This province, essencially agriculturally based, is an important producer of a wide range of fruits and vegetables.
Characteristics of the province
Area: 61,661 sq. km
Borders: Tete to the north, Inhambane and Gaza to the south, Sofala to the east and Zimbabwe to the west.
Main products: Gold, mica, fluorite, chalcopyrite, tobacco, citrus and vegetables.
Population density: 11 inhabitants / sq. km
Most represented ethnic group: Shona and Sena
Chimoio
Chimoio, the capital city of Manica Province, is an important commercial centre for the trade of agricultural products which come in from the surrounding fertile areas.
Getting to Chimoio
To reach Chimoio there is a road from Zimbabwe, via the Mutare / Machipanda border (87 km), or from Beira (the EN 6, about 200 km). Alternatively, it is possible to fly in on a charter flight. LAM does not fly Chimoio.
Main places to stay
Manica Executive Hotel - near the National Road (EN 6); Hotel Moinho - near the EN 6; Copa Cabana Lodge, Manica Lodge, Oasis, Flor Yoga, Nyamahamba Rest Camp.
Sightseeing
Cabeça do Velho (Old man's head):
A spectacular natural rock formation with the appearance ad outline of an old man.
Manica town
On arriving in the town of Manica, coming from Chimoio, you have to pass through the old and attractive historical town gates.
Geological Museum
Contains a complete and rare collection of rocks from the region.
Chinhamapere Rock Paintings
Considered as a sacred place by residents.
Penhalonga mountains
Ideal for biodiversity tours.
Mountains and countryside
Chicamba real
Is an hydroelectric dam between Manica and Chimoio. About 36 km after Chimoio on the main road, turn left at the T-junction and travel a further 15 km down a dir road to the dam wall. It is a stunning scene with the sheered off rock forming a natural V-shape to house the dam. About one kilometer further on there is a lake pleasant outdoor bar overlooking the lake.
Flora and Fauna
Chimanimani
Situated in the province of Manica along the Zimbabwean border, it covers an area of 1756km². It is the place where Monte Binga, the country’s highest peak is to be found (2436m). The area came to life in 1996 with the aim of merging the interests of the local people with those of nature and conservation. The local people have built five eco-tourism camps, which serve as bases for visitors who want to explore Chimanimani’s wilderness. Locals act as guides to visitors, hosting them overnight or preparing traditional meals and teaching the visitors about the myths and traditions of the mystical mountains and ancient culture.
Responsible for Turism
Manica Province
Direcção Provincial de Turismo
Rua dos Operários, 707/8, Prédio INSS - Chimoio
Tel: +258 51 22214/6
Fax: +258 51 22526
