Unpacking Buhera tourism allures (Part 2)
SCENIC sites in Buhera, most of them little known, continue to play a critical role in keeping the district’s tourism afloat.
Among the district’s treasure troves are the alluring mountains and ruins which were listed as part of national monuments in the country.
Roads connecting to some of the scenic sites in Buhera District continue to improve following their ongoing rehabilitation. Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza recently confirmed that the 120km Murambinda-Birchenough Bridge Road is under refurbishment and now trafficable.
This facelift is most welcome and a huge boost to domestic tourism. A bad road network negates efforts to sustain domestic tourism. The poor state of the road has been a huge drawback that hindered full exploration of the district’s allures.
While a hiking trail and site seeing at the apex of Buhera’s highest mountain, Maremare near Mutiusinazita in Buhera South gives an astounding experience, there are some sites and monuments worth paying a visit.
There are number of hills scattered around the district which are ideal for mountain climbing. The mountains are favoured birding habitats, offering a beautiful eye therapy. The district has high day temperatures which fall to average levels during the night.
Also significant in the area are some isolated small bushy trees and huge baobab trees which are visually interesting to watch and explore.
Notable national monuments worth a visit include Chironga, Chiwona, Kagumbudzi and Muchuchu national monuments.
Chiurwi Mountain is believed to be sacred and bears cultural significance.
It was a major staging point for ZANLA liberation forces during the Second Chimurenga War (1966-1979).
By prominence, the mountain is 181m/594ft and by elevation, Chiurwi is number 19 out of 123.
A hike to the magnificent Gombwe Mountain will be an adventure to adrenalin junkies and a possible nightmare to the physically weak and superstitious.
There is a trail leading to the summit, and if one endures the arduous journey to the top, it gives a feeling akin to that of conquering the world.
Chiwona is a hilltop site built in the Zimbabwe architectural style and is located 10km from Matendera.
Kagumbudzi is located on a low hill, a kilometre north of Gudo Business Centre along Murambinda-Birchenough Bridge Road and 47 kilometres from Murambinda
Town Centre. Muchuchu National Monument is located eight kilometres west of Matendera Ruins.
Along the road from Matendera Ruins and less than 100m from Ruti Dam is a dysfunctional private property which was once used as a hotel.
It used to be called Wadzanai and can probably be incorporated into the proposed community based tourism project if investment is placed into its refurbishment.
National Museums and Monuments Eastern Region acting director, Mr Lloyd Makonya said communities in the district can use their cultural capital as a tourist attraction.
“The local community has to form structured traditional dance groups which can perform indigenous traditional dances and music which will be exhibited to tourists at Matendera Ruins. Cultural groups will
be engaged from the local community to stage performances for visiting tourists and receive tokens of appreciation afterwards. Apart from performance, traditional games such as tsoro can be introduced at the site as well as a traditional healer to share indigenous knowledge systems unique to their area.
“The community can also provide accommodation and traditional meals in their homes for a fee to enhance the cultural experiences of visitors.
‘‘This can form part of the cultural tours the community can develop for tourists. Promoting greater community participation in the project will make them have a sense of ownership of the project.
‘‘There is therefore need to capacitate the community with knowledge on how to craft the cultural tour routes, home set ups and creating lasting impressions for the visitors,” he said.