ACTIVITIES
Games
Back in the rural areas and the townships in the 70s and 80s children used to play outside . The games involved physical exertion , mental alertness, bodily coordination and most importantly fellow being interaction and cooperation. It is only now that we appreciate what we gained from these games that costs nothing and yet contributed a lot to our whole well being – Ubuntu or hunhu. We have recreated some of these games so that you can teach your children or learn yourself . The games we have at your lodge are draught and tsoro yemakomba and then at the playground we also have chefu, nhodo, raka raka, dunhu and pada. The instructions of each one are in this brochure . Please get any accessories you need from mukoma Collin . Cards are also available in the lodge . These can be played at your verandah. There is also a big swing suitable for both adults and children at the please ask for directions.
Swimming
We have, on our premises , a 13,5 m salt water pool with infinity views that will help you keep your head above water .
The Big 7 Hiking Trails
They are 5 recommended hikes and these are of varying intensity . All of them capture the breath taking views of the eastern Highlands. .
1. Hike trail 1 River Hike in our property, goes down to the river ( this looks easy but it is very challenging and can take not less than 1 hour ) .
Duration less than an hour of moderate walking.
degree of exertion - moderate , good footing is needed going down the slope
2. Hike trail no 2 Waterfall Hike goes to Nyarerwe river to a waterfall. You start off from the lodge .
Duration about 2 hours of moderate walking.
degree of exertion - quite hard , good footing is needed going down the slope
3. Hike Trail no 3 Village Hike goes to the villages where you cross a local pole bridge. No 2 and 3 take 2-4 hours depending on your pace.. There is also a less challenging 500 m walking within the woodland of the property with 2 seating spots . If you want to visit a typical rural home please enquire with the office so that a trip can be arranged ,
Duration about 3 hours of moderate walking.
degree of exertion - moderate
4. Hike Trail no 4 - Nyamakanga Mountain hike- elevation 2,037 metres If you look across the river more to your right you will see a mountain with a distinct rock face at the peak. This is Nyamakanga mountain . This hike is exhilarating for the avid hikers . But the views up there are worth it . Please ask for the start point location
Duration about 3-4 hours
degree of exertion - very hard , good footing is needed going down the slope. A guide might be required.
5. Hike trail no 5 World’s view Hike An entrance fee is required the hike itself is not
Duration about 2 hours of moderate walking.
degree of exertion - medium
6. Hike train no 6 – 3 Sisters hike-The 3 sisters are 3 rocky hills on top of the mountain range overlooking Nyanga Town , This is an old famous hiking route . One can do all three or just one or two of the hills . The views re spectacular.
Duration about 3-4 hours
degree of exertion - quite hard , good footing is needed going down the slopes
7. Hike trail no 7 Mount Nyangani Hike the climb up Mt Nyangani which is Zimbabwe’s highest mountain at 2592 m above sea level is definitely a bucket list contender. A guide is a must and this is provided by the National Parks when you pay the park fees. Please note sometimes when the cloud are low or if you come after 2 pm climbing the mountain is prohibited
Duration about 3-4 hours
degree of exertion - moderate
Bird Watching
The surrounds are well endowed with a variety of bird life . These offer opportunities for the bird watcher, nature lover or just soothing music. Some of the rare birds that have been spotted include:- various types of sunbirds including the greater Double collared sunbird and Marico sunbird, White browed robin chat, Deidrick cuckoo, Red chested cuckoo, Yellow bellied greenbul, spotted eagle owl, Marshall eagle , Brown snake eagle, Violet backed starling , Red headed weaver, Black-crowned Tchagra If you are brave enough to go down the river you may see white fronted bee eater, long tailed wagtail and the malachite kingfisher. We have a pair of binoculars and bird books you can use .
Local Flora- Zumbane Nursery
There are a variety of local flora within the premises which include herbal teas like Zumbane resurrection and makoni shrubs. Another local plant not so common is Pfeyo which is used locally to make brooms, sieve brushes and sometimes as torches. The flame lily flower (jongwe) is also plentiful around the lodges in the rainy season . You will also get a variety of proteas. Some wild flowers are also being grown around the lodges . The wild fruit trees include mizhanje, munyii, musau, munzviru, munhunguru and mutunduru with the sourish fruit. We have a nursery where you can buy some of these indigenous flowers , shrubs ( including the herbal tea shrubs and trees ).
