Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Tourism Correspondent
IT was a week like no other in the Eastern Highlands.
The usually tranquil mountains of Nyanga, the misty forests of Vumba, the lush valleys of Mutasa, and the vibrant city of Mutare became the centre of the world’s attention.
As the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo rolled into the Eastern Highlands, it carried with it a delegation of international and regional tourists who left with more than just memories—they left transformed.
Visitors from all corners of the globe walked into the region with curiosity, but left with admiration and a profound sense of wonder.
For many, it was their first time experiencing this lesser-known corner of Zimbabwe.
And for nearly all of them, it was nothing short of a revelation.
From the towering majesty of Mutarazi Falls to the delicate mist that rolls across Nyanga’s ridges, every stop on the itinerary was met with wide eyes and gasps of disbelief.
Many openly admitted that they never expected to find such unspoiled natural beauty in Zimbabwe.
Some even apologised for having underestimated the country’s tourism potential. The
Eastern Highlands, they said, had surpassed every expectation.
One of the most visited highlights was the spectacular Mutarazi Falls and its accompanying skyline walk.
As visitors tiptoed along the skywalk, suspended above Africa’s second highest waterfalls, the collective awe was palpable.
The breathtaking drop, framed by green hills and kissed by clouds, left many speechless. For others, the moment was deeply spiritual.
“We at iExplore Africa Travel and Tours have been very fortunate to be hosted by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA). Yesterday (last Sunday), we had the privilege of visiting a breathtaking waterfall which was a truly spiritual and beautiful experience. Driving through the highlands, we were captivated by the stunning scenery, vibrant landscapes, towering mountains, and unique stone structures that reflect Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage. The entire area is filled with nature’s beauty and history, making it a destination we highly recommend to anyone looking for a meaningful travel experience,” said a tourist, Ms Bonolo Ntsime, who also works for iExplore Africa Travel and Tours a travel and events management company based in South Africa.
Beyond the scenery, the people of the Eastern Highlands left a lasting impression.
Villagers waved to tourists as they passed by in their buses, young boys driving their cattle home smiled shyly at strangers, and lodge owners extended a warm, genuine welcome to all.
In areas like Nyanga, Chimanimani and Mutasa, tourists repeatedly remarked how safe, peaceful, and inviting the communities felt.
There was no sense of commercial pressure, but just a genuine desire to share a beautiful land with the world.
Mr Gay Thebus of Aluta Travels, based in Cape Town, South Africa, said: “I represent Aluta Travel. It is a tour operator based in Cape Town, so we do mostly inbound, but we also send some groups out to Victoria Falls. The group sizes vary from five to about 30 people. This is my first visit to Zimbabwe, particularly the Eastern Highlands, and so I am seeing everything that is sort of overwhelming because it is beautiful. I am sitting here, and I am looking just at the scenery around the rolling hills, beautiful greenery. I have also found the people here so friendly. I feel safe and the hospitality is great. We have been staying and touring around. I am trying to take in as much as possible which I then have to go back and think about, and but overall, it has been a wonderful experience. I am looking forward to come back again.”
Mrs Gugulethu Nyashanu, a UK-based Zimbabwean, returned home for a family visit, and was among those captivated.
“I am here visiting with my mother-in-law, my mother, my sister and my brother, and I must say, the Eastern Highlands is absolutely stunning. This is a place I love to return to whenever I come home because it is peaceful, serene, and breathtakingly beautiful. Most importantly, the people here are always kind and welcoming.”
Mrs Nyashanu and her family stayed at Mountain Lake Resort, a picturesque hideaway, nestled among the hills in Mutasa District. She added: “This was my first time at Mountain Lake, and we also explored Nyanga National Park along with its magnificent waterfalls. The experience has been nothing short of magical. When it comes to tourism in Zimbabwe, I will say, it is very safe and truly worth visiting. The landscapes are incredible, the wildlife is abundant, and the people are warm, friendly, and always willing to help.
It is the kind of destination that leaves you with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for its natural and cultural beauty.”
Tourists from Asia were equally enchanted.
A group of buyers from Japan, visibly exhilarated, described their hike through Nyanga’s mountain trails as “liberating.”
Some of them chose to simply spend the entire afternoon relaxing at the base of Nyanga Mountain, meditating and sunbathing in the crisp and clean air.
“We are excited with the hiking, the mountains and the waterfalls. Zimbabwe is beautiful. We feel so refreshed and surprised. No one told us Zimbabwe has this kind of nature,” said one of them through a translator.
For many visitors, the experience challenged their perceptions and broadened their understanding of Zimbabwe as a destination.
The Eastern Highlands was, not just another tourist spot—it was a hidden gem bursting with undiscovered potential.
The tourism industry itself felt the pulse of the excitement.
Hotel operators reported high occupancy levels and strong interest from global travel buyers especially in Mutare, Nyanga, Chimanimani, Vumba and Mutasa.
Ms Keara Shumba, Mountain Lake Resort general manager, shared her excitement.
“Since the announcement of the Expo coming to the Eastern Highlands, we have seen incredible feedback. Buyers from across the region are coming in, and there is a clear energy around what we are offering. It is exciting to see this part of Zimbabwe finally receiving the attention it deserves.”
Tamarind Holiday and Conference Resort general manager, Ms Takudzwa Chikwama said: “The Expo has offered a rare and valuable platform to reposition Nyanga as a premier tourism destination. The opportunity to host global buyers, media personnel, and international tour operators is a vital step in reintroducing Zimbabwe’s hidden gems to the world. We are already seeing the results — more inquiries, more bookings, and greater visibility on the international tourism map.”
Accommodation facilities such as Troutbeck Inn, Montclair Hotel, White Horse Inn, Forest Hills, La Rochelle and Tamarind were praised, not only for their comfort and hospitality, but also for their seamless integration into the natural beauty around them.
Visitors described waking up to birdsong, mist rolling over the hills, and views so scenic they “belonged on a canvas.”
Then there were the waterfalls. Nyachowa, Nyangombe, Nyamuzihwa and Marindi — each with its own character and charm.
Some were tucked away in thick forest, requiring a short trek, while others were easily accessible from the roadside.
Perhaps the most striking takeaway from the week was the heartfelt recognition from international guests who kept repeating one line: “You don’t know what you are sitting on.”
It was a humbling reminder to locals that tourism assets here are world-class, but still under-celebrated.
For Zimbabwe, it was a reminder that sometimes, the greatest treasures are the ones hidden in plain sight.
