Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Tourism Correspondent
JUST a stone’s throw from Mutare, across Forbes Border Post, lies the vibrant City of Chimoio, gateway to Manica Province’s best-kept secrets.
The charming destination offers the perfect weekend escape, rich in natural wonders and cultural depth, without venturing too far from home.
Perched at an elevation of approximately 750 meters along the Beira Corridor, Chimoio is strategically located for exploring Mozambique’s most captivating landscapes.
The city serves as a hub for adventurers seeking to discover majestic mountain ranges, mystical rock formations, serene rivers, cascading waterfalls, and nearby national parks teeming with wildlife.
Beyond its natural allure, Chimoio welcomes visitors with its laid-back charm, colourful markets, and community rich in tradition.
This hidden gem has the potential to spark a lifelong love for Mozambique’s lesser-known treasures, all waiting to be discovered just across the border.
Mount Bengo (Old Man’s Head)
About four kilometres North East of Chimoio is a popular rock formation or mountain, which locals nicknamed Cabeça do Velho Mountain, meaning Old Man’s Head, because it looks like an old man if one views Mount Bengo from Chimoio.
Ironically, the mountain portrays a side profile of an old man’s face.
This unique rock formation has, not only captured imaginations for generations, but also holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the people of Manica Province.
Beyond its legendary profile, Mount Bengo is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers.
Its slopes and surrounding areas are alive with agile mountain goats leaping across rocks, mischievous monkeys darting through trees, and variety of colorful birds whose songs echo through the valleys.
The natural beauty and calm atmosphere of the mountain provide a perfect setting for hiking, photography, birdwatching, or simply relaxing in a tranquil environment.
Thanks to its gentle inclines and clearly marked trails, Mount Bengo is accessible to hikers of all experience levels.
Those who make the climb are rewarded with panoramic views of Chimoio and the vast, rolling countryside that stretches to the horizon.
At sunrise or sunset, the landscape is, especially breathtaking, bathed in golden light and wrapped in the stillness of the surrounding wilderness.
But Mount Bengo is more than a scenic retreat. It is a vibrant cultural landmark, closely tied to the heritage of the community.
Throughout the year, the mountain becomes a centre for celebration during colourful festivals that showcase the traditions of the region.
These festive occasions feature traditional dances, local music, storytelling, and handcrafted art, offering visitors a rich and immersive experience.
Food stalls serve up authentic Mozambican dishes, creating a feast for both the senses and the spirit.
Chimoio Botanical Garden
Opened in the 1950s and covering several hectares, Chimoio Botanical Garden is a lush sanctuary that showcases a diverse collection of both native and exotic plant species.
Winding paths lead visitors through shaded groves, vibrant flowerbeds, tranquil ponds, and spaces filled with the songs of local birdlife.
The garden offers guided tours that provide fascinating insights into the ecological and cultural importance of various plant species, many of which are used in traditional medicine or hold symbolic value in Mozambican heritage.
Throughout the year, the garden also hosts seasonal events that celebrate local music, visual art and cultural performances which makes it a hub of both nature and community life.
The nearby Chinhambudzi Community Project is a must-visit.
The visitors can participate in weaving workshops led by local women, explore organic gardens, enjoy traditional storytelling and purchase handmade crafts that directly support the local community.