Nyamoro dairy farm
The dairy farm is located 35 Km from the lodge. No entry fee needs to be paid. A tea shop selling the beloved classic desserts is situated on the property. Freshly made cheesecake, fruit jams and home-made chutneys are available for sale. Including fresh milk and cream. 13 km from Troutbeck hotel on the A14 after crossing Mazoro river take a left turn and follow the signs.
World’s View
Situated 18 km from the lodge, Worlds View provides a stunning view of Northern Zimbabwe .Take a left turn just before Troutbeck hotel and follow the signs .
Nyanga national park (click)
Wild life that can be seen includes impala, zebra, wild beast, kudu and a various assortment of bucks. Several waterfalls inside the national park that can be visited are Mtarazi Falls, which is deeper than Victoria Falls . There are several natural pools in the park that can be swam in. Canoes and row boats are available for hire . Fresh fish, trout can be purchased at the hatchery in the park.
White water rafting, Skyline and Skywalk (click)
At Far and wide for all with a sense of adventure white water rafting on the pungwe river . This however is seasonal depending on the level of the river waters .This will be an experience to remember. Also available is a sky walk across the Mtarazi falls- ( not for those scared of heights) . The SkyWalk is truly unique, a first for Zimbabwe and the world. The 2 suspension bridges are designed to look like vines above the falls allowing for the first time a full panoramic view of the Mutarazi Falls and its surroundings. The SkyWalk consists of two bridges – the one 30m that take you over the lip of the Falls and the other 90m that is above the entire Falls. If you ever dreamed of walking in midair then this is for you.
The SkyLine is the most beautiful zip line in the world. Depending on the day and weather you may find yourself flying through clouds or crystal clear skies over the 2nd highest waterfall in Africa. At an estimated height of 500m and flying for 400m at 50-70km/h it is both uplifting and exhilarating .
Opening specials (Entry into National Park Not Included)
- SkyWalk: 2 bridges - $50 (children under 12: $25)
- ZipLine: $70 (children under 12 $35)
- Combination: $100
- (Children combination $50)
- (Prices subject to change anytime)
At 762 metres these are Africa’s second highest falls and the world’s 17th highest falls. They are higher than Victoria Falls. They can be accessed through the National Parks Office who can give you directions. They are also on our map . You might need a 4 x 4 vehicle though depending on whether it has rained or not. It can take one and half hours to get there. Please phone our taxi service on 0773 816 757 ask for Rasta and make arrangements.
Nyangani Mountain (click)
This is Zimbabwe’s highest mountain at 2 592 metres above sea level . Access is through the National Park after paying the access fees . These fees will also get you to Nyangombe falls , Mare Dam and anywhere else in the National Park. The hike up Mt Nyangani takes about three and a half hours. You will need a guide form the parks from Parks . It is worth it though. Please check the weather conditions with Park officials before going up. You need to be at the National Park offices before noon
Bream and Trout fishing
Bream fishing is at Udu dam. Trout fishing is at Mare Dam at the National Park Pardon and Gulliver dams have bigger trout ,also within the National Park. You can also hire rods per day.
Golf
At Troutbeck Hotel- (18 holes) and Claremont ( 9 holes) . We have some clubs you can hire for the day or you can hire at the golf course as well.
Ziwa Ruins (click)
Situated about 17 kms from Zumbane lodges . Built by the Sena people who came into the area through the lower Zambezi Valley. In 15 Century AD . A farming community had been in existence in this area though as from 900 AD . The Sena though established the structures that can be seen today which included Terraces, for cultivation , pit structures to keep small livestock granaries . These type of ruins can also be seen in the National Park
Nyangombe Falls (click)
These are beautiful falls on Nyangombe river , less than 8 kms from the lodge . The Nyangombe River cascades down the rocks into a natural pool and a sandy area .The fast running, cold water is bilharzia free and safe to bathe. There is a picnic braai area, changing rooms, flush toilets and parking area.
Gairezi river - natural swimming pools, tubing ,trout fishing, picnics (click)
About 40 kms away but it is a must visit if you want to enjoy the pristine waters of Nyanga. One can picnic whilst swimming in the many natural pools there. You can also go tubing there . Entry fee per vehicle is USD 5 then USD 3 per person 18 years or over. Under 17 do not pay . These prices are per day . They also take local payments through swipe or ecocash.
Biking
if you are a biking enthusiast, do not forget your bike . Nyanga is a biking haven from off road mountain biking to biking in the rural community .