Chimanimani

Location:
It is located in Chimanimani District, Manicaland Province, in south-eastern Zimbabwe, close to the border with Mozambique. The town lies about 120 kilometres, by road, south of Mutare, the location of the provincial headquarters. Its location lies approximately 365 kilometres, by road, southeast of Harare. The coordinates of the town of Chimanimani are:19° 48′ 0.00″S, 32° 51′ 36.00″E (Latitude:19.8000; Longitude:32.8600).

Background:
Chimanimani was founded by the brothers Thomas Moodie and Dunbar Moodie in 1892. In 1895 it was moved to its current site and was officially called Melsetter after Moodie’s family home in Orkney in Scotland. Following Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, the name of the town was changed to Mandidzudzure, in 1982. However, after consultation with the indigenous population, the name was changed to Chimanimani.

Chimanimani is divided into 23 wards. Chimanimani west has 11 wards and its east counterpart has 12 wards. MAJOR places in chimanimani are Nyanyadzi, Gudyanga, Shinja, Mhakwe, Bechnough Bridge, Nhedziwa, Mutambara, Chikukwa, Chikwakwa, sky line, Outward bound, Copper, Ndima, Mutswangwa, Vhimba Wilderness, Hode.

Population:
The 1982 national census estimated the population of the town at 1,370. In 2004, the population of Chimanimani was estimated at 2,752. The next national population census in Zimbabwe is scheduled from 18 August 2012 through 28 August 2012. Most of the inhabitants of Chimanimani are of Ndau origin.

Climate:
It receives rainfall throughout the year, the average temperature is about 16 degrees.

Notable people from Chimanimani:

Prominent people come from Chimanimani include, Samuel Undenge, Munacho Mutezo, Arthur Mutambara, Dr. Tafataona Mahoso , Hector Mugani and Tendai Chatara.