Take a trip to another dimension and visit the Vumba Mountains on the border between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The mountains are approximately 25km from Mutare, which makes a good base from which to explore the local fauna, flora and magical forests. The mountains are part of the Eastern Highland chain and the varied attractions, which spread across the border, make hiring a car for some Zimbabwe-Mozambique cross-boarder action an attractive possibility. In addition to the other worldliness of the forests and grass plains, you can enjoy all the comforts of western living, including world-class casinos, golf courses and luxury accommodation.

Most people visit the region for the nature. You won’t find large predators and rumbling elephants, but you will find samango monkeys as they leap silently through the trees. If you keep your eyes peeled you’ll see Marshall’s Dwarf Chameleon, which reaches a maximum of five tiny centimeters. The little creature is found only in the Eastern Highlands on the Zimbabwean border. Closer to the ground but no less difficult to spot is the blue duiker, a small antelope that you’ll find in many countries in Africa and which makes the Eastern Highlands its home in Zimbabwe.

Vumba-nature.com refers to two of the best nature walks in the Vumba Mountains: the walk through the Bunga Forest and the walk to Chinyakwaremba.

Bunga Forest is a rainforest within the National Botanical Reserve. It’s full of orchids, ferns, Msasa trees and cabbage trees. If you go all the way to Bunga Views, you’ll be treated to sheer cliffs and woodlands.

Chinyakwaremba is one of Vumba’s peaks and is within a private nature sanctuary. The path up is gentle and suited to people of all ages and fitness levels. The view is, if not exactly breath taking, at least worth the walk. If you want a more challenging climb you should try Castle Beacon, which, at 1911m, is Vumba’s highest peak.

If plants are your thing you should definitely make time for the Botanical Gardens within the mountains. The picturesque setting allows for hours of walking along wooden bridges and under heavily wooded trees. You can also picnic along streams, on the banks of a lake and relax as you take in the orchids, cycads, aloes, fuchsias, hydrangeas and assorted colours and aromas.

Mutare is Zimbabwe’s fourth biggest city, but in terms of surrounding nature and natural attractions, it is one of the wealthiest. If you’re heading to Zimbabwe and want a blend of comfort and wildlife, you could do much worse than Mutare and the Vumba Mountains.

Image by NH53, CC by 2.0, via Flickr)