Hiking the Eastern Highlands: Mutare's Best Trails for Nature Enthusiasts

Just a stone's throw from Mutare's city center lies Cecil Kop, a perfect introduction to the Eastern Highlands' diverse ecosystem. This 1,500-hectare reserve sits literally on the edge of town, making it ideal for those first acclimatizing days when you're still shaking off the jet lag.

I started my highland adventure here, setting out at dawn when the air still carried the night's coolness. The main trail winds through miombo woodland before gradually climbing to Christmas Pass viewpoint. It's a moderate 3-hour return trek that rewards you with panoramic views of Mutare nestled in the valley below—absolutely champion, as we'd say back in Newcastle.

What makes Cecil Kop special isn't just the accessibility but the wildlife. Unlike more remote hikes, here you can spot zebra, impala, and a variety of bird species without venturing far from civilization. I nearly dropped me flask when a family of warthogs crossed the path just meters ahead!

The reserve also features several well-marked shorter trails if you're hiking with less experienced mates. I'd recommend packing a proper daypack as the weather can change quickly, even in spring. Mine's been with me from the Pennines to the Sangre de Cristos, and it's never let me down.

If Cecil Kop is the appetizer, the Bvumba Mountains are the main course of any Eastern Highlands hiking experience. Located about 25km southeast of Mutare, these mountains aren't called 'The Misty Mountains' for nowt—they're frequently shrouded in clouds that create an ethereal, almost mystical atmosphere.

The Manchester to Burma trail (named for its historical significance, not for any resemblance to my northern English homeland!) is my top recommendation. This 7km path takes you through diverse vegetation zones, from dense forest to open grassland. What struck me most was the silence—a profound quiet broken only by birdsong and the occasional rustle of leaves. For someone who spent decades surrounded by the constant hum of industrial equipment, this silence feels like a luxury more valuable than gold.

About halfway along the trail, there's a natural pool fed by a small waterfall. The locals believe these waters have healing properties, and I'm not one to argue. After a quick dip, the persistent ache in my shoulder—a souvenir from years of electrical work—eased considerably. Whether it was the minerals in the water or simply the magic of the place, I couldn't say for certain.

The trail culminates at a viewpoint aptly named 'World's View,' and bonny lad, does it deliver! On clear days, you can see all the way to Mozambique. I sat there for nearly an hour, letting the energy of the place wash over me while sipping tea from my insulated bottle, which kept it perfectly warm despite the mountain chill.

A bit further afield—about 2 hours' drive north of Mutare—lies Nyanga National Park, home to Zimbabwe's highest peak, Mount Nyangani. While the mountain itself deserves its own expedition, the park offers several day hikes that showcase the region's diverse beauty and rich cultural history.

The Nyangombe Falls trail became my personal favorite. The 5km path follows the Nyangombe River through a landscape dotted with massive granite boulders that seem almost deliberately placed—nature's own sculpture garden. These ancient rocks hold a palpable energy that reminded me of certain spots in New Mexico where I've experienced profound healing connections.

The trail leads to a series of cascading pools where the water is so clear you can count the pebbles on the riverbed. Local Shona people consider these pools sacred, and after spending an afternoon beside them, I understand why. There's a tranquility here that defies simple explanation—something that must be experienced rather than described.

What makes Nyanga particularly special is the archaeological evidence of ancient settlements. The park contains stone terraces and fort complexes built by indigenous peoples centuries ago. Walking these paths, you're literally following in footsteps laid down by countless generations.

Being a practical sort, I'd recommend packing a headlamp even for day hikes. I nearly got caught out when I lost track of time sitting by the pools, and that headlamp made the return journey much less stressful as dusk settled over the trail.

For those with a bit more experience and a taste for adventure, the Chimanimani Mountains represent the Eastern Highlands' crown jewel. Located about 3 hours south of Mutare, this mountain range features some of Zimbabwe's most dramatic landscapes and challenging trails.

I'll be straight with you—this isn't a casual stroll. The main trail to Chimanimani National Park base camp is a solid 4-hour hike with significant elevation gain. But like most things that require effort, the rewards are proportional to the challenge. The base camp sits beside the pristine Haroni River, surrounded by towering quartzite peaks that glow pink and gold at sunset.

From the base camp, several day hikes lead to different features. The trek to Bridal Veil Falls took me through forests of yellowwood trees draped with old man's beard lichen—creating an atmosphere that wouldn't look out of place in a fantasy film. The falls themselves drop 50 meters into a pool perfect for a (very!) bracing swim.

What struck me most about Chimanimani was the sense of isolation. Unlike some of Zimbabwe's more accessible parks, you won't find crowds here—just small groups of like-minded souls seeking connection with something greater than themselves. As someone who's spent considerable time around horses, I couldn't help but notice the similarities between the mountains' energy and that special presence you feel around these magnificent animals—a quiet power, ancient wisdom, and gentle strength.

If you're planning an overnight stay (which I highly recommend), you'll need proper gear. My sleeping bag kept me perfectly comfortable despite the mountain chill. The temperature drops significantly at night, even in spring, so don't skimp on warm layers.

While the physical landscapes of the Eastern Highlands are undeniably spectacular, some of my most meaningful experiences came through connections with local communities. Throughout the region, opportunities abound to enhance your hiking adventures with cultural insights that transform a simple walk into something far more profound.

In the villages near Bvumba, I arranged a guided hike with a local herbalist who identified medicinal plants along the trail—knowledge passed down through countless generations. Learning how the same plant could heal a wound, ease a headache, or be brewed into a calming tea reminded me of the energy healing practices I've embraced since my time in New Mexico. These different traditions, separated by continents and cultures, often share remarkable similarities in their understanding of natural energy and healing.

Near Nyanga, I joined a community-led hike that incorporated visits to local homesteads where we learned traditional crafts. Watching an elderly woman's weathered hands deftly weave a basket from grasses collected along our hiking route created a powerful connection between the land we were traversing and the culture it has nurtured for centuries.

These guided experiences typically cost between $10-30 USD, with the money going directly to local communities. They not only enrich your understanding but create sustainable tourism that benefits those who call these mountains home.

One practical note: when hiking with locals, the pace is often different from what Western hikers might expect—sometimes slower, with frequent stops to observe and discuss surroundings, other times surprisingly quick as they navigate familiar terrain with ease. Be prepared to adjust your expectations and embrace their rhythm. You'll be rewarded with insights no guidebook could provide.