The Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo started today in Harare with a virtual presentation of the Eastern Highlands, Home of Mystery and Diversity by Brian Nyakutombwa, the current Chairman for the Eastern Highlands MICE Bidding Committee and the General Manager of Montclair Hotel and Casino in Nyanga.
With the opening presentation, Brian spoke about the Eastern Highlands, starting with its location. He then spoke of the attractions found in the region mentioning Nyangani Mountain which is the highest peak in Zimbabwe with a height of 2.592 metres. The mountain is located within Nyanga National Park in Nyanga District and is about 110 km North West of Mutare. There is a long-held belief by the Manyika people living there that the mountain is a sacred highland area with a vindictive spiritual presence responsible for disappearances of people.
In addition, he went on to mention Mutarazi falls, which is the second highest falls in Africa. The summer temperatures are cooler than the rest of Zimbabwe because the Mutarazi Falls rest on a much higher and elevated ground than its surrounding areas. During the rainy season, visiting the Falls is even more magnificent because of the increased water.
Some of the attractions he mentioned are, Pungwe Gorge which spans into the Honde Valley region as far and the Mozambican border, Nyanga National Park, Pungwe Falls, World’s View which can be seen as far as Marondera, Vumba Botanical Gardens, Vumba Heights. Mutare Museum, Leopard Rock, Binga Mountain, Bridal Veil Falls and Chirinda Forest are some of the attractions found in the region. These are all in the Eastern Highlands and constitute of breathtaking beauty and views.
Regarding accommodation, the area has campsites, backpackers, holiday homes, lodges and hotels which can accommodate almost any budget. The price range is from USD20-200 per person per night with all meals and a couple of facilities depending on what each establishment has to offer. The facilities available range from comfort to four star with 921 hotel rooms with 2 262 beds and lodges provide an additional 83 rooms with 410 beds according to Brian.
Activities offered include adventure, nature and adrenaline. Sky walking and ziplining can be done at Mutarazi Falls, there are quad bikes close to the World’s View. Horseback riding can be done at Troutbeck Resort, Montclair, Leopard Rock as well as surrounding facilities. Far and Wide Tours offers white water rafting along Pungwe River as well as kayaking. There is also an option to be part of the day to day living activities of the locals such as cooking.
Zimbabwe has a lot to offer tourists and the Snganai/Hlanganani Expo is an opportunity to get as much information as possible for what the landlocked nation can provide regarding activities, memorable experiences, sights and accommodation. The Expo is running from the 27th to the 29th of October and will be done virtually and the presentation of the Eastern Highlands is just a fraction of what will be covered.
