Why you need to visit – Vumba Mountains
Arguably the most spectacular, and serene locations in Zimbabwe is Vumba Mountains. The name is derived from the Shona word for mist, ‘Bvumba’. Some people call it Vumba, whilst some say Bvumba. Well, regardless what you want to call it, one thing’s for certain is there is no arguing how breath-taking it is.
Situated 25km South-East of Mutare are the beautiful Bvumba Mountains better known as Vumba mountain. Rising to a height of about 1 911 meters, the mountains extend North-Eastwards across the Zimbabwean border into Mozambique where they are called Mount Vumba.
The mountains were nicknamed, ‘Mountain of Mist’ because, ever-so-often, the early mornings begin with a mist around it which clears around mid-morning. The mountain, which forms part of the commonly known Eastern Highlands, is made of ancient granite of almost 200million years old.
The climate in the area is cool and pleasant and many of Zimbabwe’s finest hotels are located in the Vumba Mountains. The area also has many coffee plantations ears old. This part of Zimbabwe is called the other face of Africa because it does not resemble the wide open plains that dominate the country. Apart from the natural savannah woodland flora, such as “tree ferns” (Brachystegia), the Vumba Mountains also have deep ravines full of green moss, as well as Strelitzia, aloes, and proteas on the higher ground. The Bunga Forest Botanical Reserve and Vumba Botanical Garden are two well-known Zimbabwean tourist attractions in the area.
If butterflies are your passion, you will be able to see some very rare species here in the Vumba Mountains. Birdwatchers from across the world rate Zimbabwe’s Bvumba Mountains as one of the best places to see the rare Swynnerton’s Robin. There are also some mammals to be found here, including leopard and the perky Samango monkey.
The Chinhamapere Hill (on the Mozambique side of the Vumba Mountains) is a culturally important site dating from the Iron Age. The site comprises the best-known hunter-gatherer rock art paintings (comprising several human figures, some holding bows and arrows and others in trance) tucked into a sacred forest and a set of living Shona rituals connected with rock art symbols and the landscape.
The rock paintings of the Vumba Mountains are 8000 years old and are an important part of the archaeological heritage of Zimbabwe. However, the Vumba Mountains continue to be part of the cultural and religious life of Zimbabwe, because the area is still used for healing, rainmaking and divining rituals. No visit to the Vumba Mountains would be complete without seeing the Chinyakwaremba – meaning “the hill that sat down”. According to Zimbabwean folklore, the hill sank as a result of an evil curse.
