Things To Do
in Gwanda
Gwanda is a town located in the Matabeleland South province of Zimbabwe. It is known for its hot and dry climate, with the surrounding landscape mostly characterized by bushveld and savannah. The town is a hub for farming, particularly livestock and crop production.
Gwanda also has a small mining industry, primarily focused on gold and coal.
- "Wakadini zvako?" - How are you?
- "Ndiwe chete!" - It's just you!
- "Ndokumbirawo!" - Please!
- "Ndinokuda!" - I love you!
- "Makorokoto!" - Congratulations!
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Gwanda Museum, where you can learn about the local culture and history. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local café to fuel your adventures.
Take a walk through the town center, exploring local shops and markets. Don’t miss the chance to try traditional Zimbabwean dishes for lunch at a nearby eatery.
As the sun sets, relax at one of the local parks. Enjoy dinner at a popular restaurant while mingling with locals.
Kick off your day with a hike in the nearby Matobo Hills National Park. Witness breathtaking scenery and lookout for wildlife.
Have a picnic lunch amidst the hills, enjoying the tranquility of nature. Spend some time visiting the historical sites within the park.
As dusk approaches, observe the stunning sunset over the hills. Head back to Gwanda for a delightful dinner in town.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich mineral resources, including gold and chrome, providing economic opportunities.
- Warm climate conducive to agriculture and tourism.
- Cultural diversity and historical significance.
- Close-knit community and low crime rates compared to urban areas.
- Scenic landscapes and opportunities for outdoor activities.
- Limited access to healthcare and educational facilities.
- Underdeveloped infrastructure, including roads and utilities.
- Economic challenges and high unemployment rates.
- Frequent droughts affecting agricultural production.
- Political instability impacting governance and local services.
Best Activities in Gwanda
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the scenic views, unique rock formations, and wildlife in Matobo National Park, known for its granite hills and rich biodiversity.
Learn about the history and culture of the region, including the local mineral resources, heritage, and traditions.
Enjoy a relaxing day of fishing at Gwanda Dam, which offers a peaceful atmosphere and the chance to catch various fish species.
Engage in wildlife viewing and photography in Gwanda Game Park, where you can spot diverse animal species in their natural habitat.
Camp under the stars in designated campsites around Gwanda, allowing you to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor activities.
Take part in bird watching tours around Gwanda, which is home to numerous bird species, making it a great spot for avian enthusiasts.
Visit local markets in Gwanda to experience the vibrant culture, taste traditional foods, and buy handmade crafts from local artisans.
Places to Visit in Gwanda
Visit one of these nice places.
A serene location featuring a large dam surrounded by beautiful scenery, offering stunning views of the water and adjacent hills, perfect for sunset photography.
These hills provide breathtaking panoramic views of the Gwanda area, ideal for both landscape photography and capturing the natural beauty of the surroundings.
A wide-open space with vast grasslands, offering unique photo opportunities with the local wildlife and traditional homesteads in the backdrop.
The bustling main street provides vibrant street photography opportunities with local markets, shops, and the everyday life of Gwanda residents.
This valley offers dramatic landscapes, featuring rolling hills and valleys, making it an excellent spot for capturing nature and wildlife.
A tranquil river location that is perfect for capturing reflections and the lush surrounding vegetation, especially during the rainy season.
While not in Gwanda proper, this nearby park offers some of the most scenic views, with granite hill formations and diverse flora and fauna, great for photography.
Food in Gwanda
Gwanda Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A staple dish consisting of thick maize meal porridge, typically served with a variety of meat such as beef, chicken, or goat. Best enjoyed at local eateries and homesteads.
Must-Try!
A local delicacy made from edible caterpillars, often dried and seasoned before being consumed. Can be found at markets and traditional food stalls.
A traditional pumpkin and peanut butter stew, offering a unique blend of savory and nutty flavors. Available at local eateries and family-run restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub of local culinary delights where visitors can sample fresh produce, meats, and a variety of street food including grilled skewers, fried fritters, and traditional maize-based snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Gwanda, it is important to greet people properly when you meet them. A handshake combined with a friendly greeting is common. It is respectful to address people by their titles or the appropriate terms of respect according to their age or social status.
