Travel Guide Réserves Forestières De Haroni Et De Rusitu

The tiny Haroni and Rusitu reserves, 60 km from Chipinge, were the only true rainforests in Zimbabwe along with Chirinda. Difficult to access and very rarely visited by tourists, they were a paradise for birders who came to try to see some of the world's unique species (Chestnut-headed Shrike, Vanga's Flycatcher, Blue-spotted Dove, etc.). If mammals (other than rodents) are rather rare, birds on the other hand proliferated and the forest resounded with their calls. Time and economic crises have taken their toll on a large part of these two reserves where trees have been largely cut down despite the efforts of Zimparks and local NGOs. Although birds are still present, they are much less numerous than before. The Haroni and Rusitu forest reserves are only accessible by 4x4 and are very poorly signposted. If you get the information you want, plan a whole day for the trip, because the road itself is really worth it. The tracks follow the southern section of the Chimanimani ranges and cross extremely green valleys, planted with banana, mango and papaya trees. Their inhabitants, not used to foreigners, are extremely smiling and curious. In short, the tour is worthwhile for the opportunities to meet people from deep inside Zimbabwe as well as for the discovery of the lush vegetation and mountain landscapes.