooms, bar, restaurant and conference facilities.
Historically, the hotel had the Rhodes Nyanga Museum with some of the furniture Cecil John Rhodes owned.
The most popular room is Room 8, where Rhodes himself used to sleep. Those who wish to identify with Rhodes in a positive or negative way have always wanted that room.
It is a peace of history that we cannot all run away from. What is more important about Rhodes Nyanga Hotels is that it gives one access to Nyanga National Park.
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 metres 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 268km 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, sable, 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.
Cool temperatures are usual in Nyanga with summer temperatures around 26 degrees Celsius and winter cold temperatures of 3 degrees Celsius. These are complimented by a wet summer.
Within the park one can have access to several scenic attractions and activities such as the following.
Mount Nyangani — Zimbabwe’s highest point at 2 593 metres offers a challenging climb and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
Nyangombe Falls, a beautiful series of cascading waterfalls located on the western edge of the park, a 15-minute walk from the car park.
Mutarazi Falls is the highest waterfall in Zimbabwe and the second highest on the continent.
Visitors may leave their vehicles at the car park and take a short hike to the edge of the escarpment for spectacular views of the waterfalls and the Honde Valley, some 800 metres below.
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 areas around.
Nyangwe and Chawomera Forts are massive stone work with lintelled entrances characterise these fine examples of Nyanga Ruins built some 400 years ago. Pit structures are also located within the park.
Trout Hatchery — the trout hatchery near Purdon Dam – provides an up-close view of the source of game fish stocked in many of the park’s rivers and dams.
Nyamuziwa Falls — located just off the circular drive to Mt Nyangani, Nyamuziwa Falls – is a beautiful cascade waterfall with open highland scenery.
Fly fishing — the finest fly fishing in Zimbabwe – can be found in many of the park’s well stocked rivers and lakes including Mare, Udu, Rhodes, Gulliver and Purdon dams.
Bream fishing is also available at Udu Dam. Boating — another favorite activity – rowing boats can be hired at each dam
Swimming — visitors can swim at Nyangombe pool where the clear, crisp Nyangombe River spills over natural rockslides. Visitors can also relax on the sandy beaches.
Hiking trails, birding & walks — numerous trails and paths provide lovely walks through both the forest areas and open highlands, many leading to beautiful waterfalls and scenic vistas.
Game viewing
This activity is open to the public all year round. Gates are open for game viewing daily from 0600hrs until 1800hrs.
All visitors are only allowed to enter the park when driving.
Walking and cycling are strictly prohibited unless with express authority and only in the company of a designated park officer.
Clients are allowed to drive around the park on their own using designated roads only.
The main and most sought out activity at the park is fishing, which is conducted all year round. There are five fishing and picnic sites in the park.
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Online Reporter