Nyanga National Park is located in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. Nyanga National Park is the country’s oldest national park and one of its most breath-taking natural attractions. Covering an expansive 47,000 hectares, the park is a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Known for its diverse landscapes, the park boasts some of the most breath-taking scenery in all of Africa. From rolling hills and deep valleys to lush dense forests and sparkling rivers, Nyanga is a treasure trove of natural beauty and a must-visit destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking for a peaceful retreat.
One of the park’s most remarkable features is its elevation. As one of the highest national parks in Zimbabwe, it offers visitors sweeping panoramic views and a refreshing climate, making it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. For photographers and landscape lovers, Nyanga provides a perfect backdrop with its ever-changing skies and dramatic vistas.
Rich in history, the park is home to ancient ruins and rock art that date back hundreds of years, offering a glimpse into the lives of the region’s early inhabitants. These cultural treasures add an intriguing layer to the park's natural charm.
Nyanga National Park is not just about its scenic allure, though; it's a hub of biodiversity. The area teems with unique flora and fauna, making it a paradise for wildlife watchers. Whether you’re interested in bird watching, hiking, or simply relaxing in a serene environment, Nyanga offers an unforgettable experience.
The high altitude and frequent rains have encouraged the growth of natural forest and huge forests of pine trees have been planted in large portions of the Park; the cool valleys are home to species of proteas, everlastings and flowering Erica, similar to those of the south-western Cape.
Nyanga National Park is not only rich in plant life but also serves as a sanctuary for a diverse range of wildlife. Among the species found in the park are several types of antelope, including waterbuck, wildebeest, zebra, klipspringer, kudu, and eland. However, their populations have been significantly affected by poaching. The park is also home to predators such as leopards, hyenas, and the occasional lion, while its rivers and streams provide a habitat for the elusive clawless otter and the endangered Inyangani river frog.
A Fisherman’s Paradise
The park boasts numerous perennial streams that are well-stocked with rainbow trout, sourced from hatcheries located near Mare Dam. These pristine waters offer some of the best fly fishing in Zimbabwe, with prime fishing locations including Mare, Udu, Rhodes, Gulliver, and Purdon Dams. Additionally, bream fishing is available at Udu Dam, providing anglers with a variety of fishing experiences.
Enchanting Forests and Waterfalls
Scattered among the park’s rolling hills are patches of coniferous forest, where visitors can find Zimbabwe’s only indigenous conifer, Callitris whytei. The park is also home to several breathtaking waterfalls, with the most famous being Pungwe Falls. However, visitors should not miss the equally stunning Inyangombie Falls and Nyamziwa Falls, both of which add to the park’s scenic charm.
Geography and Geology
At the heart of Nyanga National Park lies Mount Nyangani, Zimbabwe’s highest mountain. Towering between 1,800 metres (5,900 feet) and 2,593 metres (8,507 feet), the mountain dominates the park’s landscape and is a popular destination for hikers and adventure seekers. Its rugged terrain, misty peaks, and cultural significance make it one of the park’s most iconic features.
Nyanga National Park offers a unique blend of wildlife, adventure, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking tranquility amid Zimbabwe’s stunning highlands.
Nyanga National Park is blessed with numerous perennial streams and rivers that originate from its highlands, shaping the park’s dramatic landscapes and supporting its diverse ecosystems.
Major Rivers and Their Courses
The Nyangombe River, along with its tributaries—the Mare River and Nyamuziwa River—flows northward from the park, eventually joining the Mazowe River.
The Kairezi (Gairezi) River also flows northward, following a similar course beyond the park’s boundaries.
The Pungwe River originates at the foot of Mount Nyangani and flows southward through the park before plunging 240 meters (787 feet) into the densely forested Pungwe Gorge.
Further south, the Mutarazi Falls, Zimbabwe’s tallest waterfall, drops 762 meters (2,499 feet) in two tiers into the Honde River Valley, creating a spectacular natural wonder.
Dams and Water Recreation
To support recreational activities and tourism, five dams have been constructed within the park:
Rhodes Dam and Mare Dam – Located on the Mare River, these dams provide excellent fishing and boating opportunities.
Lake Gulliver and Purdon Dam – Built on tributaries of the Mare River, these serene water bodies enhance the park’s scenic beauty.
Udu Dam – Situated on a tributary of the Nyangombe River, this dam is another key water source for visitors and wildlife.
Geology and Landscape Formation
Nyanga National Park’s rugged terrain is primarily underlain by granite, which forms the foundation of most of the landscape. However, the highest mountains in the park are composed of Umkondo Group dolerite and sandstone. The harder dolerite has shaped the park’s dramatic cliffs, ridges, and sills, creating some of the most striking geological formations in Zimbabwe.
With its majestic rivers, towering waterfalls, and fascinating geological history, Nyanga National Park offers visitors a glimpse into the raw beauty and ancient forces that have shaped this spectacular region.
Accommodation and Camping Facilities
Nyanga National Park offers a range of accommodation options, from self-catering lodges to camping facilities, ensuring visitors have a comfortable stay while exploring its scenic landscapes.
Rest Camps
There are three main rest camps located at Rhodes Dam, Mare Dam, and Udu Dam, each offering spacious, thatched lodges with one or two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a self-catering setup.
Rhodes Dam Rest Camp – Located near the park’s main entrance, this camp is set within a pine forest and also serves as the park headquarters.
Mare Dam Rest Camp – Positioned at the center of the park, close to three trout fishing dams and the Nyangwe Fort, making it ideal for anglers and history enthusiasts.
Udu Dam Rest Camp – Situated in the northwest of the park, along the road to Nyangombe Falls, offering a tranquil setting for visitors.
