Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Tourism Correspondent
FOR travel enthusiasts looking for a memorable destination this summer, Pungwe Falls in Nyanga offers the perfect excuse to pack a few essentials, gather the family and head into the Eastern Highlands.
It may not command the same attention as some of Zimbabwe’s more established tourist attractions, but that is exactly what makes it so special.
Away from busy tourist routes, the waterfall provides visitors with an opportunity to slow down, explore and enjoy an attraction that has remained relatively undiscovered.
As summer temperatures rise and families search for places to spend weekends and holidays, the site deserves a place on the itinerary.
The waterfall is part of the wider Nyanga tourism experience, an area already known for its mountains, rivers, forests and outdoor adventures.
Sightseeing, hiking, nature walks and camping are among the activities visitors can enjoy, while those looking for an adrenaline rush can explore kayaking, whitewater rafting and river rafting in Pungwe River.
Pungwe River flows throughout the year, providing a constant supply of water to the falls. From there, the river continues across the Mozambique border before eventually emptying into the Indian Ocean.
For fishing enthusiasts, the area also presents opportunities for fly-fishing for rainbow trout, adding another attraction for visitors who enjoy spending time outdoors.
One does not have to be an adventure enthusiast to enjoy Pungwe Falls.
For families, the destination provides an opportunity to escape the usual weekend routine. Children can experience the outdoors, while parents can take a break from the pressures of work and city life.
The sound of falling water, the cool conditions around the falls and the opportunity to spend time away from crowded spaces can be particularly refreshing during the summer months.
There is also a wellness element to the experience. Water has long been associated with relaxation and hydrotherapy, which uses water-based experiences to promote physical and mental relaxation.
While a visit to Pungwe Falls is not a substitute for professional hydrotherapy treatment, being around flowing water and taking time to unwind can add to the restorative experience of a holiday.
For visitors planning their first trip, preparation is important.
Mutare-based tourist, Mr Godfrey Nemunyadzo, who travelled to Pungwe Falls with his family, said the trip provided them with an opportunity to spend meaningful time together.
“We wanted somewhere peaceful where the whole family could enjoy the outdoors, and Pungwe Falls gave us exactly that. The drive was part of the adventure, but when we arrived, the scenery, fresh air and sound of the water made everything worthwhile. It is a place I would happily visit again with my family,” he said.
Mr Nemunyadzo’s experience reflects the growing appeal of domestic tourism, with more Zimbabweans exploring destinations within the country instead of travelling abroad for their holidays.
Pungwe Falls can easily form part of a longer Eastern Highlands tour, particularly for visitors exploring Nyanga and surrounding areas.
The attraction has also caught the attention of Zimbabweans living abroad.
UK-based family members, Emily and Carol Sithole, recently visited Pungwe Falls during their trip to Zimbabwe for the Sanganai/Hlanganani Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo, currently taking place in Masvingo.
Rather than limiting their trip to the Expo, the family took the opportunity to explore some of the country’s attractions, travelling through Honde Valley and Nyanga before proceeding to Pungwe Falls.
For them, the journey provided an opportunity to see a different side of Zimbabwe.
“Coming from the United Kingdom, we wanted to see more than the usual places during our visit to Zimbabwe. Passing through Honde Valley and Nyanga before reaching Pungwe Falls was beautiful. The scenery was peaceful and untouched, and standing there with family reminded us how much natural beauty Zimbabwe has to offer,” said Carol.
Their experience highlights the potential of combining major events such as the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo with tourism excursions.
Visitors attending the Expo in Masvingo can use their time in Zimbabwe to explore other parts of the country, while domestic travellers can similarly turn a weekend outing into a broader holiday.
Pungwe Falls is particularly suited to travellers who enjoy destinations that offer more than just taking photographs. It is a place for people who want to hike, fish, camp, explore, enjoy water-based activities or simply take a break from their normal surroundings.
Its relatively low visitor numbers can also be an advantage. Unlike heavily visited attractions where crowds can sometimes dominate the experience, Pungwe offers visitors more room to explore at their own pace.
For tourism operators, the falls also present opportunities for guided excursions, camping experiences and adventure packages linking Nyanga with Honde Valley and other Eastern Highlands attractions.
As Zimbabwe continues to promote domestic and international tourism through initiatives such as ZimBho, destinations such as Pungwe Falls have an important role to play.
They offer travellers another reason to explore the country and remind locals that some of the most rewarding holiday experiences can be found closer to home.
This summer, when families begin making plans for weekends away and visitors look beyond the obvious destinations, Pungwe Falls should not be overlooked. The road may be demanding, but the destination is worth the journey.
