Last updated October 2026

Plan by region

The Eastern Highlands run along the border with Mozambique, and the three main areas are a few hours apart by road. Most visitors choose one or two rather than trying to see everything in a short trip.

• Nyanga, in the north. Zimbabwe Parks says Nyanga National Park is home to Mount Nyangani, the country's highest point at 2,592 m, and Mutarazi Falls, the highest waterfall at 762 m. Expect pine and wattle forest, cool valleys, trout fishing in the park's lakes, more than 300 bird species and antelope such as waterbuck, kudu and eland.
• Mutare and the Vumba, in the middle. Mutare is the region's main city and gateway, with the Mutare Museum. The Bvumba mountains above the town are known for misty forest, gardens and quiet country lodges.
• Chimanimani, in the south. Zimbabwe Parks describes Chimanimani National Park, 17,110 ha, as one of the country's finest mountain wildernesses and a popular hiking destination, with springs, the Bridal Veil Falls and more than 2,000 plant taxa, 74 of them found only in these mountains.

Getting there and around

The region is best explored by road. Zimbabwe Parks gives these routes to Nyanga National Park:

• From Harare. Take the A3 towards Mutare, turn left at Rusape onto the A14 towards Juliasdale, and continue to the park. For the National Parks office, turn right just before Nyanga village.
• From Mutare. Take the A3 towards Harare over Christmas Pass, turn right onto the A15 towards Juliasdale, and continue to the park.
• By air. Zimbabwe Parks suggests flying to the aerodrome at Mutare and continuing by road.

Mountain roads are narrow and winding, and mist can roll in quickly. Allow more time than the distance suggests, avoid driving after dark, and fill up with fuel in Mutare or Rusape.

Weather and equipment

The highlands are noticeably cooler and wetter than the rest of the country, and the weather can change within hours.

• Best months. Zimbabwe Parks suggests March and April, or August and September, as good times to visit Chimanimani if you are new to the region.
• Winter, about May to August. Clear days and cold nights, with frost possible on high ground. Pack warm layers and a hat.
• Rainy season, about November to March. Lush and green, with mist, heavy rain and slippery paths. Migratory birds arrive in Nyanga between November and April.
• What to bring. Zimbabwe Parks advises walkers to carry warm, windproof and waterproof clothing and a warm hat, good walking shoes, a first-aid kit, a torch and enough food for their stay.

Zimbabwe Parks lists park entry fees for Nyanga by visitor category, with separate vehicle fees. Fees change, so confirm them before you go.

Trail safety

• Hike with a guide. Zimbabwe Parks highly recommends guided hikes up the Chimanimani mountains and warns that most are arduous and need fitness and stamina. The same care applies on Mount Nyangani, where mist can make the path hard to follow.
• Flash floods. In the rainy season, Zimbabwe Parks advises against camping near rivers in Chimanimani; stay on higher ground, as flash floods are common and dangerous.
• Caves and camping. Camping in the Chimanimani mountains, including in Terry's and Peter's caves, which are disused mine shafts, is at your own risk.
• Tell someone your plans. Leave your route and expected return time with your lodge or the park office, and carry water and a charged phone, though signal can be patchy.
• Malaria. TravelHealthPro says malaria risk is high below 1,200 m from November to June. The high plateaus sit above that line, but lower valleys do not, so ask a travel clinic about your route.

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