Umzingwane beckons tourists

by MKHOKHELI NCUBE
UMZINGWANE, a largely untapped tourism gem in Matabeleland South Province, is increasingly attracting attention for its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, traditional cuisine and growing eco-tourism potential.

Located about 30 kilometres south-east of Bulawayo along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Highway, Umzingwane is one of Matabeleland South’s most scenic districts.

The area is named after the Umzingwane River, one of Zimbabwe’s major rivers, and is surrounded by rocky hills, open grasslands and picturesque rural settlements that offer visitors an authentic African countryside experience.

Tourism experts believe Umzingwane possesses enormous potential to become one of the country’s leading community-based tourism destinations due to its blend of natural beauty, history, culture and warm hospitality.

One of the district’s major attractions is its striking granite kopjes and balancing rocks, which provide stunning scenery for photography, hiking and outdoor exploration.

Visitors are often captivated by the peaceful environment, fresh air and panoramic views stretching across the Matabeleland landscape.

Among the district’s notable attractions are the historic Old Bulawayo site near Mhlabeni, where visitors can learn about the history of King Lobengula and the Ndebele Kingdom, as well as the scenic Umzingwane Dam, popular for fishing, birdwatching and picnics.

Adventure seekers and nature lovers are also drawn to the district’s wildlife, indigenous trees and open spaces ideal for camping and cultural tourism activities.

Traditional foods and beverages are another major attraction in Umzingwane.

Visitors enjoy local delicacies such as isitshwala, prepared from sorghum or maize meal, accompanied by free-range beef, goat meat, chicken or dried vegetables.

Amahewu, a traditional non-alcoholic drink made from fermented maize meal, remains a favourite among both locals and tourists.

The district is also known for its traditional roasted maize, wild fruits and locally prepared sour milk, which offer visitors a genuine taste of rural Zimbabwean culture.

Tourism stakeholders say travellers increasingly seek authentic cultural experiences, and Umzingwane provides exactly that through traditional dances, storytelling, craft markets and interactions with local communities.

The area’s scenic sunsets, rural tranquillity and cultural richness make it attractive to both domestic and international tourists seeking alternatives to overcrowded urban destinations.

Tourism is emerging as one of the key sectors capable of creating employment opportunities in Umzingwane. Local residents are already benefiting through craft production, tour guiding, accommodation services, transport operations and food supply businesses linked to tourism activities.

Young people, in particular, stand to benefit from skills development in hospitality, cultural tourism, digital marketing and eco-tourism enterprises.

However, tourism operators believe greater investment is required to fully unlock Umzingwane’s tourism potential.

Experts say the Matabeleland South provincial leadership and the government should improve road infrastructure, expand accommodation facilities, promote digital marketing campaigns and support local tourism entrepreneurs.

There are also calls for stronger partnerships between government, traditional leaders, communities and private investors to develop eco-lodges, heritage centres and cultural festivals capable of attracting larger numbers of visitors.

With proper investment, branding and infrastructure development, Umzingwane has the potential to become a major tourism destination not only for Matabeleland South, but for Zimbabwe and the Southern African region as a whole.