Chimanimani

Guarded by the quartzite peaks of the Chimanimani Mountain Range, the small town of Chimanimaniis bordered on one side by a national park with lush indigenous vegetation, and verdant green swathes of commercial forest land on the other. It’s a sedate yet colourful little town, and one that’s well positioned to be a base for exploring the area’s many attractions.

The higher altitudes and lower temperatures in these parts ensure that the area’s many rivers and streams are bilharzia-free, a rarity in this country. And, with the highest rainfall in Zimbabwe this area sees much deciduous fruit farming as well as coffee, tea and timber production.

Chimanimani can trace its roots to the Moodie brothers, Thomas and Dunbar, who in 1892 founded a settlement called Melsetter, some 15 km north of the town’s current position. In 1895 the town moved to its current position, and after Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980 it was renamed Mandidzudzure, then finally Chimanimani after negotiations with the local community.

In 2019, Cyclone Idai, one of the most destructive tropical cyclones to hit the Southern Hemisphere, destroyed many parts of the Chimanimani District, taking the lives of 169 people, and destroying crops, roads and buildings. The aftermath of the cyclone, such as landslides, can still be seen in the area.

ACCOMMODATION:
There is plenty of accommodation and we can highly recommend the self-catering accommodation at The Frog and Fern, or camping at The Farmhouse. Excellent meals are available at The Hotel, the Stonehouse, and other locations in town. Ask Jane or Tempe for recommendations.

CLIMATE:
Thanks to the cooler mountain climate in these parts a summer visit is workable but if you want the best weather for outdoor activities then visit here in April/May (after the rains and before the icy cold winter temperatures), or from late August (when temperatures start increasing again) to mid-November before the summer rains start. Average daytime
temperatures in the district range from 16 to 28°C.

HEALTHCARE:
Hospital contact is for Chimanimani Hospital.

SHOPS SERVICES:
The small Nyamatanda Supermarket is well stocked with dry goods, bread and milk, the availability of frozen meat can be sporadic so bring sufficient for your stay (or check with The Farmhouse or Frog & Fern on availability). Fresh seasonal vegetables were available at the small traditional market. The Farmhouse offers lovely camping and self-catering accommodation on a working farm and sells fresh milk, honey and produce when available. There are two fuel stops both offering Diesel50, while the Energy Park also offers gas refills.

PERMITS:
The National Parks office is in the town and one has to get entry permits before entering Bridal Veil Falls, Pork Pie (a viewpoint towering 1987m above the town) or Mutekeswane Camp at the office, Cash only, bring exact change if possible. No banks /atm in Chimanimani.

Be the first to leave a comment.

Be the first to submit a link or media file

Be the first to submit a link