Nyanga had been on my travel wish list for a while, so when the opportunity finally came up, I was beyond excited. This trip turned out to be one of my favourite travel experiences, not just because of the scenery, but because of how calm and refreshing it felt from start to finish.
Getting to Nyanga: Flight & Basics
Getting to Nyanga is simple and ideal for a short international escape from South Africa. I flew from Joburg to Harare, with a flight time of about 1 hour and 45 minutes. It is a quick and easy trip, making Zimbabwe a great destination for a long weekend or short break.
From the airport, I spent one night in Harare before driving to Nyanga the next morning. I highly recommend doing this, as it makes the journey more relaxed and gives you time to rest before the road trip.
Currency: Zimbabwe uses multiple currencies, including the US Dollar and the Zimbabwean Dollar. Most hotels and restaurants accept cards, but it is always useful to carry some cash for small purchases and toll gates.
Language: English is widely spoken across Zimbabwe, especially in cities and tourist areas, so communication is very easy for international travellers.
Travel Tip: The drive to Nyanga takes about four hours and includes two toll gates. The roads can get quite misty as you approach the Eastern Highlands, so it is important to drive carefully and allow extra time for the journey.
Exploring Nyanga
The road trip itself is part of the experience. We stopped at Food Lovers Market before leaving Harare to stock up on snacks and refreshments. Along the way, we stopped in Rusape for a quick break and later at Susurumba, which is a great stop for a drink if you are heading towards Troutbeck.
As you get closer to Nyanga, the scenery starts to change. The landscape becomes greener, cooler, and more mountainous, with misty roads and rolling hills that feel completely different from city life.
I stayed at Troutbeck Resort, which is located in a peaceful and scenic setting. The welcome was warm and the atmosphere instantly felt calm and relaxing. It is the kind of place where you can truly switch off.
There is plenty to do at the resort, whether you want to relax or stay active. During my stay, I went canoeing, had a picnic, tried horse riding, enjoyed a boat cruise, and even learnt how to fish for the first time, which was such a fun experience.
We also attempted a misty walk, although we started a bit late and did not catch much of it. Still, being surrounded by nature and fresh air made it worthwhile.
We later visited World’s View, which is just a short drive from the resort and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
I was really looking forward to visiting Mutarazi Falls and doing the Sky Walk, but unfortunately the weather did not allow it. It was a bit disappointing, but it just gave me another reason to return.
Activities at Troutbeck Resort and nearby places
- Canoeing
- Horse Riding
- Picnic
- Fishing
- Golf
- Boat Cruise
- Mutarazi Falls and Sky Walk
- World’s View
Travel Tips
- Spend at least one night in Harare before driving to Nyanga: It makes the trip far more enjoyable and less tiring.
- Car hire: If you do not have access to a vehicle, hire a car upon arrival in Harare, as there are no direct transfers from Harare to Nyanga.
- Stay flexible: Allow extra time for the road trip, especially as the scenery becomes more misty and mountainous closer to Nyanga.
- Vehicle choice: A reliable car is sufficient for most of the journey, but drive cautiously in foggy conditions and on winding roads.
- Pack wisely: Bring warm layers, even in summer, as Nyanga can get quite cold in the mornings and evenings.
- Weather planning: Check the forecast before booking activities like Mutarazi Falls and the Sky Walk, as weather conditions can affect access and visibility.
Conclusion
Even though the weather did not allow me to do everything on my list, I completely fell in love with Nyanga. It is quiet, scenic and perfect for slow travel with a touch of adventure.
After Nyanga, we drove back to Harare where I spent one more evening before flying home to Joburg. I enjoyed every minute of this trip and would highly recommend Nyanga to anyone looking for a peaceful escape in Zimbabwe.
It is the kind of destination that makes you want to stay longer, return often, and truly disconnect from everyday life.
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