Moçambique - Manica - Penha Longa _ 15.jpg
straddles the border with Zimbabwe, beginning about 20km north of Manica. It's cool and scenic and offers many
walks, all of which can be easily
undertaken from Casa Gaswa or Quinta
da Fronteira. The area is also home to
the Shona people and you'll see their
traditional painted dwelling compounds dotting the hillsides. Although there is
plenty of local cross-border activity, the
only official border crossing is between
Machipanda and Mutare (Zimbabwe) on the main road. It's possible to arrange to sleep in the
compound of a local family at Casa
Gaswa, a simple but nice rondavel in
Penha Longa's Mutombombwe area.
Local-style meals can be arranged, but
it's a good idea to bring some food and drink with you from Manica. If Casa Gaswa is occupied, you can also pitch a
tent on the grounds (campsite per
person Mtc150). Next door and under the same
management is Casa Mutombombwe, a
simple but well-equipped self-catering
house with electricity that sleeps up to
four people. Hiking guides can be
arranged at both places. There's also camping and a few basic
rooms in darkish thatch-and-brick
cottages at Quinta da Fronteira, an old
mansion about 3km from Casa Gaswa
with a stream nearby and a once-beautiful botanical garden. Bring all your own food and drink. Pink Papaya in Chimoio can help with arrangements for all of
these places.
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