Bridal Veil Falls
A pleasant walk from Wayside Cottages takes visitors to the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls, a favourite picnic spot. The picnic site is located at the base of the falls in The Eland Sanctuary. The sanctuary itself offers spectacular views of the Porkpie mountain range and the Bridal Veil Falls which plunge 50 metres down into a base about 10 metres wide.
Tour Guides
Local Tour guides with excellent knowledge of the area’s specialized wild plants and animals offer tours into the national park, and hiking tours in the mountains. Just ask at the front-desk to be set up with a local tour guide
Chimanimani Mountains
The Chimanimani Mountains are a massive barrier of ancient and jagged crystalline rock forming the border between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The mountains have large peaks, carved from a rifted quartzite block, the highest reaching to 2,440m (8,005 ft) and stretching for some 50 km (31miles).
The breath-taking beauty and pristine environment of these mountains have always drawn adventurous travellers. Popular activities include hiking, rock climbing, birding, and camping in caves among the sparkling waterfalls and natural swimming pools.
Chimanimani National Park
The Chimanimani National Park is a nature reserve. An hour’s drive from Wayside Cottages, the Park is situated along the eastern border with Mozambique in an area of rugged mountain grandeur, enhanced by many spectacular gorges and high peaks. There are several streams cascading through the mountain formations as well as natural springs.
Development in the park has been limited in order to preserve the natural, pristine beauty and wild landscapes of this mountainous area. Chimanimani National Park is an ideal place for those who want nothing more than to revel in the heart soothing loveliness of nature.
Ancient Rock Paintings
Hidden beneath the large and incongruously balancing granite boulders, natural caves and dry shelters abound, creating conditions known to be favourable for production and preservation of rock art.
Wild Animals and Plants
Wildlife species found in this area include eland, sable, bushbuck, blue duiker, klipspringer, and an occasional leopard. Forest lovers will take a delight in the virgin forests of the area. The thick, moist, evergreen forest that is found here is rare in this part of the world. Several species of butterfly, birds, plants, snakes and shy cats are commonly seen.
Chimanimani Village
Chimanimani village has grocery and hardware shops, fuel stations, post office, banks, police station and the Chimanimani Hotel. Ngangu, the local high density suburb, is a couple of miles from the village.
In the Village, you can book a visit to a traditional village, chat with the locals at the Village café, arrange a horseback ride in the forest, explore the market place (Msika) or book a round of golf at the 9-hole Country Club.
Chimanimani Country Club
You can book a round of golf at the 9-hole Country Club located next door to Wayside Cottages.
Effects of Cyclone Idai
In March 2019, Cyclone Idai triggered landslides and flash floods in Chimanimani and other parts of the Eastern Highlands in Zimbabwe and parts of southern Mozambique. The cyclone caused havoc and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people. Massive landslides destroyed roads, bridges, and buildings including houses. The after effects of the cyclone are clearly visible to this day.
Chimanimani Heroe’s Acres
The Chimanimani District Heroes Acres is the national monument burial site for the heroes of the Zimbabwe Independence Liberation struggle and people who perished due to Cyclone Idai in 2019. The Heroes Acre has 70 War Heroes graves and 60 Cyclone Idai graves