Nyanga: Nature’s hydrotherapy
AS writer Ms Virginia Alison put it: “There is a waterfall in every dream. Cool and crystal clear, it falls gently on the sleeper, cleansing the mind and soothing the soul.”
This aptly describes the feeling one would have upon visiting some grandiose waterfalls in Nyanga.
Apart from embarking on a hike on Zimbabwe’s highest mountain, Nyanga Mountain, or visiting imposing sites such as the historic Rhodes Hotel, World’s View and Rukotso Mountain, among others, one can have a day-long date with Nyanga waters.
After seeking contrasting and fulfilling wilderness experiences in the Nyanga National Park, one can have a hydrotherapy experience at the waterfalls dotted across the area.
Mutarazi and other waterfalls like Pungwe, Nyakupinga, Nyamuzihwa and Nyangombe make Nyanga one of the districts with the highest number of waterfalls in the country.
Harmoniously arranged in meandering Nyanga thickets, the cascade of water falling into a pool with slippery rock and lush grasses is a common feature at these waterfalls.
Nyangombe Falls are among the most visited waterfalls in the area.
The crystal clear waterfall is like a giant shower as the water cascades down into a natural swimming pool and a sandy area called Brighton Beach. Just 12 kilometres from Nyanga, one can simply walk to the falls upon reaching the ZimParks offices.
One can easily have a feel of the falls while having a swim in the notso-deep river. As the water falls into the river with a booming sound and turbulence, the waterfall becomes nature’s way of sharing the beautiful music of the world.
A visit to the falls provides the much-needed and highly recommended hydrotherapy.
The setting of the falls is a trove of beautiful indigenous and exotic trees, which are not far away from the river they feed in.
The site is ideal for picnics. Visitors gave rave reviews of their experience at the picturesque natural wonder.
“Beautiful falls on Nyangombe River. The falls are easily accessible, about 7km from the tarred road and 200m from the car park. You need comfortable shoes as the path from the car park is rocky and goes down a steep slope.
“It is a good idea to take a picnic basket with you so that you enjoy the beauty of the falls without having to rush back to the car park to get refreshments,” said one visitor.
Another breathtaking natural wonder in Nyanga is the Nyakupinga Waterfall, which is located about 2,7km away from Nyanga Holiday Homes.
The waterfall, which is within a private property, has some parts which are rocky and full of twigs in water, while another section, which is the main waterfall, can allow a visitor to have a memorable swimming expedition. There is a small natural pool. It is often called the little “Devil’s Pool”.
Nyanga is also home to one of the most spectacular waterfalls — Pungwe Falls.
According to ZimField Guide, walking in the Pungwe Falls and gorge area, one should be in the company of a tour operator or with a local guide.
Pungwe Falls are located in the area overlooking Honde Valley.
Flowing swiftly over the Pungwe drift, the water falls down a series of beautiful tiers and plunges before gathering its strength in the pool and throwing itself over the main fall in a cascade of foam 240m into the densely wooded Pungwe Gorge.
It then flows over the border into Mozambique before finally reaching the sea in Beira.
The breathtaking waterfall is surrounded by rocks, open plains, trees, bushes and undeveloped land.
Adding to the spectacular waterfalls are the Mutarazi Falls.
These are among Zimbabwe’s largely pristine landscapes.
At 772m, they are the highest waterfalls in Zimbabwe, and second highest in Africa after the Tugela Falls of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.
The aura around the falls is both soothing and intimidating.
Watching the water glide mid-air down to the plunging pool is like a flight down an unending abyss that takes your mind off all the worldly worries.
The magnificent falls are accompanied by two daredevil activities, the Zipline and Skywalk. Whoever visits Mutarazi Falls needs to partake in these exhilarating activities that are not for the faint-hearted.
The Skywalk is an audacious walk on two suspended bridges that overlook the waterfalls and the views from this vantage point are unparalleled.
On the other hand, the Zipline is a 400m line that runs from one side of the waterfall to the other.
It is the ultimate challenge for adventure seekers and the glide across the high escarpment is a marvel not only to the one gliding but even to those watching.
Calls, however, have been made to rehabilitate the roads leading to the area. — Manica Post