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Liberty Dube
Tourism Correspondent
As writer, Ms Virginia Alison put it: “There is a waterfall in every dream. Cool and crystal clear, it falls gently on the sleeper, cleansing the mind and soothing the soul.”
This aptly describes the feeling one would have upon visiting some grandiose waterfalls in Nyanga.
Apart from embarking on a mountain hike on the highest mountain of Zimbabwe, Nyanga Mountain, or visiting imposing sites such as the historic Rhodes Hotel, World’s View and Rukotso Mountain, among others, one can have a day-long date with Nyanga waters.
After seeking contrasting and fulfilling wilderness experiences at Nyanga National Parks, one can have a hydrotherapy experience at the waterfalls dotted across the area.
Mutarazi and other waterfalls like Pungwe, Nyakupinga, Nyamuzihwa and Nyangombe make Nyanga one of the districts with the highest number of waterfalls in the country.
Harmoniously arranged in meandering Nyanga thickets, the cascade of water falling into a pool with slippery rock and lush grasses is a common feature at these waterfalls.
Nyangombe Falls is one of the most visited waterfalls in Nyanga.
The crystal clear waterfall is like a giant shower as the water cascades down into a natural swimming pool and a sandy area called Brighton Beach.
Just 12km from Nyanga, one can simply walk to the falls upon reaching the ZimParks offices.
One can easily have a feel of the falls while having a swim in the not-so-deep river.
As the water falls into the river with a booming sound and turbulence, the waterfall becomes nature’s way of sharing the beautiful music of the world.
A visit at the falls provide the much-needed and highly recommended hydrotherapy.
The setting of the falls is a trove of beautiful indigenous and exotic trees which are not far away from the river that they feed in.
The site is ideal for picnics.
Visitors gave rave reviews about their experience at the picturesque natural wonder.
“Beautiful falls on Nyangombe River. The falls are easily accessible, about 7km from the tarred road and 200m from the car park. You need comfortable shoes as the path from the car park is rocky and goes down a steep slope.
“It is a good idea to take a picnic basket with you so that you enjoy the beauty of the falls without having to rush back to the car park to get refreshments. The falls are worth a visit and are one of the best places to visit in Nyanga,” said a visitor to the falls.
Said another: “When people ask what is the meaning of a hidden gem? Nyangombe Falls is the definition of that. Situated in the middle of the valleys, the picturesque natural wonder is absolutely stunning.
“Zimbabwe National Parks requires an entrance fee, but honestly, it is worth every cent. Take the falls from different angles and hear the power of the attraction. Beautiful. Feel the falls when you get close to the attraction. Amazing. And take as many pictures as you can with the Falls. Stunning!”
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Manicaland regional manager, Ms Ropafadzo Dunira paid tribute to the ZimParks Nyanga offices for the sterling work in maintaining the site.
“Nyangombe is beautiful. The waterfall is in Nyanga National Parks. You pay conservation fee at the ZimParks office and you are given a tour guide. It is one waterfall that you can surely get closer to. Its amazingly refreshing and the views are great.
“It is nicer at sunset. You need comfortable walking shoes. It is a well-maintained site, thanks to ZimParks. A perennial waterfall surrounded by the best natural views of untouched flora,” she said.
Another breathtaking natural wonder in Nyanga is the Nyakupinga Waterfall, which is located about 2.7km away from Nyanga Holiday Homes.
The waterfall, which is within a private property, has some parts which are rocky and full of twigs in water, while another part, which is the main waterfall, can allow a visitor to have a memorable swimming expedition. There is a small natural pool, which is often called the little “Devil’s pool”.
Nyanga is also home to one of most spectacular waterfalls, Pungwe Falls.
According to ZimField Guide, walking in the Pungwe Falls and gorge area should not be done alone.
It is recommended that anyone who wants to physically visit the falls, rather than just viewing them from the heights, should do so in the company of a tour operator, or with a local guide.
Pungwe Falls is located in the area overlooking Honde Valley.
Flowing swiftly over the Pungwe drift, it falls down a series of beautiful tiers and plunges before gathering its strength in the pool and throwing itself over the main fall in a cascade of foam 240m into the densely wooded Pungwe Gorge.
It then flows over the border into Mozambique before finally reaching the sea in Beira.
The breathtaking waterfall is surrounded by rocks, open plains, trees, bushes and undeveloped land.
Adding to spectacular waterfalls is Mutarazi Falls.
It is one of Zimbabwe’s largely pristine landscapes.
At 772m, it is the highest waterfall in Zimbabwe, and second highest in Africa after the Tugela Falls of Kwazulu Natal in South Africa.
The aura around the falls is both soothing and intimidating.
Watching the water glide mid-air down to the plunging pool is like a flight down an unending abyss that takes your mind off all the worldly worries.
The magnificent falls are accompanied by two daredevil activities, the Zipline and Skywalk.
Whoever visits Mutarazi Falls needs to partake in these exhilarating activities that are not for the faint hearted.
The Skywalk is an audacious walk on two suspended bridges that overlook the waterfalls and the views from this vantage point is unparalleled.
On the other hand, the Zipline is a 400m line that runs from one side of the waterfall to the other.
It is the ultimate challenge for adventure seekers and the glide across the high escarpment is a marvel not only to the one gliding but even to those watching.
Calls, however, have been made to rehabilitate the roads leading to the sites as the access is not matching the popularity.
Online Reporter