Day Outings & Activities
Explore our beautiful hinterland
We have put together a range of unique day outings while you are staying with us, which combine a more tourist activity with our community visit programme. While Musangano Lodge pre-books the community element of the day tour, you will be on your own during the outing, either on self-drive or on a guided tour with your operator.
Read on
The eastern part of Zimbabwe with its picturesque mountain ranges and low-lying untouched game reserves are a hidden gem. From enjoying a hike on a tranquil trail or taking in the spectacular scenery during a horse riding excursion to playing a round of golf at some of the most pristine and attractive golf courses or looking out for rare and unique birds with a knowledgeable guide – the Eastern Highlands captivates the traveller because of its outstanding beauty and the diversity of attractions available. For the more adventurous and daring travellers, there is a zipline or a walk on a suspended bridge waiting for you - hundreds of metres above the ground, with Africa’s second highest waterfall, the Mutarazi Falls, roaring beneath you. Round off these experiences with a safari off the main touristic routes in the Gonarezhou National Park or Save Valley Conservancy, two unspoiled game areas known for their rugged terrain and pristine wilderness.
However, Zimbabwe has so much more to offer than its terrific wildlife opportunities and beautiful landscapes. The country is also known to have the friendliest people in southern Africa along with an interesting and vibrant culture. Musangano Lodge complements the wildlife aspect by offering stimulating insights into the lives of local Zimbabweans with the rare opportunity of first-hand experiences. This interactive engagement under the headline 'Nurturing Communities. Shaping Lives.' is about understanding, connecting and most importantly exchanging with well-spoken and proud Zimbabweans on an eye-to-eye level. These authentic visits generate an income for the locals, as they host the guests in their home or at their workplace. Musangano Lodge is proud to support the neighbouring communities this way and to accept its social responsibility in giving the local people a chance to also profit from the tourism industry in the area.
Around Musangano Lodge
This is an ideal tour to find out more about the surrounding areas around Musangano Lodge without having to travel long distances. The outing introduces you to the natural beauty of the region while giving you an insight into the farming activities of the Eastern Highlands. If walking is not a preferred option, we suggest a visit to a well established primary school in the area.
Duration: Full day activity with a lunch break and a sundowner drink at Musangano Lodge
Duration:
Full day activity with an optional lunch and sundowner drink at Musangano Lodge
Total Distance Covered
Hike & farm:
Tar road: approx. 19 km
Dirt road: approx. 14 km
Farm & school:
Tar road: approx. 43 km
Dirt road: approx. 12 km
Tar road: approx. 19 km
Dirt road: approx. 14 km
Farm & school:
Tar road: approx. 43 km
Dirt road: approx. 12 km
Availability of Package
Hike & farm:
All year round
Farm & school:
check for precise dates with Musangano Lodge
All year round
Farm & school:
check for precise dates with Musangano Lodge
Services
Hike & farm:
guided hiking tour & hosted farm visit
Farm & school:
hosted farm visit & guided tour of the school
guided hiking tour & hosted farm visit
Farm & school:
hosted farm visit & guided tour of the school
Duration
Full day activity with an optional lunch and sundowner drink at Musangano Lodge
Read on
Musangano Lodge is situated in a very interesting ecosystem, predominantly comprising Miombo woodland. Set in the Odzi River Valley system, and surrounded by rocky outcrops, known locally as kopjes, it is during this excursion, that you will learn more of our natural surroundings and of Odzi River Valley commercial farming.
A great hiking trail
This hike is a diverse and fascinating trail. It involves a steady ascent through acacia woodlands as you follow the track through rocky vegetation.
A great hiking trail
This hike is a diverse and fascinating trail. It involves a steady ascent through acacia woodlands as you follow the track through rocky vegetation.
