Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Tourism Correspondent
THE iconic Hot Springs in Nyanyadzi, Chimanimani, have been given a refreshing new look following the completion of Phase One of their long-awaited rehabilitation project.
Once an underdeveloped natural wonder, the site has now been transformed into a modern, world-class tourism destination that proudly reflects Zimbabwe’s commitment to reviving its tourism infrastructure.
For years, the Hot Springs have captivated both local and international visitors with their soothing thermal waters and enchanting legends.
Now, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) and Chimanimani Rural District Council, the springs have been revitalised and modernised without losing their natural charm.
Visitors are immediately greeted by a beautifully designed pre-cast perimeter wall that enhances both the security and the visual appeal of the site.
The new front façade gives the place a contemporary, well-maintained appearance, symbolising the new era of tourism development in the region.
The once-dusty surroundings have been replaced by lush garden lawn, neatly landscaped and blooming with a variety of indigenous and ornamental plants that create a serene and inviting atmosphere.
The parking area has also been upgraded and it now has well-marked and spacious parking bays, providing convenience for both individual travellers and tour groups.
The addition of clear, stylish signage across the premises has improved navigation and enriched the visitor experience. Newly erected green lawns now add to the site’s freshness, offering scenic picnic spots for families and nature lovers alike.
Of course, the heart of the attraction — the Hot Springs themselves — have been carefully rehabilitated.
The pools have been cleaned, strengthened and redesigned to preserve their natural flow, while ensuring safety and accessibility.
The warm, mineral-rich waters continue to bubble from the ground, offering visitors an unmatched experience of natural hydrotherapy and relaxation.
While Phase One focused on infrastructure and beautification, Phase Two, which is set to be underway soon, promises to elevate the site even further. Rehabilitating accommodation and conference facilities as well as face-lifting of a dam nearby is part of the Phase Two, and this will enable a range of tourism activities such as boating and fishing.
These additions are expected to transform the Hot Springs into a full-fledged leisure and business tourism destination, providing employment opportunities and boosting the local economy.
The developments at the Hot Springs come at a time when Mutare made history by hosting the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo for the very first time.
This milestone event shone a spotlight on the Eastern Highlands as a growing tourism hub and reinforced the importance of investing in local attractions like the Hot Springs.
The Nyanyadzi Hot Springs are both thermal and mineral, placing them among rare geological treasures in Southern Africa.
Experts often compare them to the world-famous Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic — discovered in 1370 by Roman Emperor, King Karl — celebrated for its therapeutic waters.
Indeed, there is something deeply restorative about immersing oneself in natural hot springs.
The therapy derived from these geothermal spas is both soothing and satisfying, offering a more holistic sense of wellness than modern mechanical spas.
Within minutes of stepping into the warm water, visitors feel a remarkable sense of relaxation, as the hydrotherapy eases joint pain and melts away stress.
For the more adventurous, balneotherapy — the practice of soaking completely in the water — provides an ancient form of rejuvenation that has stood the test of time.
Beyond their therapeutic value, the Hot Springs are steeped in myth and folklore.
Local custodians tell fascinating tales — that bathing in the spring washes away bad luck, that invisible drummers can sometimes be heard at night, and that a beautiful mermaid occasionally appears during the summer.
These stories, passed down through generations, add a mystical allure to the site. Whether one believes them or not, they remain an integral part of the cultural tapestry that makes Nyanyadzi Hot Springs more than just a physical destination — it’s a spiritual experience.
The curative water continues to flow naturally from underground, becoming warmer as it fills the pool.
Visitors often toss coins from different countries into the springs — some new, others aged and rusted — as tokens of hope, luck, or gratitude.
Surrounding the main pool, protective brickwork ensures that the spring remains safe from contamination and retains its pristine purity.
