Story by Tichaona Kurewa
SAVE Beach in Manicaland Province is fast gaining recognition as one of Zimbabwe’s newest rural tourism hotspots, offering both domestic and international visitors a unique blend of leisure, culture, and natural beauty.
Nestled along the banks of the Save River near the iconic Birchenough Bridge, the inland beach is drawing crowds eager to swim, relax, and enjoy recreational activities in a serene natural setting.
Visitors expressed their delight at the experience.
“We are very excited to be here. This beach is something else. It is breathtaking,
“We came all the way from Mutare Urban to relax here. This has given us an opportunity to swim, play games, and take part in other activities,
“With this hot weather, the beach is very handy. It gives us the much-needed cooling,” they said.
Local leadership and government officials say the developments go beyond leisure, as they hold transformative potential for surrounding communities.
“This is a place that was almost forgotten, but this activity has put our name on the national stage, if not the international stage. Look at the numbers that are here. These people are drinking, eating, sleeping, and spending money. This is boosting our local economy to unimaginable levels. We have never seen this before, said Buhera South MP, Honourable Ngonidzashe Mudekunye.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Honourable Barbra Rwodzi emphasised the importance of community-driven accommodation.
“Building a hotel or lodges is something else, but we want to use these homes that are dotted around here, converting them into suitable accommodation for tourists. This will change lives by 2030. An upper middle-income society can be realised in this whole area,” she said.
Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Misheck Mugadza, noted that Save Beach is one of the largest inland beaches in southern and eastern Africa.
“With this development, we can see the President’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind in action. This inland beach, one of the first in the country, is complemented by the giant Birchenough Bridge behind us. There is even potential for hotel construction to provide better views of the bridge. Visitors can also access other nearby attractions such as Chirinda Forest, Matendera ruins, and several newly discovered heritage sites in Buhera,” he said.
Other attractions surrounding Save Beach and the Eastern Highlands include the Hot Springs, Vumba Mountains, Mount Nyangani, Mutarazi Falls, and Nyan’ombe Falls.
The province is also renowned for its timber, tea, and banana plantations, making it one of Zimbabwe’s most scenic regions.
