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Chimanimani National Park
Height: Mt. Binga is the highest point at 2,437 m/ 7,993 ft
Country: Zimbabwe (parts in Mocambique)
Nearest airport: Harare
When to go: Open year-round but avoid the peak of the wet season (December to February)
Nearest cities:Masvingo
Things to do nearby: Victoria Falls, Great Walls of Zimbabwe, or a unique safari in Mana Pools.
Malaria-area: Yes - well it's borderline so stick to your malaria pills.
Funky name: Yes
Possibly the mountains with the funkiest name in Africa. But there's more funky stuff to the Chimanimani Mountains National Park than its name. Fancy sleeping in natural caves and swimming under a waterfall? Fancy getting away from the other travellers? Well - Chimanimani is the place. It's located on the border between Zimbabwe and Mocambique (and stick to the Zimbabwe side as there are still plenty of landmines on the Mocambique side. At least one good reason to get a map of the mountains). The highest point is 2,437 m/7,993 ft and the mountains stretch over 50 km.
The closest village and starting point to The Chimanimani Mountains National Park is the Chimanimani village. To get there, catch a bus from Mutare or Masvingo (where you shouldn't miss the historic Great Walls of Zimbabwe).
Make sure when you arrive that you are well prepared. In Chimanimani Village there are no ATMs and no banks. Also the grocery supplies are pretty limited, so if you have any special requests (that's anything but canned tuna and peanut butter) you should stock up before arriving in Chimanimani Village.
In the village you can get a map of the area.
You don't need a tent as there are several caves to sleep in. However, if there are other trekkers up there you might find them taken by the time you get there. Then you'll have to move on to the next cave. The caves are already nicely padded with grass to keep them warm, so all you need is a sleeping bag. You can easily make yourself a bonfire but be very careful with it.
From the village you'll have to catch a ride or grab a taxi to Mutekeswane Base Camp (19 km) and start your walk up the mountain. There are paths leading all the way up and they're marked with piles of rocks. Eventually you'll arrive at the parks HQ where you'll meet a ranger. Here you have to report yourself before entering the national park. This is also the only option of accommodation. It's a very basic hut but you are able to rent a bed there. However, if you have time you should try to make it to one of the caves. The ranger might be able to tell you if other trekkers are up there and what caves they might be staying in.
Also you can hire a guide to take you around Chimanimani but if you know how to read a map it is no way necessary. Of course you won't get the same information about birds, animals, flowers etc. but it's a more authentic feeling without a guide.
Depending on how much you like mountains and the outdoors you can spend between two to seven days in Chimanimani. The only problem is that you need to bring all your food yourself. You can safely drink the water from the streams.
Warning
From time to time there are warnings about travelling in Zimbabwe. The political situation is a little unstable at the moment. However, I've gotten reports from travellers who had no problems travelling through Zimbabwe, so it is possible. Make sure you check the travel situation before heading off to Zimbabwe.
Have you been to Chimanimani recently?
Have you been trekking there within the last few years? I would be happy to receive any information you may have. Both about park fees, buses, Chimanimani Village - in particular accommodation there etc.
Please email me at morten@afritreks.com. Thanks.
