Chimanimani National Park
Hiker's Paradise
Chimanimani National Park is one of Zimbabwe’s finest mountainous wilderness areas and a very popular hiking destination located in the Eastern side of the country.
It has got a total of 17110 ha in size endowed with springs, spectacular scenic views and cultural aesthetic values and natural falls such as the Bridal Veil Falls.
It is a biodiversity hotspot with Afro-montane forests and an Important Bird Area (IBA). With 2,182 plant taxa, it has over 30 % of the total plant diversity in the country, of which 74 species are endemic to Chimanimani mountains. Wildlife in the Chimanimani national park is not abundant, but includes species such as eland, bushbuck and blue duiker.
The area is mostly covered with Miombo woodlands in the Eland Sanctuary.
What to bring
- Binoculars, cameras, hiking/ walking shoes and wildlife reference books or smartphone applications.
- Food supplies enough for the stay.
- First Aid Kit (With antihistamines, plasters, arnica oil for sprains and an antiseptic for stings and cuts)
- Camping tents.
- Sleeping bag
- Torch
What to wear
If new to the region, March/ April and August / September are always good times to visit the Chimanimani National Park.
- Walkers should really carry warm, wind and waterproof clothes, a warm hat
Caution
- In the rainy season, it is not recommended to camp near a river but to stay on higher ground as flash floods are common and dangerous.
- Guided hikes up the mountain are highly recommended, but visitors are warned most are quite arduous and require a degree of fitness and stamina.
- Camping is at the visitors’ own risk and includes sleeping in Terry’s or Peter’s caves, actually disused mine shafts.
This is an ideal picnic and camping site within easy walking distance from the Chimanimani Village.
Tucked away at the base of high cliffs, where time seems to stop and all that’s to be heard are birds singing and the water trickling over rocks into a crystal-clear pool.
2
Base Camp
Campsite
Has a car park, information office and basic facilities, available to visitors for overnight stays for a small charge.
Visitors to the Chimanimani are allowed to camp free of charge anywhere within the national park, except at the Base camp.
3
Corner Camping Site
Campsite
Bedded accommodation at the Hut
The mountain hut, at 1630 m above sea level acts as a refuge and rest point, has an ablution and cooking facilities for up to 20 people at a time on a communal basis.
