By Sharon Chimenya
ZAKA — As the tourism industry eagerly promotes new investments, Zaka has emerged as a prime destination thanks to its unique mountain that features a natural map of Africa.
Strategic tourism development here promises to uplift the local community and unlock the area’s full potential.
By adding Mware Mountain—with its remarkable map of Africa—to the province’s celebrated tourist attractions such as the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, Gonarezhou National Park, and Tugwi Mukosi, the region’s appeal to visitors will only grow stronger.
Popularly known as the “Map of Africa,” this captivating site is located about 16 km west of Jerera Growth Point on Mware Mountain, nestled in Jikinya Village, Veza, under the stewardship of Chief Nyakunhuwa.
Etched onto the southwest side of Mware Mountain, the map of Africa can be seen from as far as 1.5 km away. Its striking resemblance to the real continent, complete with the iconic Horn of Africa, makes it a truly unforgettable sight.
Speaking during the Tourism Investment Forum held on Thursday at the ongoing Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo, the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, said the development of the area—which entails setting up infrastructure such as restaurants—might encourage tourists to stay longer.
She said the site, which is within the community, will help bring about change for local people in line with the government’s vision of an upper middle-income society by 2030.
“We have several tourism products, Honourable Minister (Professor Mthuli Ncube), that we believe, with your support, your team, and stakeholders, can help us grow our tourism infrastructure. We have Gonarezhou National Park, which needs infrastructure; Lake Mutirikwi, Tugwi Mukosi, and the one I am passionate about is Zaka, where we have a rock that naturally formed a map of Africa,” she said.
“That one speaks to the promotion of tourism, but it is in the middle of the community, where tourism can change livelihoods in that area as we focus on Vision 2030 of an upper middle-income economy. We just want to build infrastructure that will attract people.
Yes, right now people are visiting and viewing the map, but without a place to eat, they won’t stay long—a restaurant is key. Afterwards, investors will want to work with communities to convert their homes into accommodation facilities. I am just giving an example.”
It was reported that on top of Mware Mountain, there is a sacred pool with reeds that has never dried up, even during droughts. It is at this pool that a community member named Negasvi, related to the Mada family of the Nzou totem, is said to have died. Since then, the mountain has become a centre of myths and legends.
It was also reported that there are grain bins, as well as underground tunnels linking to other sacred mountains in the landscape. The mountain is also used for rainmaking ceremonies.
Meanwhile, the Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, said the tourism potential in the province is expected to rise, with new frontiers of development emerging around the province, including Tugwi Mukosi.
“We are moving from raw potential to tangible commercial development. Our tourism sector is ripe for immediate investment, particularly in accommodation. Tourist arrivals to the province are expected to grow by 8.5 percent annually, generating an urgent demand for at least 1,500 hotel rooms by 2027,” he said.
“The iconic Great Zimbabwe Hotel is already undergoing a multimillion-dollar expansion to meet this demand. New frontiers are emerging across the province. The development of a new resort city at the Tugwi Mukosi Dam is a key feature of a comprehensive 20-year master plan.”
