The Chimanimani National Park is probably Africa’s least-known nature reserve. An hour’s jeep-ride from the village, it includes the magnificent Chimanimani Mountains, a massive barrier of ancient and jagged crystalline rock forming the border with Mozambique.

The breath-taking beauty and pristine environment of these mountains have always drawn adventurous travelers. At present the park provides only basic facilities, catering for the self-sufficient explorer. Hiking, rock climbing, birding, camping in caves among the sparkling waterfalls and natural swimming pools it’s a park for those who want nothing more than to revel in the heart-soothing loveliness of nature.

The Eland Sanctuary is located within the Chimanimani National Park and development within the area has been limited in order to preserve the natural, pristine beauty and wild landscapes of this mountainous area. Forest lovers are will take delight in the virgin forests of the area. Wildlife species found in the area include eland, sable, bushbuck, blue duiker, klipspringer, and an occasional leopard.

Local tour guides with excellent knowledge of the area’s specialized wild plants and animals offer hiking tours into the national park.

Size of Chimanimani National Park

The reserve was proclaimed in 2003 and has an area of 634 km². The reserve includes the Mozambican portion of the Chimanimani Mountains, including Monte Binga (2436 m), Mozambique’s highest peak.

Location of Chimanimani National Park

Chimanimani National Reserve (Portuguese: Reserva Nacional de Chimanimani) is a protected area in the Manica Province of Mozambique. It is located in the Chimanimani Mountains on the border with Zimbabwe, and together with Zimbabwe’s Chimanimani National Park, it forms the Chimanimani Transfrontier Park.

How to get to Chimanimani National Park

The national park is located about 430 km from Harare the main capital of Zimbabwe while traveling to Chimanimani you will take A9 Chimanimani Road heading south, 66.5 KM turn left onto the A10, 79.5 KM turn right, and continue on the A10, 129.60 KM turn left for Chimanimani village, 148.30 KM reach Chimanimani village, 165.5 KM reach ZPWMA base camp.

Things to do in Chimanimani National Park

Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls, also known as Bridal Veil Falls, is a waterfall in Chimanimani, Zimbabwe. Located within the boundaries of Chimanimani National Park, the waterfall is famed for its natural beauty.

Cave Exploration

The Chimanimani mountain range is a massive ridge of pre-Cambrian quartzite (compressed sandstone), rearing up out of the earth on Zimbabwe’s eastern border. The towering, rounded peaks gleam ghostly pale at full moon; the rock itself is quite different from the surrounding countryside.

Mountain Hiking

Guided hikes up the mountain are very much recommended but are warned most are quite arduous and require a certain degree of fitness and stamina. There are four distinct ranges within the Chimanimani separated by streams and broad valleys, most being within Mozambique. The highest point in the Chimanimani’s is at Mount Binga in Mozambique at 2,436 meters.

Walking Trails

The walk up Banana Grove is really enjoyable, the sheer cliffs on either side almost blocking out the sky, baboons barking to remind walkers that they can see them from the very top of the cliffs, a duiker may spring from cover and disappear just as quickly.

Scenic & Game Viewing

Wildlife in the Chimanimani National Park is not abundant, but includes species such as eland, sable, bushbuck, and blue duiker, and less frequently seen are klipspringer and leopard.

Bird watching

The mountains have spectacular ranges, grassy montane plains, rivers, and waterfalls with forest with Livingstone’s Turaco, Yellow-throated Woodland-warbler, White-eared Barbet, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Grey Cuckoo-shrike, Square-tailed Drongo, Yellow-streaked and Tiny Greenbul.

When to visit Chimanimani National Park

Temperatures drop below zero degrees Celsius in winter (May-August) and the rain may spoil the hike if you are without appropriate equipment in the wet season (November-February). If new to the region – March/April and August/September are always good times to visit this National Park. Walkers should really carry warm, wind and waterproof clothes, a warm hat and a really warm sleeping bag and torch; also a basic first-aid kit with antihistamines, plasters, arnica oil for sprains, and an antiseptic for stings and cuts.

Where to stay in Chimanimani National Park

The Base Camp

The base camp is available for limited numbers of visitors wishing to spend the night at the foot of the Mountains. There is a car park, an information office, and ablution facilities at the base camp and visitors have to pay the prevailing camping rates for use of this facility.