Your day begins with a guided tour of Mount Chikanga, located a short drive from the Lodge. Charles, your guide, will introduce you to the trees and bird life of this exciting Zimbabwe habitat, which comes into its own in late August and September, when all the trees are resplendent in reds, bronze, orange and bright pink new leaves. These miombo trees, found typically around Musangano Lodge, are the most frequently painted landscape scenes of Zimbabwe. Charles will take you on a varied and interesting three hour trail, which involves a steady, fairly demanding climb through the rocky woodland environment. The reward culminates in superb view of the surrounding countryside and distant Osborne Dam. This is a must for those who love to exercise and to be surrounded by nature.
Savour the many diverse and endless views
The reward is a stunning view of the surrounding countryside. As a bonus enjoy the ancient walls and an iron ore smelting site. On the summit, inspect a well-known clay pot that had been used in Shona traditional ancient rain-making ceremonies.
Historic rock paintings can be found along the way depicting local animals and scenes of village life. They show man, the hunter, with his equipment and woman, the gatherer, with emphasis on her reproductive role. There are also images of the wild animals found in the area in those times. Return to Musangano for a light lunch before you head for a fascinating afternoon at a commercial farm nearby. In season, you will learn all about the growing of tobacco from the sowing, to the planting and to the harvesting. Farming, particularly tobacco, is a strong foreign currency earner for Zimbabwe and considered the economic backbone of the country. The farm owner, our local councillor, proudly takes you around his property. His family has owned the farm for three generations and each one of them has had a strong impact on the development of the area.
Agriculture – the backbone of the Zimbabwean economy
When in season, large areas around Musangano Lodge are under agricultural use for the growing of tobacco. Zimbabwe produces high quality tobacco, which is then sold at local tobacco auctions.
Agriculture – the backbone of the Zimbabwean economy
When in season, large areas around Musangano Lodge are under agricultural use for the harvesting of tobacco. Zimbabwe produces high quality tobacco, which is then sold at local tobacco auctions.
Return to Musangano Lodge for a relaxing sundowner after this eventful and educational day, - a balanced combination of physical activity and informative impressions on local farming.
A farm worker sorting tobacco
Tobacco is a labour intensive agricultural product where various processing steps are involved. The leaves are picked, sorted and bundled by hand.
For those who prefer not to walk, we can offer the trip to the commercial farm in the morning, then return for a light lunch at Musangano, before you set off for a visit to a primary school, that is part of a large mission founded in 1901. Mission schools played a pivotal role in the education in former Rhodesia and have continued to be important focal points of education in today's Zimbabwe. Take a stroll around the school premises with a teacher and students, who are more than happy to tell you about their life here. They are equally keen to find out more about you and your educational system back home, so please feel free to share with them too. Zimbabwe children are very keen to learn!
Those sunsets... A joy!
Unwind with a sundowner drink and take in the glorious and peaceful sunset before heading off to a delicious dinner.
Those sunsets... A joy!
Unwind with a sundowner drink and take in the glorious and peaceful sunset before heading off to a delicious dinner.
Mountains in the Mist - Mystical Vumba
This diverse tour to the misty Vumba Mountains starts off with a visit to a well-known farmer on a small rural homestead and is complemented by a guided leisurely walk through a subtropical mountain forest in the afternoon.
Duration: Full day activity with a lunch break and a sundowner drink at Musangano Lodge
Duration:
Full day activity
Total Distance Covered
Tar road: approx. 119 km
Dirt road: approx. 10 km
Dirt road: approx. 10 km
Availability of Package
All year round
Services
Hosted visit to a rural homestead & guided tour of the Bunga Forest Reserve
Duration
Full day activity
Read on
In Zimbabwe, we have a soft mist-like drizzle that the local Manicaland people call Bvumba. The Vumba Mountains, or "Mountains of the Mist" are a botanical paradise for nature lovers. Known for its breathtaking landscape, panoramic views, verdant natural forests and abundant, visitors will enjoy the cool highlands as a change from typical bushveld scenery.
