Chimanimani Mountains, Chimanimani, Manicaland, Zimbabwe

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Chimanimani National Park

Zimbabwe


With its pristine wilderness, Chimanimani National Park is a hiker's paradise. Sharing a border with Mozambique, the park is still very wild and unspoiled, with picturesque landscapes, evergreen forest, cascading streams and waterholes. Its only downside are illegal gold panners who have added some unwanted trails. Most people begin their hikes at Mutekeswane Base Camp (15km from Chimanimani town), where you must sign in and pay park fees. Here the road ends and the park is then only accessible on foot.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Zimbabwe attractions

1. Mt Binga

3.86 MILES

The highest point in the Chimanimani Range is the 2437m-high Mt Binga on the Mozambican border, a stiff three-hour climb from the mountain hut site. Carry…

2. Peter's House Cave

6.67 MILES

One of several caves in the park, Peter's House is actually a disused mine shaft, and can be used as a campsite.

4. North Cave

8.87 MILES

A 30-minute walk north of the mountain hut, North Cave overlooks a waterfall and opens onto views of the highest peaks. Above the waterfall is a pool,…

5. Red Wall Cave

8.88 MILES

One of the national park's more well-known caves, a 40-minute walk from the mountain hut.

6. Tessa's Pool

8.89 MILES

A popular place to visit within the national park is this natural swimming hole. Also here are San rock art paintings, but drop by the Outward Bound…

7. Rusitu Forest Reserve

9.35 MILES

Accessible by 4WD only, this seldom-visited area is for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

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