Harare, the vibrant capital of Zimbabwe, beckons travellers with its wealth of cultural and historical wonders that have long remained hidden in plain sight.
Yet, a new initiative by Heritage Expeditions Africa, the domestic tour operations arm of the renowned Rainbow Tourism Group, is poised to change that narrative.
From the mystical balancing rocks of Epworth, which have graced both the colonial and independent Zimbabwe currencies, to the majestic Kopje and the solemn National Heroes Acre, Harare’s storied past lies waiting to be discovered.
Recognising the greater need to showcase these captivating sites, Heritage Expeditions Africa has pioneered ground-breaking heritage experiences that blend natural, historical, and cultural elements across Zimbabwe, Southern and East Africa.
On a recent media tour, I had the privilege of embarking on one such Sunshine City expedition, and the experience was nothing short of exceptional. Our tour covered the Kopje, Mpenzanhamo, with stops at the Epworth Balancing Rocks and Mukuvisi Woodlands.
The Journey Begins
As I boarded the luxurious bus, the first thing that caught my eye was the generous legroom – a crucial detail for a towering traveller like myself.
The seats were equipped with both traditional USB and USB-C charging ports, a thoughtful touch for the modern, tech-savvy explorer.
Adding to the creature comforts, the bus also boasted onboard Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and temperature-controlled compartments, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey.
But the true delight lay in the genuinely warm and friendly staff, whose genuine smiles and attentive service set the tone for an exceptional experience.
Embracing the Wild
During the tour, we had the opportunity to explore various modes of transportation, Heritage Expeditions Africa has recently purchased a new fleet of modern and luxurious vehicles consisting of shuttle buses, shuttle vehicles, and amongst them the captivating open-sided 4×4 vehicles.
Equipped with tiered seating, these versatile machines allowed us to feel truly immersed in the natural surroundings, offering unparalleled visibility and fantastic photography opportunities.
It wasn’t until the end of the tour that I realised the true nature of these vehicles – they were converted Toyota GD6s, a beloved model that has found new life as a safari utility.
This revelation only added to the sense of discovery and excitement that permeated the entire experience.
Unlocking Hidden Knowledge
One of the highlights of the tour was the visit to the Chiremba Balancing rocks, commonly known as the Epworth Balancing rocks.
Here, I was treated to a wealth of invaluable knowledge about the origins and significance of this natural wonder, a testament to the depth of experiences that Heritage Expeditions Africa brings to the table.
As I bid farewell to the Sunshine City tour, I couldn’t help but feel a renewed appreciation for Harare’s cultural and historical treasures.
Through the efforts of Heritage Expeditions Africa, these sites are no longer hidden gems, but rather vibrant invitations for travellers to delve into the rich tapestry of Zimbabwe’s past and present.
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