Umzingwane Publicity Association

 

The Umzingwane Publicity Association promotes the district as a destination for alternative travel and cultural tourism. The Association comprises the stakeholders in the hospitality industry and related businesses, coordinated by the Umzingwane Rural District Council. The address is:

 

Umzingwane Publicity Association

C/o Umzingwane Rural District Council

P. Bag Esi 5812

Esigodini

Tel: 263-88-286/7  Fax: 263-88-418

E-mail: urdc@telconet.co.zw

 

Umzingwane District, which borders the southern outskirts of Bulawayo, the second city of Zimbabwe, and the eastern part of the well-known Matopos National Park, is a District richly endowed with places of exceptional beauty.  The western part of the district in particular is blessed with stunning granite rock formations, offering countless opportunities for scenic tours, hikes, climbing expeditions and mountain biking.  Perennial streams, waterfalls and dams are among the attractions where travellers can rest and relax. There are also opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating and diving. For the more cultural minded there are dozens of mysterious caves to be explored. Some of the caves hide exquisite bushman paintings and old grain bins. Added to all this are the Ndebele people, whose hospitality is a treat in itself; a visit to a traditional homestead can be an unforgettable experience. Travellers can even spend the night in a community chalet and taste the traditional food prepared by the host. Below is a selection of places of interest worth visiting as well as accommodation available to travellers.

 

Places of interest (see map):

 

Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage

The Chipangali is a wildlife Orphanage and not a zoo offering a home to orphaned, abandoned and sick wild animals. Young wild animals continually find there way into the homes of nature lovers throughout Zimbabwe. Other animals are Orphaned as a result of some mishap such as the death of the mother, injuries or snaring etc.

 

Lumene Falls

The Lumene Falls, a popular site for a natural ‘shower’ on a hot day. The Falls can be accessed from Bezha, from where an access road leads right up to the lower part of the falls, or from Zhilo, from where a 1km footpath leads to the upper part of the falls.

 

Matshatshatsha Falls

The Matshatshatsha is a perennial cascading stream that feeds into the Mtshabezi. The falls can be accessed from the old Gwanda road, 6km southeast of Matobo mission. Vehicles can be parked at the dip tank; from where it takes a 4km walk downhill to the site of the falls. It is recommended to request for a guide.

 

Masome cave

A large overhang with well preserved bushman paintings, hidden by thick bush, near Zhilo. The 2km walk through the mountains is almost as exciting as the cave itself. It is recommended to request for a guide at Zhilo school, as the cave is difficult to find.

 

Gulabahwa cave

This is a cave with unusual bushman paintings that include a huge snake. The cave is close to the main road from Silobi to Dula.

 

Diana’s Pool

Diana’s Pool is one of a series of shallow natural pools, fed by a perennial stream. The pools, which are in the centre of a protected area, are save for swimming and bathing. The protected area also includes the ‘orbicular granite site’, a rare geological mystery and a fitting destination for a brief exploratory walk. There are several caves with rock paintings and grain bins within walking distance form the pools. Malunika dam, a newly constructed community dam, stocked with fish, is only a 15-minute walk from the pools. Visitors can request for a guide at the Happy Thaba store.

 

Mtshabezi Dam

This is a 50-million m3  lake, set in a stunning mountainous environment. The lake is a popular place for fishing, boating and scuba diving enthusiasts. There are 3 chalets, overlooking the dam wall, for overnight accommodation.

 

Accommodation:

 

In addition to Embizeni Lodges, Umzingwane district offers various kinds of accommodation for travellers:

 

Aloe Motel and Nature Park

A family budget motel, at the 22km peg on the main road from Bulawayo to Esigodini, Aloe Motel is set on 100 acres of bushveld. Tel: (263) 9 287742.

E-mail: alomotel@acacia.samara.co.zw.

 

Woodland Lodge

Set among beautiful Leadwood trees, along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge mainroad, near the 49.5km peg, Woodland lodge offers 8 rooms and full catering. Tel: (263) 88 546.  Postal address: Woodland Lodge, P.O.Box 2206, Bulawayo.

 

Community Chalets

There are 4 community chalets, that can be booked through the Umzingwane Rural District Council: Impu, Zhilo, Ghabeni and Silobi (see map). Address, see above.

 

Mtshabezi  Dam Chalets

Overlooking the magnificent Mtshabezi dam are 3 solar powered chalets.