Dress modestly and appropriately, especially in rural areas. Traditional attire is highly regarded, and wearing smart casual or formal clothing can show respect for local customs and values.
In Zimbabwean culture, elders are highly respected. Always show deference when communicating with older individuals, listen attentively, and address them formally. Avoid interrupting or speaking out of turn, as this is considered disrespectful.
Safety
Tipping in Gwanda
Ensure a smooth experience
In Gwanda, Zimbabwe, tipping is generally not mandatory but is viewed as a gesture of appreciation for good service, particularly in the hospitality and restaurant sectors. It is common for patrons to leave a small tip, usually ranging from 5% to 10% of the total bill, although the amount may vary based on the quality of service and the individual's discretion. Tipping practices may also extend to taxi drivers and hotel staff.
Payment practices in Gwanda involve a mix of cash and electronic transactions. Cash is widely used due to limited access to banking facilities and the prevalence of inflation affecting currency value. However, mobile money services like EcoCash are popular for both personal transactions and business payments, allowing for safer and more convenient exchanges. Businesses might accept mobile payments, but cash remains the dominant method for everyday purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Summer in Gwanda is characterized by hot temperatures and a higher likelihood of rainfall. Expect temperatures to reach around 30°C (86°F) during the day. This is also the rainy season, so visitors should be prepared for occasional thunderstorms and lush green landscapes.
Autumn offers more moderate temperatures, ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). Rainfall decreases significantly, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the natural beauty of the region. Wildlife is more active and visible during this season as the vegetation begins to dry up.
Winter brings the coolest temperatures, often dropping to around 10°C (50°F) at night, while daytime temperatures can reach up to 25°C (77°F). This is the dry season, making it the best time for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources.
Spring marks the transition to warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). The days are generally dry, and the region starts to see the first rains towards the end of October. This is a great time for photography as the landscape begins to bloom.
Gwanda at Night
Hiking in Gwanda
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A prominent hiking destination offering challenging trails and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Located near Gwanda, this park features dramatic granite hills and is known for its rich biodiversity and historical significance.
A lesser-known hiking area with beautiful scenery, offering trails that are suitable for different skill levels.
A scenic trail around Gwenhoro Lodge, perfect for family hikes and enjoying the local flora and fauna.
Features various paths along the Kezi Road, allowing hikers to experience the serene landscapes and local wildlife.
Aiports
How to reach Gwanda by plane.
Located in Bulawayo, approximately 120 km from Gwanda, this airport serves domestic and international flights.
Located in Harare, about 400 km from Gwanda, this is the largest airport in Zimbabwe, handling international flights.
Located approximately 600 km from Gwanda, this airport provides access to the popular tourist destination of Victoria Falls and accommodates international flights.
Situated in Francistown, Botswana, about 120 km from Gwanda, it serves regional flights and is accessible from Zimbabwe.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Zimbabwe, including Gwanda, known for their rich culture and history.
The second largest ethnic group in Zimbabwe, particularly prominent in the southwestern regions including Gwanda.
A demographic group in Gwanda, primarily related to the Tswana people from Botswana.
An indigenous group that resides in parts of Gwanda, known for their unique cultural practices.
Includes smaller ethnic groups and immigrant communities, contributing to the diversity of Gwanda.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Gwanda, played by both men and women, with local teams and community leagues participating in competitions.
Netball is widely played, especially among women and young girls, with schools and local clubs actively competing in tournaments.
Cricket has a growing following in Gwanda, with enthusiasts forming teams and participating in friendly matches and local competitions.
Rugby is gaining popularity, with initiatives aimed at introducing and promoting the sport among the youth in the region.
Athletics events, including running and field sports, are common in schools and community events, encouraging physical fitness and competition.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Gwanda.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While meat features prominently in local cuisine, many eateries in Gwanda offer vegetarian and vegan adaptations of traditional dishes. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Several restaurants and cafes in Gwanda cater to gluten-free dietary needs, providing menu items prepared using gluten-free ingredients and preparation methods.