In the Misty Mountains

Bvumba (Misty) Mountains, Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe, November 5, 2012




The Bvumba Mountains

The Eastern Highlands remind us of Costa Rica's Central Valley with its mountain vistas and lush vegetation. The green landscapes are a treat after two weeks of mostly bare trees and brown, drought-stricken lands at the end of a long dry season.

We are so close to the border that we can see Mozambique in the distance.

We are staying two nights at the Leopard Rock Hotel, a castle-like French chateau. The walls of the inner corridors are lined with pictures of the famous who have stayed here, including Princess Di. The Queen Mother loved this spot and called it the most beautiful place in Africa.


Nancy in the pool at Leopard Rock Hotel

The world-class golf course has drawn the likes of Tiger Woods. Many international tournaments have been held here. As the country rebuilds from its economic collapse in 2008 and 2009, Zimbabwe hopes to draw world-class golfers once again.



In the distance, Leopard Rock rises above the golf course

Adjoining coffee fields have been converted to an animal preserve where Nancy and I ambled one afternoon amidst giraffes, elands, zebras, impalas, and wildebeests.









Wildebeests



Giraffe and Eland up close at Leopard Rock

In a place so serene and beautiful, we had difficulty imagining the revolution in the 1970s when Robert Mugabe (now president/dictator) and his followers were encamped at the Mozambique border and bombarded this area. The hotel itself took a direct hit. Gary Clegg, our trip leader, remembers the nearby Zimbabwean city of Mutare's advertizing campaign to lure hard-core partiers during this time: "If you want to get bombed this weekend, come to Mutare!"