Zimbabwe is a country that has such a diverse landscape, from the extreme remoteness of Gonarezhou to the wilderness that is Mana Pools, to the mighty Victoria Falls, and then on to what used to be the biggest man-made lake in the world, Lake Kariba. And I have not even mentioned our other special destinations like Hwange, Matopos or Chizarira. In starting Heartveld Adventures we have prided ourselves on personally investigating the various destinations, so that we can honestly and objectively recommend places that we think suit each and every client’s personal need. But the one place we had very little knowledge of is our Eastern Highlands, which aside from a couple of junior school trips, and one as an adult nearly 10 years ago, we have not had an opportunity to check out. So I very cleverly (in my opinion) planned a trip for us to get away from Kariba during our hottest month of October, and travel to the Eastern Highlands.
While at the previous month’s Sangani World Tourism Expo in Bulawayo, I had met Bigi, the owner of Musangano Lodge, and Bright, who has worked for the lodge for many years. When I told them I had plans of going to their neck of the woods, they kindly invited me to stop at the lodge for a couple nights to break my trip, and start to get a feel for the area. Musangano is about 4 hours drive from Harare on the main Harare to Mutare and Mozambique road, and only a half hour from Mutare. It is the perfect stop-over if you are planning on driving to Mozambique, and is also ideal for corporate functions, which it has been hosting for the last few years, and has built up a good reputation for.
The lodge has been cleverly built on the side of a mountain, with the chalets having sweeping views over the surrounding area. We were met by Joseline at reception, who has been with Musangano for 9 years, and she very quickly checked us in and then escorted us to our lodge. There are 5 one bedroomed chalets, hired out on a full board basis, as well as four 2 or 3 bedroomed lodges where you are able to self-cater. All are thatched, making the rooms nice and cool in the summer, and there are fireplaces to keep warm during the winter. After the long drive from Kariba, it was wonderful to finally be able to relax with a glass of wine on our very own private verandah, while taking in the views.
One of our most favourite attributes of the lodges was their outside braai areas. Woody has done many a braai in a lot of different places, but this one had one of his favourite views. There are staff who can light your braai if you prefer, and if you don’t feel like self-catering there is the PaMuchakata Restaurant down near the main reception area, where you can order meals. You just have to ensure you order early as they do not have meals pre-made, so it can take a bit of time. But you honestly won’t mind sitting in their outside area listening to the birds, or in the cool of their indoor restaurant section, while you wait. Their drinks are ice cold too.
Musangano has many package activities on offer, from a day trip to the ‘Majestic Mutarazi Falls’, to ‘Arts and Crafts in Mutare’. Their most popular outing is their ‘A Dive into the Community’ package. We decided to just chill and recover from our drive the first day, but on the second we tackled the hike up to Aloe Trail, which takes you up to the Signal on one of the highest mountains behind the lodge (they say the trail is 4kms – but I am sure it’s double that!). All the trails are very clearly marked, and you feel very safe while walking around the estate.
We had most certainly earned our breakfast when we got back to the lodge, and were very tempted to go down to the pool and take a dip, but sadly we had to get going to our next destination. For those with kids, there is also a nice playground near the pool, complete with tree house and all! I had to restrain my kid (Woody) from climbing on up – just in case he broke it!
All the staff at Musangano Lodge, as well as the owners themselves, are very knowledgeable and passionate about their area. If you need a conference venue away from the office, or a place for a relaxing stop on your way to Mozambique, give Musangano a try.
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Package Deals
For package deals that include accommodation, as well as other lodges, activities and annual event participation in and around the Eastern Highlands, Matopos, Kariba & Vic Falls area.
