Chimanimani district in Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands boasts some of the country’s most spectacular natural attractions, including the iconic Bridal Veil Falls, the world-acclaimed Chimanimani Mountains, the natural Hot Springs and historic Birchenough Bridge.
Now, a new gem has been unveiled by the local community Horoni Falls, a breathtaking natural feature located along the Biriiri River in Chinamira ward, Biriiri area.
Though little known, the picturesque waterfall bears a striking resemblance to the renowned Bridal Veil Falls and is quickly gaining attention from local travellers, particularly church groups and domestic tourists.
“I am now 60-years-old, and I never thought this phenomenon in our ward could be a tourist attraction,” said Mwahamba Ndikiyana, a local villager,”
“I only discovered the 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,” he added.
Over time, Horoni Falls has become a favourite destination for church groups, who frequent the site for retreats and spiritual camps.
In April, a national church youth group visited the falls as part of their Easter break activities.
“Standing before these hidden falls, I felt like I had stepped into a secret whispered only by nature,” said Charity Dzingire, a church youth from Bulawayo.
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“These falls reminded me that the most powerful beauty often lives where few dare to look.”
Despite the growing interest, the site lacks basic amenities such as ablution facilities and clear access roads.
Dzingire called on government departments and tourism stakeholders to prioritise development at the site, arguing it holds immense potential for both community empowerment and regional tourism growth.
When contacted for comment, Chimanimani district development coordinator Elisha Mushayavanhu admitted that he was unaware of the falls.
“Will check, not aware,” he said briefly.
Meanwhile, Tourism and Hospitality Industry minister Barbara Rwodzi, who has championed community-based and heritage tourism since taking office in 2023, was unavailable for immediate comment, stating she was “very busy” and would respond “in good time.”
Rwodzi has previously emphasised the need to uncover and promote lesser-known tourism assets across Zimbabwe.
Her ministry recently reported a 4% increase in tourism revenue from 2023 to 2024, attributing part of that growth to rising domestic travel and investment in rural attractions.
As Zimbabwe continues to position tourism as a pillar of its economic recovery and development strategy, local communities like Biriiri are proving that some of the country’s most valuable tourism treasures remain hidden in plain sight.
