Manicaland: Zimbabwe's Hidden Gem Emerges as Top Tourist Destination

Strategic Insights -

Manicaland, located in Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands, has emerged as one of the country's most dynamic tourist destinations. According to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority's 2024 Tourism Trends and Statistics Report, the province recorded a remarkable 28% surge in national park entries, climbing from 58,853 in 2023 to 75,464 in 2024. This growth has positioned Manicaland among the top five most visited national park regions in the country, outpacing traditionally more publicized regions like Gonarezhou and Hwange.

Key Takeaways:

  • Manicaland recorded a 28% surge in national park entries, from 58,853 in 2023 to 75,464 in 2024, making it one of the top five most visited national park regions in Zimbabwe.
  • The province's diversity, with multiple attractions such as Nyanga National Park, Vumba Botanical Reserves, Chimanimani National Park, and Osborne Dam, has contributed to its growth.
  • Nyanga National Park offers a unique blend of rugged highlands, cool climate, and ancient ruins, while the Vumba is a lush paradise of misty forests, rare orchids, and romantic trails.
  • Chimanimani boasts UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status and draws eco-tourists, hikers, and pilgrims to its sacred peaks and pristine wilderness.
  • Osborne Dam adds to the region's appeal with its calm waters ideal for angling, boating, and family picnics.
  • The Forbes Border Post, Manicaland's largest international entry point, recorded 145,077 arrivals in 2024, a dramatic leap from previous years.
  • Hotel occupancy in Mutare and the Vumba region saw an increase from 37% in 2023 to 42% in 2024, while Nyanga's occupancy rose from 45% to 47%.
  • Hospitality providers have reported improved demand for weekend getaways, conferencing facilities, and boutique experiences.
  • The growing tourism interest makes Manicaland a compelling site for developing eco-lodges, mid-range hotels, heritage trails, adventure sports facilities, and wellness tourism hubs.

Statistics:

  • 28% surge in national park entries in Manicaland between 2023 and 2024.
  • 75,464 national park entries in Manicaland in 2024.
  • 58,853 national park entries in Manicaland in 2023.
  • 28% increase in national park entries in Manicaland in 2024.
  • 604,778 entries at the Victoria Falls Rainforest in 2024.
  • 9% of national tourist entries in Zimbabwe were recorded at the Forbes Border Post in 2024.
  • 1,613,901 tourist entries in Zimbabwe in 2024.
  • 145,077 arrivals at the Forbes Border Post in 2024.
  • 37% hotel occupancy in Mutare and the Vumba region in 2023.
  • 42% hotel occupancy in Mutare and the Vumba region in 2024.
  • 45% hotel occupancy in Nyanga in 2023.
  • 47% hotel occupancy in Nyanga in 2024.

Sources:

  • Zimbabwe Tourism Authority's 2024 Tourism Trends and Statistics Report.
  • Forbes Border Post (name of the border post).
  • Mutare and the Vumba region (geographical location).
  • Nyanga National Park (name of the national park).
  • Vumba Botanical Reserves (name of the botanical reserve).
  • Chimanimani National Park (name of the national park).
  • Osborne Dam (name of the dam).