Nyachowa Falls’ heritage tourism vibrant
THE ritual starts with three traditional leaders clapping hands and chanting some incantations to the ancestors.
Besides them are clay pots (hari dzegadzo) containing a thick and savoury traditional brew, popularly known as seven days.
Each traditional leader has his own clay pot.
They kneel down and drink some of the brew before sprinkling the rest around the area.
They ask the ancestors to protect visitors as well as to cleanse the area of any dirt.
Jewellery such as wrist watches, rings and car keys, among other things, are not wanted near the site during the rituals.
This was witnessed at the breath-taking Nyachowa Falls recently.
The rituals were meant to seek protection from the gods and ancestors against potential deaths, accidents, mysterious occurrences and other dangers that may befall visitors to the Falls.
Situated 12km along the Mutare-Chigodora Road, the waterfalls add to the diverse picturesque natural heritage tourism products found in Manicaland.
The place has turned into a haven or a shrine for people from across the globe as they frequent the alluring site for hydrotherapy, wellness as well as various spiritual rituals.
The rituals, meant to ask the spirit mediums to protect tourists who visit the area, were led by three Village Heads Matika, Nehwangura and Gosho, as well as Headman Chengetai Chigodora. Headman Chigodora told The Manica
Post that Nyachowa Falls are of prime importance to locals and there is need to constantly seek spiritual guidance from the ancestors.
“This is a sacred place and it is a rich cultural heritage for the Jindwi people since time immemorial,” he said.
“As we grew up, white people would visit the waterfalls and we would carry their bags while acting as tour guides. We would be paid for this service and it was a wonderful experience.
“We, however, learnt from our fathers that rituals should be conducted at this site to seek protection from the ancestors against dangers that could occur at the site. Some accidents might occur and we need the intervention of the spirits to protect visitors.
“People who trespass to the Falls risk encountering some misfortunes and if we have the protection of the spirits of the land, this will not happen. Recently, someone harassed security personnel at the falls and he mysteriously lost his car keys. He later apologised and the area’s elders were notified.
“The car keys were recovered next to him. These are some of the mysterious occurrences that may happen at the area,” he said.
Asked about how the entrance fees to the majestic site are being used, Headman Chigodora said: “We have been doing a lot of things such as rehabilitating critical infrastructure such as Chitakatira Clinic, paying school fees for less privileged children as well as funding some traditional events in the area.”
The falls are an interesting feature to the already exciting Vumba tourism package.
The journey to the site, which is about 600 metres, is an exhilarating one.
Some sedimentary rocks such as granite, basalt, schist, limestone and shale see you through to the waterfalls.
The noisy, yet relaxing waterfalls welcome you as you reach the Nyachowa riverbank.
In most cases, for a new and old visitor, some Kodak moments follow next.
And then the canopy of the huge trees surrounding the falls will invite you to relax and forget about everything else as you absorb the wonders of mother nature.
The tranquil environment accommodates various bird and butterfly species.
The Falls have also seen people frequenting there for treasure hunts, while others take the water and stones for unknown reasons.
The Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage urges member states to take all appropriate measures to protect underwater heritage. Underwater cultural heritage is defined as all traces of human existence of a cultural, historical or archaeological nature which, for at least 100 years, have been partially or totally immersed, periodically or permanently, under the oceans and in lakes and rivers.
Underwater cultural heritage faces multiple threats such as treasure hunts, looting and commercial exploitation.
Environmental degradation also endangers its preservation in addition to technological advances that drive coastal development and exploitation of marine resources.
Tourism expert, Mr Lloyd Makonya outlined the importance of community involvement and engagement in the preservation of cultural heritage.
“The importance of community engagement within these cultural heritage programmes is key. We may not see the local villagers as experts, but they are experts in their own right because they understand better the intangible cultural heritage.
“Such rituals are key because visitors will be schooled about the dos and don’ts when visiting such areas. It is good when we involve and engage communities to help us manage heritage sites because this brings a sense of ownership. It is good when professionals and the community find common ground in managing the heritage,” he said.
Mutare District Development Coordinator, Mr Wilson Bore said it is important to honour sacred heritages such as Nyachowa Falls.
“We hail what the traditional leaders and the community are doing to preserve such a cultural heritage. This is a sacred place and people should ensure that the place is well-maintained.
“It should be noted that there are mermaids that need their peace during the night, hence visitors should avoid visiting after hours. It can lead to a lot of dangers if people fail to follow laid down instructions.
“It is a great development that the tourism site now has a culture hut where mermaids rest during the night and take care of the place while we are all asleep,” he said.