Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Manica Lodge $$
( 82-872 6668, 251-62452; d in small/large rondavel Mtc1117/1755)
At the western
end of town, about 400m off the main road (watch for the signposted turn-off just after the
immigration office), this amenable establishment has stone
rondavels
scattered around
tranquil, manicured gardens. The larger ones are reasonably spacious, with TV and private
bathrooms. Out the back are several less appealing
rondavels
that are tiny, and do not
have TV. There's also a restaurant and a three-room self-catering house.
LODGE
Getting There & Away
All transport departs from the market, diagonally opposite Millennium BIM.
Chapas
run
frequently to/from Chimoio (Mtc65, one hour) and to the Zimbabwe border (Mtc25, 30
minutes).
A LEGEND OF PENHA LONGA
During the late-19th century, Penha Longa lay in the centre of a disputed area. To the west were the lands of the
kingdom of Manica. To the southeast was the territory of the powerful Gaza chief Ngungunhane.
These two kingdoms had long been enemies, and Ngungunhane's troops staged frequent raids into Manica. To
protect themselves from the invaders, the people of Penha Longa would send heralds up the mountain to
Mudododo village (on what is now the Zimbabwe border), from where they had wide views down over the val-
leys. When these heralds saw Ngungunhane's forces coming, they would notify the villagers, who would set out
roots from a certain plant for the invaders and then flee the village. Although this type of root closely resembled
yam, a local staple, it was actually poisonous. The invaders were not able to tell the difference and would eat it
and then fall ill. In this way, the residents of Penha Longa were able to protect themselves and resist the Gaza in-
vaders.
Penha Longa
The mountainous Penha Longa area 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 hill-
