Mutare

Mutare is Zimbabwe’s third city and provincial capital of Manicaland, is roughly in the centre of the mountains chain which forms the country’s border with Mozambique. Nyanga is the northern link of the chain, Chimanimani is the southern; Bvumba is Mutare’s doorstep. Eastwards lie the mountains and the plains of Mozambique. Mutare is the commercial and industrial heart of the province, and educational, cultural and medical institutions are here. 

What to see

Cecil kop and Thompson’s Vlei. A 1700 hectare nature reserve, 3km from the city centre. Best time to visit Cecil Kop is 1600hrs when food is put out to entice animals down the mountain.  Visitors view game from the terrace- elephants, rhino, zebra, wildebeest and a wide variety of antelope. Drive through the Thompson’s sections for good views of the mountains and see giraffe, buffalo, warthog, nyala, blue duiker and other antelope.

Civic Centre: Off Robert Mugabe Avenue, local administrative offices, Queen’s (concert) Hall, Turner memorial library, Courtauld Theatre, post Office. 

Courtauld Theatre is one of the best equipped amateur theatres in Zimbabwe, named for Sir Stephen and Lady Courtauld. Courtauld players are the resident company, and visiting artists are welcome.

Cross Kopje: The 10m tall cross (floodlit), on the eastern boundary of the city, was erected in memory of black soldiers who died in east Africa World War 1. Path to the summit leads off Rekayi Tangwena Drive. 

Murahwa’s Hill National Trust: Murahwa’s Hill National Trust nature reserve below Christmas pass has evidenced of early settlement from which artifacts have been taken to the Mutare Museum. A steep path leads from the old Christmas Pass road; a gentler path leads from near the showground on the Magamba drive, 4km from the city. The hill is home to rare birds, trees and butterflies.

Mutare Museum: On Aerodrome road. The transport gallery has a fine collection of vintage cars and carts; displays of weapons, flora and fauna of the region and a large walk-in aviary of over 500 birds. Visiting displays are a regular feature, as art exhibitions and concerts. Open everyday except Good Friday and Christmas Day from 0900 to 1700.

Swimming Pool: Entrance on the Robert Mugabe Avenue. Open Daily 0900 to 1700 except on the Monday s , Good Fridays and Christmas Day. Closed mid may to mid August.

National Gallery Kopje House: Restored. Originally the first hospital in Mutare, 1887.Open daily 0820to 1630.

Where to Stay: Holiday Inn, Wise Owl Motel, Eastgate Hotel, Christmas Pass Hotel, Valley Lodge, Mountview Hotel. Conference facilities are available at most hotels.