Emerging Natural Attraction in Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands
Chimanimani district, nestled within Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands, is home to some of the nation’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Among these are the iconic Bridal Veil Falls, the globally recognized Chimanimani Mountains, the soothing Hot Springs, and the historic Birchenough Bridge. Now, a new addition has emerged—Horoni Falls, a stunning natural attraction located along the Biriiri River in the Chinamira ward of the Biriiri area.
Though not widely known, Horoni Falls has captured the attention of local travelers, particularly church groups and domestic tourists. Its striking resemblance to the famous Bridal Veil Falls has made it a point of interest for those exploring the region. Mwahamba Ndikiyana, a local villager, shared his thoughts on the discovery. “I am now 60-years-old, and I never thought this phenomenon in our ward could be a tourist attraction,” he said. “I only discovered its potential about five years ago when people, especially from the diaspora, started visiting the place. That’s when I began to appreciate the value of these falls.”
Over time, Horoni Falls has become a popular destination for church groups, who often use the site for retreats and spiritual camps. In April, a national church youth group visited the falls as part of their Easter break activities. Charity Dzingire, a church youth from Bulawayo, described her experience: “Standing before these hidden falls, I felt like I had stepped into a secret whispered only by nature.” She added, “These falls reminded me that the most powerful beauty often lives where few dare to look.”
Despite the growing interest, the site still lacks essential amenities such as ablution facilities and clear access roads. Dzingire urged government departments and tourism stakeholders to focus on developing the area, emphasizing its potential for both community empowerment and regional tourism growth.
When contacted for comment, Elisha Mushayavanhu, the Chimanimani district development coordinator, admitted he was unaware of the falls. “Will check, not aware,” he said briefly. Meanwhile, Barbara Rwodzi, the Tourism and Hospitality Industry minister, who has been a strong advocate for community-based and heritage tourism since taking office in 2023, was unavailable for immediate comment. She stated she was “very busy” and would respond “in good time.”
Rwodzi has consistently highlighted the importance of uncovering and promoting lesser-known tourism assets across Zimbabwe. Her ministry recently reported a 4% increase in tourism revenue from 2023 to 2024, with part of this growth attributed to rising domestic travel and investment in rural attractions.
As Zimbabwe continues to position tourism as a key driver of economic recovery and development, communities like Biriiri are demonstrating that some of the country’s most valuable tourism treasures remain hidden in plain sight. With proper support and infrastructure, Horoni Falls could soon become a significant asset for both local and national tourism.
