Burma Valley coffee, banana and pineapple plantations. The road to Bvumba leads past hospitable country hotels with a reputation for comfort and fine cuisine, and ends in the Burma valley. The valley is laced with rivers and faces the Mozambique hills.

La Rochelle Botanical Gardens, situated north west of Mutare in Penhalonga was once home to Sir Stephen and Lady Courtauld. Eighty hectares of woodland, and six hectares of formal gardens, are now administered by the National Trust.

Lake Alexander. The focus of Lake Alexander, 40 km north of Mutare is a Sailing Club with a thatched clubhouse, kitchen, ablution block and braai area. The Lake is a haven of peace and beauty surrounded by pines and firs. Sailing, Rowing and Fishing are activities for visitors. (Both Bass and Trout are plentiful in this lake.)

Osborne Dam on the main road between Mutare and Nyanga (take the Kudusberg Road to travel west) has picnic, camp and caravan sites as well at two equipped self-catering lodges.

Enquiries and Reservations may be made at National Parks Central Booking Office off Sandringham Drive in Alexandra Park, Harare. PO Box CY140, Causeway, Harare. Tel: 263-4-706077/8. Fax: 263-4-726089. E-mail: reservations@zimparks.co.zw