Liberty Dube
Tourism Correspondent
DRIVING down the winding roads of Mahwemasimike and Gwiriri mountains, the breath-taking beauty of Honde Valley gradually unfolds, offering visitors a spectacular introduction to one of Zimbabwe’s most enchanting landscapes.
The meandering tarred roads, flanked by lush green vegetation, rolling hills, flowing rivers and sprawling agricultural estates, create a scenic journey that is as rewarding as the destination itself.
Every bend reveals another beautiful picture, with the valley’s evergreen landscape stretching as far as the eye can see, while the cool Eastern Highlands atmosphere provides a refreshing escape from the bustle of urban life.
The journey is characterised by a striking combination of natural beauty and agricultural abundance. Vast stretches of green plantations, forest-covered slopes and fertile fields paint a picture of a destination blessed with favourable climatic conditions and rich natural resources.
Rising majestically above this natural splendour is Mapokana Mountain, one of Honde Valley’s remarkable geographical features, and an attraction with enormous potential for nature-based tourism.
Perched along the escarpment overlooking the fertile valley, the mountain commands panoramic views of rolling green mountains, expansive tea estates, dense forests and picturesque countryside stretching towards the neighbouring Mozambique.
Rising to approximately 1 001 metres above sea level, Mapokana is an impressive geographical feature whose commanding position along the escarpment makes it one of the striking landmarks of the Honde Valley landscape.
Its elevated slopes and distinctive mountain profile create a magnificent backdrop against the surrounding greenery, while its prominence offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate the dramatic topography of the Eastern Highlands. From a distance, it presents an imposing, yet beautiful spectacle, standing proudly above the surrounding countryside.
What makes the mountain particularly captivating is the breath-taking panorama it offers from its elevated vantage points. The views stretch across layers of rolling green mountains, expansive tea plantations, thick forests and fertile valleys, with the landscape gradually fading into the distant horizons towards neighbouring Mozambique.
The contrast between cultivated agricultural estates and natural vegetation creates a fascinating visual experience.
On clear days, the expansive scenery provides spectacular opportunities for landscape photography, while changing light and mist drifting across the surrounding mountain ranges add to its enchanting character. Beyond its scenic appeal, the mountain presents exciting possibilities for adventure and nature-based tourism. Its terrain could attract hiking enthusiasts, mountain explorers and visitors seeking outdoor experiences away from busy urban environments.
Guided mountain excursions, designated viewing points, nature walks and community-led tourism activities can help transform the area into a recognised adventure tourism attraction.
With appropriate access facilities, conservation measures and investment in visitor infrastructure, this remarkable mountain has the potential to become one of Honde Valley’s signature attractions, offering visitors an unforgettable encounter with the natural beauty of Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands.
However, the beauty of this natural landmark cannot be separated from the remarkable setting that surrounds it.
Honde Valley is blessed with a combination of natural attractions and agricultural landscapes that give it a distinctive identity. Its fertile soils support extensive tea, coffee, banana and macadamia farming, while its rivers and forests add to the area’s ecological and scenic appeal. The agricultural estates are attractions in their own right, with neatly maintained plantations contributing to the valley’s distinctive green appearance.
The flowing rivers add another dimension to the landscape, reinforcing the area’s appeal to visitors seeking tranquillity and outdoor experiences.
For anyone exploring the Eastern Highlands, the experience of travelling through the valley is an attraction in its own right.
The destination has previously captured international attention, notably following a visit by the celebrated Grand Tour trio of Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond about two years ago.
The renowned motoring personalities visited Honde Valley during their Zimbabwe adventure, with the spectacular scenery leaving them enthralled. Their visit brought international visibility to the destination, offering audiences beyond Zimbabwe a glimpse of the country’s remarkable landscapes and tourism offerings.
Clarkson later expressed his gratitude to Zimbabweans and Government for helping make their Grand Tour special memorable.
In a message posted on X, he said: “My profound thanks to the people and Government of Zimbabwe for helping to make a very special Grand Tour Special, very special. We absolutely adored everything about your country.”
The trio’s experience offered a glimpse into the tourism possibilities of Honde Valley, whose appeal extends beyond conventional sightseeing. Its winding roads, scenic mountain backdrops, agricultural landscapes and rural charm make it an appealing destination for travellers seeking something different.
Popular Dutch travel blogger and YouTuber, Noraly Schoenmaker, widely known as Itchy Boots, also explored the valley in 2021 during her global motorcycle adventures, sharing her experiences with audiences across the world.
Such visits demonstrate the destination’s potential to attract international travellers looking for authentic experiences, spectacular scenery and places that remain relatively undiscovered.
There is also scope for local communities to benefit from the development of tourism activities through hospitality services, cultural experiences, accommodation, guiding and the sale of locally produced goods. These opportunities could create additional income streams while encouraging communities to take an active role in protecting their natural heritage.
However, unlocking this potential would require deliberate investment in visitor access, tourism infrastructure, environmental conservation and destination marketing. Properly managed tourism development would also ensure that the natural character of the area is preserved for future generations.
Beyond the mountain, Honde Valley offers a wider tourism experience, with its spectacular mountain scenery, tea estates, rivers, forests and welcoming communities providing compelling reasons for visitors to spend more time exploring the area.
The valley, situated approximately 120km from Mutare and 115km from Nyanga, remains one of Manicaland’s most captivating destinations.
For travellers willing to venture beyond familiar tourism routes, this scenic mountain offers another compelling reason to discover Honde Valley. It is a place where mountains meet the green expanse of the valley, where winding roads become part of the adventure and where nature puts on a spectacular display.
Mapokana: Where Honde Valley reveals its beauty
