Story by Tichaona Kurewa
AGRO-TOURISM is on the rise in Zimbabwe, with Manicaland province adopting farming as a major tourism magnet.
From Vumba to Honde Valley, Manicaland Province is blooming and not just in the fields, as agro-tourism is gaining momentum, with fruit farms transforming into travel destinations.
“We have planted about 18 000 to 20 000 peach trees. On the day we opened last year, it was a ‘sip and see,’ and we had over 130 guests coming from Harare, Mutare, all for fruit picking,” Mountain Lake Resort’s general manager, Mr Keara Shumba said.
It is not just leisure, but education too.
The initiative now welcomes students and locals to learn about farming while enjoying the outdoors.
“Guests can come just for the day, enjoy fruit picking, have a picnic among the trees, and take in the natural environment,” Mr Shumba stated.
Agro-tourism is also attracting investment in both agriculture and the tourism sector.
“Every region must offer something unique, and when it comes to agro-tourism, we are seeing interest from overseas visitors looking to invest in agriculture. They are discovering that the climate here is favourable. This also connects local farmers with counterparts across the world, fostering global networks in agro-tourism,” Divine Africa Tours and Travel’s managing director, Mr. Benjamin Zondo said.
As more farmers expand operations or venture into crops like timber, tea, coffee, peaches, apples, and macadamia, they are also planting the seeds of a new travel trend, while diversifying Zimbabwe’s tourism offerings.