Meet Oliver, your lively host
Oliver, your energetic and knowledgeable host, proudly takes you around his rural homestead and shares stories about traditional Shona life with you.
A great hiking trail
This hike is a diverse and fascinating trail. It involves a steady ascent through acacia woodlands as you follow the track through rocky vegetation.
You start your outing with a visit to a rural homestead on the lower slopes of the Vumba Mountains, where the owner, a tiny slim man in his seventies, offers you on a fascinating tour of his property. Hear his many stories of local history and Shona culture and take home a lesson on the healing properties of the local plant species. This is a unique chance to learn more about rural life in Zimbabwe with a knowledgeable and engaging host at your side, who has proved to be an innovative entrepreneur and respected local senior leader.
Music is in the air!
Lots is happening at the farm because of many relatives of all ages staying around or close by. Making music is one of the many activities, the kids love playing music on homemade instruments.
From there you climb high into the misty Vumba mountains until you reach Tony's Coffee Shop. The café has a vast selection of home-made juices, teas and coffees, but it’s the mouth-watering cakes that are Tony’s speciality - all his own creation, and true works of art. There is a lot of love in his cakes. Try any, from the glorious cheesecakes, the decadent chocolate cake, the delicious black cherry and chocolate mousse to any of the creamy gâteaux.
Isn’t this tempting...
Take a break at Tony's Coffee Shop and savour one of his exceptional and mouth-watering cakes. They are his homemade creation and are complimented by a long list of over a hundred different teas and many variations of coffees and hot chocolates.
Isn’t this tempting...
Take a break at Tony's Coffee Shop and savour one of his exceptional and mouth-watering cakes. They are his homemade creation and are complimented by a long list of over a hundred different teas and many variations of coffees and hot chocolates.
After this luxurious indulgence, some physical activity is just what you will enjoy. Explore the Bunga Forest Reserve with a knowledgeable guide at your side. This adventurous walk meanders through a dense indigenous forest, one of the most unique in Zimbabwe. You may encounter some remarkable trees, unique Tree Ferns, interesting orchids, rare butterfly species and mushrooms.
Scenic and serene
The impressive Vumba Mountains are on the border to Mozambique. From the top summits you have panoramic endless views towards the lower lying areas in Mozambique.
A treasure of sometimes endemic African birds entices many bird watchers to the Vumba. This day excursion offers great experience for those who would like to learn about Zimbabwe’s diverse nature.
Your day ends with a leisurely drive back to Musangano Lodge for a relaxing dinner.
Your day ends with a leisurely drive back to Musangano Lodge for a relaxing dinner.
Birding in a subtropical forest
The Bunga Forest Botanical Reserve is part of the Vumba Mountain range, a dense indigenous subtropical rain forest with narrow trails winding through it.
Those sunsets... A joy!
Unwind with a sundowner drink and take in the glorious and peaceful sunset before heading off to a delicious dinner.
Mountainous Nyanga
This day takes you into the mountainous region of Zimbabwe, a place of great beauty and historical interest. Climb Zimbabwe's highest mountain and visit the Rhodes Historical Exhibition before ending your trip with the magnificent panorama from World's View.
Duration: Full day activity with a lunch break and a sundowner drink at Musangano Lodge
Duration:
Full day activity
Total Distance Covered
Tar road: approx. 282 km
Dirt road: approx. 20 km
Dirt road: approx. 20 km
Availability of Package
All year round
Services
Exclusive of entry fees for National Parks and National Trust
Duration
Full day activity
Read on
Travelling from Musangano Lodge, the road passes lovely rural valleys set amongst giant and impressive dwalas, our name for the vast granite rock hills of Zimbabwe, and on through plantation forests interspersed with great stretches of grasslands. Nyanga National Park is Zimbabwe's oldest national park, and here you will find the highest peak in the country - the spiritual Mount Nyangani, at 2.593 metres.
