Travel Guide Mavuradonha Wilderness

The remote Mavuradonha region, which was the scene of many skirmishes during the war of independence, is located not far from the Mozambican border, north of Harare. Mavuradonha, a jagged and wild mountain range, means "place of waterfalls" in Shona. The area includes the Mavuradonha Mountains, the Malingura Hills, the Mvukwes Range, the Rwazi Plateau, and part of the Zambezi Escarpment. A little known area, even for the inhabitants, it abounds in breathtaking landscapes: grasslands, steep mountains, huge rock faces, waterfalls, rivers, waterholes, miombo forests, caves and rock paintings... To preserve this small corner of nature, 500 km² have been transformed into a reserve, where wildlife is still scarce but regularly reintroduced. Thus Mavuradonha is one of the paradises of the impassioned of the natural and isolated areas. It is really only accessible on foot, horseback or even by mountain bike, and will seduce those who love exclusivity. The distance from Harare to Havuradonha is 180 km. From Harare, drive to Mazowe and then on to Mvurwi, through the town to Centenary, and then on to Muzerabani, where the Mavuradonha Wilderness Area office is located at the 50 km marker. It is a 2-3 hour drive. There are also a few buses between Mbare Musika (Harare) and Muzerabani, which pass through the park on the way and can drop you off at Small World Lodge.