Zimbabwe - Event

Nyanga National Park is a tranquil place of forests and rolling grasslands rising up to Mount Nyangani, Zimbabwe's highest mountain at 2592m. Popular for weekend hiking, swimming in natural pools and riding, a trek into its remoter areas is even more rewarding.

Walk the length of the park from Mount Nyangani to Mtarazi Falls and down into the Honde Valley, which should take about four days. Without a car it is likely you'll walk all the way from the park entrance to Mount Nyangani, unless you can hitch a lift. After passing through the park lodges and dense forest, the landscape opens out onto grasslands.

From there, Mount Nyangani appears to be no more than a low ridge, but should be treated with respect. Locals revere it and keep quiet on the mountain so as not to upset its spirits. The weather can change quickly, so be prepared before heading up the cairned path to the summit, from where there are breathtaking views of Mozambique. If you are planning on continuing your hike, it is possible to make your way carefully down the steep front of the mountain instead of retracing your steps.

From the base of the mountain it is a beautiful two-day hike on good paths through rolling grassland. Along the way hikers encounter magnificent waterfalls that plunge hundreds of feet down the cliffs. Some of them have pools at the top, where you can swim safely while looking over the precipice.

Herds of antelope are common, as well as angry troops of baboons that should be given a wide berth. Finally, take a path down into the dense vegetation of the Honde River, the closest there is to jungle in Zimbabwe. Eventually you end up on the main valley road back to Mutare, where you can hitch a lift or wait for a bus.

There are campsites along this route, but you will need to bring all your own food, which can be bought in Mutare. The best time to visit is the dry season (April-September), although there are still occasional torrential downpours.