ZimBho Effect: Nyanga enjoys best tourism season in years

Liberty Dube
Tourism Correspondent
NYANGA is experiencing an unprecedented tourism boom, with hotels, lodges, guesthouses and bed-and-breakfast establishments recording full occupancy as domestic tourism continues to gather momentum across the country.
The picturesque Eastern Highlands resort town, famed for its cool climate, rolling mountains, waterfalls and outdoor adventure activities, has emerged as one of Zimbabwe’s most sought-after holiday destinations, attracting families, corporate groups and adventure enthusiasts in what operators describe as one of the busiest tourism seasons in recent years.
The surge comes against the backdrop of a strong recovery in Zimbabwe’s tourism sector, driven by increasing domestic travel and growing international arrivals.
Latest figures from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) indicate that the industry remains on a robust growth trajectory, buoyed by Government-led initiatives aimed at promoting local travel and attracting investment into the sector.
Traditionally, the peak tourism period stretches from August through December, but industry players say demand this year has exceeded expectations, with many accommodation facilities reaching capacity weeks before the long holiday.
Operators attribute the surge to a combination of factors, including school holidays, family gatherings, corporate retreats, sporting events and sustained domestic tourism campaigns spearheaded by the Government and industry stakeholders.
The influx of returning Zimbabweans from South Africa due to xenophobic attacks, and parts of the Middle East due to the Iran conflict, has also contributed to increased demand for accommodation.
Many are choosing to spend time with family and explore local attractions while in the country.
Government efforts to revitalise the tourism industry continue to bear fruit.
In 2023, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority launched the ZimBho Festive Tourism Campaign to stimulate travel following the Covid-19 pandemic, while the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry intensified its Domestic Tourism Campaign, encouraging Zimbabweans at home and in the diaspora to explore local destinations.
The initiatives have since become key pillars of the National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy, which seeks to increase domestic travel and strengthen the sector’s contribution to the economy.
According to the ZTA 2026 Tourism Performance Report Highlights, international tourist arrivals increased by 11 percent during the first quarter of the year, rising from 347 555 in 2025 to 384 561 in 2026.
Tourism receipts grew by 14 percent to US$251 million, while domestic tourist trips surged from 1,94 million to 2,62 million over the same period.
Within that national recovery, Manicaland has emerged as one of the best-performing tourism provinces, with Nyanga recording some of the highest accommodation occupancy levels in the country.
Tourism operators say changing travel habits have seen more Zimbabweans choosing local destinations over regional and international holidays.
Pine Tree Inn general manager, Mr Winfred Madhlayo, said Nyanga has become one of the biggest beneficiaries of the domestic tourism drive.

“Government ministries, NGOs, companies and churches regularly hold workshops, strategic planning sessions and retreats in Nyanga because of its peaceful environment. We have seen increasing numbers over the years. People are now embracing the domestic tourism mantra and appreciating the attractions available within Zimbabwe. Nyanga has benefited immensely from this shift,” he said.
Beyond holidaymakers, Nyanga is increasingly attracting corporate organisations seeking venues for conferences, wellness retreats and team-building programmes.
Adventure tourism is also on the rise, with motorcyclists, cyclists and hiking enthusiasts drawn to the district’s scenic mountain routes and outdoor experiences.
Excitement is already building ahead of the Nyanga Half Marathon and Music Festival scheduled for September 26.
The event is expected to attract both amateur and elite athletes competing in the 3km, 5km, 10km and 21km races, while popular musician Jah Prayzah is expected to headline the entertainment programme.
Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) Manicaland president, Mr Kurainashe Mugwagwa, said the current demand reflects both seasonal factors and evolving tourism trends.
“It is not surprising that many hotels in Nyanga are fully booked at this time of the year. Schools are closed and many families are taking advantage of the holiday period to travel. While some are visiting for leisure, others are attending family functions and cultural gatherings.
“In our culture, this is also the season when families hold memorial services, tombstone unveilings and other important family events, all of which contribute to increased travel,” he said.
Mr Mugwagwa said Nyanga’s natural beauty continues to make it one of Manicaland’s most popular tourism destinations.
“Nyanga remains a favourite destination because of its breath-taking scenery, pleasant climate and diverse outdoor attractions. As temperatures begin to warm up in August, visitors are presented with an ideal opportunity to experience the beauty of the Eastern Highlands,” he said.
He added that growing demand from the corporate market, coupled with sporting and wellness events, is further boosting visitor numbers.
“Many organisations are choosing Nyanga for team-building retreats, wellness programmes and recreational activities such as marathons and cycling events that promote physical and mental well-being. The upcoming Nyanga Marathon is expected to attract even more visitors.”
Mr Mugwagwa also credited travel agents and tour operators for making domestic travel more accessible.
“Travel agents and tour operators are working together to offer affordable holiday packages, while many travellers now plan and save for their vacations well in advance. These flexible arrangements have enabled more people to visit destinations such as Nyanga,” he said.
Industry players say improvements in road infrastructure, increased use of online booking platforms and aggressive social media marketing have further enhanced Nyanga’s visibility and accessibility.
The growing demand is already attracting fresh investment into the resort town.
Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) is nearing completion of a US$2,5 million refurbishment and expansion project at Montclair Resort and Conference Centre, one of Nyanga’s flagship hospitality facilities.
The project will increase room capacity from 85 to 110 rooms through the optimisation of underutilised space, while incorporating environmentally sustainable technologies such as smart energy management systems, water-efficient flushing mechanisms and low-flow shower installations.
RTG, which acquired the property in 2025, has already integrated Montclair into its national reservations, procurement and revenue management systems. Plans are also being considered for an additional 40-room accommodation block to cater for anticipated future demand.
The investment is expected to further strengthen Nyanga’s position as one of Zimbabwe’s leading leisure, conference and adventure tourism destinations, while creating jobs and stimulating economic activity through increased demand for accommodation, transport, food services, entertainment and tourism-related businesses.