Things to see and do East

One of the most interesting rock painting sites in the country dating back about two thousand years. Several theories try to explain the scene on this painting. None is unanimously accepted. Two theories put forward during the colonial era speak of the burial of a king and a social ceremony, but the majority speak of a trance ceremony to communicate with the Khoisan gods around a black antelope. The person in trance would enter the world of the gods to ask for peace, rain or the end of an epidemic.

Not to be confused with the site of the same name in Matopos, this "world view" is a site overlooking large precipices and offering a beautiful panorama on the north of Zimbabwe, and in particular on the Connemara lakes, at least if the weather allows it, the fogs being frequent. It is also the highest point in the country accessible by car. Orientation tables are placed on the railing. The site is decorated with plantations and sculptures. Another viewpoint also located in the vicinity is called Eagle's View.

The 1,250 ha Nyazengu private reserve at the foot of Mount Nyangani is accessible from the parking lot at the start of the hiking trails (a gravel road preceded by a sign indicating "No Entry" leads to the private section, 5 km further on). The landscapes are similar to those of the park in which it blends, surrounded by marked walking paths, but some lead to natural pools dug in amber or to pretty waterfalls, such as the Nyazengu Falls, impressive 90-metre falls.

A must for anyone who loves nature, the garden is also popular with botany enthusiasts. Punctuated by a network of paths, waterways and a small lake, it features orchids, hydrangeas, begonias, aloes, to name a few floral species. In addition to the 42-hectare botanical reserve, the 159-hectare park allows for easy day trips. The garden is also worth a stop as it offers beautiful picnic sites.

At 40 hectares, this reserve is smaller than the Bvumba Botanical Garden, but it is home to a variety of endemic plants and various bird species. It has trails, natural waterways and majestic views. Marshall's pygmy chameleon is present, as are several restricted-range birds, including Swynnerton's robin, Mountain bulbul, Chirinda's Apalis, and Fringed-tailed Elminia.