Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
GOVERNMENT is working round the clock to bring the once bustling Chimanimani tourism hub back to its glory days.
Chimanimani used to be the second most attractive tourist attraction after Victoria Falls, and efforts are underway to bring back those glittering years. ZimParks, which manages Chimanimani National Park, is leading the effort and has since rehabilitated the Bridal Veil Falls Campsite, which was damaged during Cyclone Idai. They have also constructed a staff house to ease accommodation challenges for their staff.
Director of Parks and Wildlife in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Mr Tanyaradzwa Mundonga, said Zimbabwe is pursuing the Transfrontier Conservation Area agreement with Mozambique to create a large park and boost tourism.
“I am pleased to highlight that Chimanimani National Park is the core area of the Chimanimani Transfrontier Conservation Area, an initiative that Zimbabwe is proudly pursuing with Mozambique,” he said. “Since the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement with Mozambique in 2001, we have been working collaboratively to enhance the ecological integrity of this landscape. The TFCA is not just about conservation; it is about creating opportunities on both sides of the border, fostering partnerships that benefit people and nature. The renovation of the Bridal Veil Campsite by ZimParks is equally significant.
“This facility is poised to enhance our tourism offerings, attracting more visitors to Chimanimani National Park. Increased tourist arrivals will not only generate revenue for the local economy but also foster sustainable development. This campsite will not only showcase the breathtaking beauty of Zimbabwe’s natural landscapes, but also provide a unique opportunity for visitors to experience our rich natural and cultural heritage.
“We envision this campsite as a hub for eco-tourism, promoting sustainable practices and supporting local economic development. Let us not forget the importance of communities in environmental stewardship. Our natural resources are the lifeblood of our nation, and it is our collective responsibility to protect and preserve them for future generations.”
Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Misheck Mugadza said tourism is a key contributor to the provincial economy and efforts must be scaled up to increase the number of arrivals in the mountainous district.
“The Chimanimani Transfrontier Conservation Area is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, with rugged mountains, waterfalls, and forests. The Bridal Veil Falls, located near the campsite, is a popular spot for picnics and hiking,” he said.
“The park is one of our tourism enablers in Manicaland Province, and we pay homage to visitors coming for tourism activities offered by Chimanimani National Park. I am advised that in 2024, over 3 500 clients visited this park predominantly for hiking activities, hence showcasing our diverse provincial and district tourism offerings as well as growing our Provincial Gross Domestic Product. “The commissioning of the campsite staff house and Bridal Veil Campsite comes at the right time as Manicaland is hosting the 2025 Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo in September. These efforts to spruce up tourism activities are particularly lauded, especially following the devastating Cyclone Idai in 2019, which affected lives and livelihoods in the province.”
