Moffat Mungazi
Liberty Dube
Tourism Correspondent
TUCKED quietly 70 kilometres from Mutare, and along the picturesque Nyanga Road, lies one of Zimbabwe’s newest and most enchanting tourism discoveries — Nyakupinga Trout hatcheries and waterfall.
As travellers navigate the winding, scenic route that coils through towering mountains, fragrant and bushy pine plantations, a journey that starts with nature’s grandeur ends in tranquil wonder at this fast-rising jewel.
The road to Nyakupinga is more than just a route, but an experience.
The curving drive carves through vast, green forests where the scent of pine drifts in the cool mountain air.
Sunlight filters gently through the trees, casting golden glows on the roadside. It is the kind of road that heals the soul before the destination even appears.
About 30 kilometres before Nyanga, Nyakupinga quietly reveals itself.
There is Nyakupinga Trout hatcheries and Nyakupinga waterfall.
The Nyakupinga Trout hatcheries, nestled comfortably beside the serene Nyakupinga River, and in the majestic shadow of a towering mountain, are nothing short of breathtaking.
The hatcheries, though younger than the more established Nyanga Trout Hatchery Research Centre at Nyanga National Parks, offer an authentic, rustic charm.
Rows of crystal-clear ponds shimmer under the sun, each teeming with trout that dart beneath the surface like streaks of silver.
There is a peaceful rhythm to the place with water gently lapping, birds chirping from nearby trees, and the occasional splash of trout breaking the surface.
The place has become a preferred site for travellers to stop and stretch their legs, capture photographs, and soak in the scenery.
For a visitor who may need snacks and cooked food, there is a roadside café with outdoor seating, and views that sweep across the hatcheries and into the lush hills beyond.
It has become a popular place for families posing for pictures, couples capturing candid moments, and friends enjoying laughter against one of the most scenic backdrops Zimbabwe has to offer.
But Nyakupinga has more surprises in store.
Just under two kilometres further lies the hidden wonder of the Nyakupinga Waterfall.
The sound of cascading water echoes through the trees long before you see it, building anticipation.
When the waterfall finally appears, it is nothing short of magical.
Water crashes down into natural rock pools, creating multiple swimming spots that are ideal for families looking for a day out in nature.
Here, travellers do braai by the riverside, swim in the cool, refreshing waters, and lay out picnic blankets on soft grassy patches.
The waterfall invites both adventure and stillness.
Some explore the surrounding trails, while others simply sit and listen to nature’s symphony.
Nyakupinga, with its trout hatcheries, cozy cafe, and dreamy waterfall, is more than just a stopover on the road to Nyanga. It is a destination in its own right.
It is a place where travellers can reconnect with nature, loved ones, and themselves.
Generally, the Nyanga region is blessed with an endless chain of scenic wonders and cultural stopovers.
From the dramatic curves of Christmas Pass, which offer panoramic views of Mutare far below, the Eastern Highlands is a treasure trove for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Along this stretch, the journey itself becomes part of the destination. Towering timber plantations blanket the hills, giving the air a crisp, earthy scent, while unnamed waterfalls tumble quietly in the distance, waiting to be discovered.
But before one even reaches Juliasdale, Nyanga and Troutbeck, Nyakupinga sets the tone with a breathtaking preview of what lies ahead.
It is a beautiful teaser, an appetiser to the grand feast of natural beauty that defines the Eastern Highlands.
Travellers who stop here often find themselves lingering longer than expected.
The nearby waterfall becomes a highlight, especially for those with families or a sense of adventure, offering both a playground and a peaceful escape.
It invites a traveller to pause, breathe and fall in love with Zimbabwe’s natural beauty all over again!
Online Reporter