A must for hikers - Mount Nyangani, Zimbabwe's highest mountain
The hike to the summit takes about 3 hours but is not challenging, as the mountainsides are not very steep or rocky.
A great hiking trail
This hike is a diverse and fascinating trail. It involves a steady ascent through acacia woodlands as you follow the track through rocky vegetation.
The average altitude of 1.800m, the higher rainfall, coupled with cool, crisp mountain air, makes Nyanga very different from the lower hills surrounding Odzi. These factors create an abundance of unusual plant and birdlife , with the Park as home to several species of antelope, including waterbuck, wildebeest, zebra, reedbuck, klipspringer, kudu, eland and civet.
There are various species of animals living on Mount Nyangani
Klipspringers are well adapted to the rocky terrain and are often found grazing on the mountain. The endangered Nyangani River Frog, named for the mountain, can also be found in rocky and rapid streams in the montane grassland.
Enjoy the enchanting scenery on foot with a guided walk around this area. On the way back, you may choose to take a trail to Rhodes Hotel, Cecil John Rhodes’ former homestead, for some refreshments. Rhodes encouraged the colonization of what later became Rhodesia under white rule. This is a truly historic place, illustrating typical colonial era architecture.
Rhodes Historical Exhibition
This exhibition is located in the Rhodes Stables next to Rhodes Nyanga Hotel, the former homestead of Cecil John Rhodes. The exhibition displays collected photographs and articles of historic interest relating to Rhodes and the development of the area from the earliest times.
Agriculture – the backbone of the Zimbabwean economy
When in season, large areas around Musangano Lodge are under agricultural use for the harvesting of tobacco. Zimbabwe produces high quality tobacco, which is then sold at local tobacco auctions.
After some refreshments you are ready to immerse yourself into Nyanga’s local history. The Rhodes Nyanga Historical Exhibition, in the former stables of Cecil Rhodes' property, gives an insight into the past, including its nature and culture in the area. On his death in 1902 Rhodes's Nyanga Estate was passed on to the people of Rhodesia. Today it is part of the National Trust of Zimbabwe. The Trust brought in many manuscripts, photographs and other exhibits of interest relating to Nyanga. Over time, more artefacts have been gathered for the museum, about persons and events involved with the history and development of the area.
Protea - a flower of exceptional and unrivaled beauty
The evergreen protea is one of the distinctive plants in the Eastern Highlands and quickly catches the naked eye. Over the past forty years proteas have also been grown commercially in the region for export to Europe.
Your last stop for today is World's View, a spectacular vista on the escarpment of the Nyanga Downs plateau. The viewpoint has an altitude of 2,248 metres, with a 600 metre drop to the plain below. Stone sculptors sell their art in the car park to visitors. The scenery reminds many visitors of the Scottish highlands, particularly when clouds are low and a mist hangs over the valley below. On a clear day, however, you can see remote geographical features as far away as 60 to 70 km.
Not to be missed - World's View!
This little gem is set high on the plateau of an escarpment, offering spectacular and endless views of the surrounding landscape. From an altitude of approximately 2.250 metres the cliff drops 600 metres to the Nyanga Downs below.
Those sunsets... A joy!
Unwind with a sundowner drink and take in the glorious and peaceful sunset before heading off to a delicious dinner.
After a splendid day of natural beauty and historical information, come home to a hearty dinner at Musangano Lodge.
The Majestic Mutarazi Falls
This excursion gives our guests a diverse and astonishing experience. On this tour you will learn about the setup of a well-established orphanage. You will receive a guided tour of the orphanage during your visit. Further on, Africa's second highest waterfall, Mutarazi Falls, with its breathtaking scenery and adventurous activities, is waiting for you. Walk in front of the falls across a suspended bridge, glide along a zipline or just sit and enjoy the vast views of the Honde Valley below you.