Pungwe Drift Lodges
Two exclusive lodges are located at Pungwe Drift, each on either side of the Pungwe River, just upstream from Pungwe Falls. These lodges provide a secluded and serene experience for travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Camping and Caravan Sites
For those who prefer camping, the park has two designated camping grounds:
Mare River Camping Ground & Caravan Park – Located 500 meters west of Rhodes Dam, offering well-sheltered spots where visitors can cook over wood fires.
Mutarazi Falls Camping Ground – Set near Zimbabwe’s tallest waterfall, providing an excellent base for hikers and nature lovers.
Although there was once a larger camping ground at Nyangombe, it closed in the late 1990s.
Privately Owned Camps and Lodges
The park also hosts two private facilities:
Rhodes Hotel – Once the home of Cecil Rhodes, this historic property offers a unique blend of colonial charm and rustic comfort.
Mountain Club of Zimbabwe Hut – Located on the Kwaraguza Road, between Mount Nyangani and Troutbeck, catering to adventure seekers and hikers.
Points of Interest in Nyanga National Park
The park is divided into three main areas, each with its own unique attractions and activities.
1. Central and Western Area
This is the most developed section of the park, spanning from Rhodes Dam (park headquarters) to Mount Nyangani. It includes:
Three rest camps (Rhodes, Mare, and Udu)
Five dams for boating and fly-fishing
Key attractions accessible via gravel roads:
Nyangombe Falls
Nyamuziwa Falls
Mount Nyangani (Zimbabwe’s highest peak)
Nyangwe Fort and Chawomera Fort (historical archaeological sites)
Tar roads in this area are well-maintained, while gravel roads vary in condition.
2. Southern Area
This less developed region is managed from Pungwe Drift Substation. Access is via the Scenic Road, a gravel road running parallel to the Nyanga-Mutare Highway. Key attractions include:
Pungwe Drift Lodges
Pungwe Viewpoint (overlooking Pungwe Falls and Pungwe Gorge)
Mutarazi Falls (accessible by 2WD, though high clearance is recommended)
Thomberutedza Falls (4WD access required)
Pungwe Gorge Rainforest (accessible only on foot)
A 4WD track links Pungwe Drift to Mount Nyangani via the Nyazengu area.
3. Eastern Area
Added to the park in the late 1990s, this region is managed from Donjera Substation and includes:
Eastern slopes of Mount Nyangani
Little Nyangani and the Mintaka Mountains
Kairezi and Yama Valleys
Forested areas with pine and blue gum trees
Access requires special permission from park headquarters, and roads are gated. Visitors can reach this area via the Gleneagles Road from Mount Nyangani or from Troutbeck via Nyafaru.
Activities in Nyanga National Park
Water-Based Activities
Boating, sailing, and canoeing – Available on all five dams, with boat rentals at Rhodes, Mare, and Udu Dams.
Swimming – Safe at:
Nyangombe Pool, where the Nyangombe River flows over a natural rock slide, leading to a sandy beach.
Swimming weir on the Udu River, below Udu Dam.
Hiking, Birding & Walking Trails
Numerous hiking paths lead to waterfalls, ruins, and scenic highlands.
The main route up Mount Nyangani offers breathtaking views across the park, Nyanga District, and Mozambique.
Horse Riding
Short trails around Nyangwe Fort, Mare Dam, and the Experimental Fruit Station.
Longer trails extend beyond Udu Dam into Warrendale.
All trails start and end at the pony trails office.
Game Viewing
While Nyanga is not primarily a game park, it has diverse wildlife, including smaller antelope species and predators.
Gates open daily from 06:00 to 18:00.
Walking and cycling are prohibited except in designated areas.
Fishing
Fishing permits included in the park entrance fee (except for Lake Gulliver and Purdon Dam, which require an additional $20 license).
Trout fishing season: November – May.
Stocked rivers: Kairezi, Mare, Nyamuziwa, Nyangombe, and Pungwe.
Brown trout and brook trout – Found only in Lake Gulliver and Purdon Dam.
Adventure Activities (Far & Wide)
The Far & Wide adventure center offers:
White water rafting, kayaking, and river bugging (seasonal, on the Pungwe River)
Multi-day mountain biking with camp accommodations
Rock climbing, abseiling, and fly fishing
Forest birding, orchid walks, and ropes courses
Zip lines, giant swings, and guided hikes along the Turaco Trail (1–5 nights)
Conservation Challenges in Nyanga National Park
Despite its beauty, Nyanga National Park faces serious environmental threats.
1. Veld Fires
Fires destroy vast grasslands and forests, often deliberately set by poachers.
Fire damage increased by 43% in one year, from 836 km² to 1,198 km².
ZPWMA cut 270 km of firebreaks in 2015, but strong winds and dense bush fueled fires.
2. Poaching and Wildlife Decline
Poaching threatens antelope species, including waterbuck, wildebeest, kudu, impala, sable, and eland.
Poachers set fires to drive animals into traps.
The park’s wildlife numbers have dropped significantly due to illegal hunting.
3. Invasive Plant Species
Unchecked growth of wattle trees damages the park’s biodiversity.
4. Socioeconomic Pressure
Communities outside the park, affected by Zimbabwe’s land reform program, struggle with poverty and rely on poaching for food.
Lack of government resources limits conservation efforts.
Despite these challenges, Nyanga National Park remains a breath-taking destination, and conservation efforts continue to protect its rich landscapes and wildlife. With increased tourism and funding, the park’s future looks promising.
In essence, Nyanga National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the breath-taking beauty and rich cultural heritage of Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands.