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Liberty Dube
Tourism Correspondent
The Eastern Highlands, home to countless scenic sites and tourism facilities, has a galaxy of adrenaline-rush activities and exciting holiday packages lined up for this festive season.
While last year’s festive season was a bit subdued as Covid-19 cases were on the increase, this year’s Level Two lockdown allows tourists to explore the province’s various scenic sites.
Travellers interviewed by The Manica Post expressed verve indicating that they have already started exploring their favourite tourism sites.
The Eastern Highlands is home to the Chimanimani Mountains, Nyanga Mountain, Vumba Botanical Gardens, as well as the Mutarazi, Nyachowa, Nyangombe and Bridal Veil falls.
When it comes to accommodation facilities, tourists do not need to look further than the Leopard Rock, Golden Peacock Villa, White Horse Inn, Eden Lodge, Forest Hills, Holiday Inn, Pine Tree Inn, Montclair, Troutbeck, Rhodes Nyanga, Village Inn, Mountview, Chritsmas Pass and Musangano Lodge, among others.
Mutarazi Falls in Mutasa offers two daredevil activities — the Zipline and Skywalk — as well as the magnificent water falls that are ready to be explored this festive season.
The majestic Nyachowa Falls, situated about 12km from Mutare along the Chigodora Road, are some of the most frequented sites in Vumba and a place to be this festive season.
The falls are the second largest in Manicaland after Mutarazi Falls.
The huge trees around the falls accommodate various bird and butterfly species.
It also provides shade for picnic and nature enthusiasts.
Then there is Bridal Veil, an eye-catching waterfall in Chimanimani whose waters fall over a cliff like a veil covering over a bride’s face.
The setting of the falls is amidst a trove of trees and at this time of the year, a visitor to Bridal Veil should not miss the famous mazhanje fruit whose trees are dotted around the park.
This is an ideal site for picnic lovers as you can set up a stone’s throw away from the majestic falls.
In case it rains, a gazebo is in place.
The clean air around the plush Bridal Veil is therapeutic.
A survey conducted by this publication revealed that most tourism and accommodation facilities in Manicaland’s’ resort areas are fully booked for the festive season, with some of them having registered more than 60 percent room occupancy by Tuesday afternoon.
Chimanimani Hotel general manager, Mr Mandla Mataure said: ‘‘We have carved packages aimed at promoting domestic tourism. They encourage people to visit their preferred tourism sites and enjoy the facilities at affordable rates.
“For instance, we will have a Christmas Eve dinner and a candlelit Christmas dinner. Visitors will also get an opportunity to tour the national park and swim in the soothing water. Entertainment will also be provided by local artistes.’’
Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe national vice-president, Mr Brian Nyakutombwa, who is also Montclair Hotel and Casino general manager, said as they promote domestic tourism particularly during the festive season, they will be cautious about combating the Covid-19 pandemic.
The hotel which has a compliment of 85 rooms is fully booked this festive season. Guests will be treated to some golf and casino activities.
‘‘Pressure will likely ease around December 27. The golf course and casino will be available for golf and casino lovers, among other activities,” he said.
Holiday Inn Mutare will provide a jumping castle, face painting as well as a colouring competition for the little ones; while their parents will be treated to a candlelit Christmas dinner.
By Tuesday afternoon, the hotel’s room occupancy was at 60 percent.
Golden Peacock Villa Hotel general manager, Mr Adonis Mutigwe said horse riding, face painting, a jumping castle, Christmas games with Santa Claus as well as a poolside party have been lined up for the festive season.
Pine Tree Inn in Nyanga, nestled underneath the majestic Susurumba Mountain in Nyanga, is also a favourable tourism facility for domestic and international visitors due to its proximity to Nyangombe and Mutarazi Falls.
The hotel’s general manager, Mr Winfrey Madhlayo, said they have lots of activities and cuisines lined up for the festive season.
White Horse Inn’s director, Mr Frank Marembo, said his facility has also lined up some exciting packages.
‘‘We have special packages for our guests, particularly on meals, accommodation and recreational activities as we aim to promote domestic tourism,’’ he said.
Domestic tourists interviewed this week said they are happy to be travelling to various tourism facilities after a long sabbatical due to Covid-19.
‘‘I am happy that Government maintained the Level Two lockdown measures. Travelling has been hustle free and even the police have been friendly and professional in discharging their duties. We are abiding to the Covid-19 safety guidelines and measures.
“The weather is also favourable. We are happy that we are having this refreshing moment away from our usual base,’’ said Mr Millwall Bunya, a Gweru resident who is currently on a tour of the Eastern Highlands.
Another tourist, Ms Wadzanai Chikondori from Harare, is enjoying the serene environment of Vumba.
‘‘We made some late bookings as we were initially sceptical about travelling due to the Covid-19 restrictions. However everything has been smooth and I thank tourism players for embracing Government’s thrust on promoting domestic tourism. We are enjoying some fabulous packages at affordable rates,’’ she said.
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