Duration: Full day activity with a lunch break and a sundowner drink at Musangano Lodge
Duration:
Full day activity
Total Distance Covered
Tar road: approx. 176 km
Dirt road: approx. 50 km
Dirt road: approx. 50 km
Availability of Package
All year round, but access could prove difficult in the rainy season for sedan type cars
Services
Hosted visit to an orphanage
Packed lunch
Exclusive of entry fees for National Parks and SkyLine or SkyWalk activity
Packed lunch
Exclusive of entry fees for National Parks and SkyLine or SkyWalk activity
Duration
Full day activity with a packed lunch
Read on
A short drive from Musangano Lodge brings you to meet the community at an orphanage based on the premises of a mission school that was founded well over 100 years ago. Mission schools have played a pivotal role in the education of rural people.
Fairfield Children's Home
Fairfield is considered the oldest orphanage in Zimbabwe. It was founded in 1903 when women missionaries based at Old Mutare Mission came across cases of abandoned and orphaned children.
A great hiking trail
This hike is a diverse and fascinating trail. It involves a steady ascent through acacia woodlands as you follow the track through rocky vegetation.
There, you will be met by dedicated and efficient staff, who will tell you of the history of the orphanage, from concept to achievements and challenges of this establishment, and the valuable work they do in the surrounding areas, especially for their orphans. The children are always happy to welcome and entertain visitors to their home.
A home for children
Fairfield Children's Home is home to approximately 62 children between the ages from 2 to 18 years. They live in eight family units with twelve house mothers as their primary carers.
From there, a stunning drive through open valleys, past Zimbabwe’s iconic granite kopjes brings you to your next destination – The majestic Mutarazi Falls. One cataract of the falls measures 762m, making these falls the 6th highest in the world, and the 2nd highest in Africa (the Tugela Falls in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa are the highest with 948 metres).
A view of Mutarazi Falls
Mutarazi Falls is a most enjoyable experience - walk through the shady forest before winding through the sweet-smelling heathland before you finally arrive at the view point with spectacular views over the Honde Valley.
Agriculture – the backbone of the Zimbabwean economy
When in season, large areas around Musangano Lodge are under agricultural use for the harvesting of tobacco. Zimbabwe produces high quality tobacco, which is then sold at local tobacco auctions.
After a short walk through lush montane forest, (exciting especially for birdwatchers,) the vegetation becomes open grasslands and you will come to a sheer cliff and an open viewpoint. The spectacular vista draws your eyes to the sound of waterfall itself, tumbling suddenly over the escarpment, down into a deep gorge and East to the green lowlands of the Honde Valley.
Courtesy of Far & Wide
A daring walk on a suspended bridge
The SkyWalk is a unique and thrilling experience. The 2 suspension bridges allow for a 360° view of the falls and their surroundings. The first bridge, 30 meters long, takes you over the lip of the falls and the other one, 90 meters long, covers the entire falls.
Take time to enjoy the perfect picnic lunch we have for you, before you sign up for the adventure challenges that await! The Mutarazi Falls SkyWalk is a narrow suspension bridge between two cliffs, about 500m above the chasm below, affording a 360° degree panoramic close up view of the falls and its cliffs. Falcons and Swifts sweep through the mists. The SkyLine zipline is for adrenaline seeking adventurers, and it will not disappoint. At 500m high, for speeds of 50 to 70km/h, you fly across the abyss, alone or with a partner alongside you. Feel the wind whip through your hair, as greens and greys blur around you and adrenaline fills your body. Each activity takes about 15 minutes, and they can be combined.
The adrenaline pumping SkyLine
The SkyLine is a must for the adventurous traveler. Fly through the air for 400 meters at 50 to 70 km/hr and at an estimated height of 500 meters above the ground. This uplifting and action-packed experience lasts about 15 minutes.
Courtesy of Far & Wide
Those sunsets... A joy!
Unwind with a sundowner drink and take in the glorious and peaceful sunset before heading off to a delicious dinner.
After a fulfilling day, drive back to Musangano Lodge, where a delicious dinner awaits you.
