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 The
nucleus of the combined area was bought by Government from
Mr. F.J. Taylor in 1957 and was proclaimed a National Park
in 1958. In 1960, the name of the Gardens was changed to Vumba
National Park and again in 1975 to the present Vumba Botanical
Garden.
Manchester Farm, situated in the Vumba Mountains, was initially
bought in 1926 by the late Mr. F.J. Taylor, a Mutare businessman
who at one time was the Mayor of Umtali (now Mutare). He developed
it as a weekend proposition and his wife started a garden
by removing the raw bush, but preserving the indigenous trees.
In 1940, shortly before he retired from business, Mr. Taylor
built a dam on the farm. Mrs. Taylor soon converted it to
cover about 1½ hectares. Friends and casual visitors
enthused over the Taylor’s garden and persuaded them
to open it to the public.
Known as Manchester Park then, the Gardens became a tourist
attraction and were visited by many thousands during and after
World War II. Today several thousand people visit the Gardens
annually from every corner of the globe.
On Mrs. Taylor’s death in 1954, her husband continued
maintaining the Gardens although he had been crippled with
arthritis. With the passage of time, he realised that the
task was beyond him and he therefore agreed to sell 201 ha
of Manchester Park, the remnant of the original Manchester
Farm, to the Government. Of the 201 hectares, 42 hectares
have been declared a Botanical Reserve and the other 159 hectares
a Botanical Garden.
 Flora
and Fauna
The well-wooded Park includes 159 hectares of landscaped gardens
built around perennial streams which form a small lake. Sheltered
walks between indigenous fern trees lead to displays of banked
hydrangeas, proteas and azaleas, begonias, lilies, aloes,
fuchsias, cycads and many other species.
A network of footpaths that enable visitors to explore the
interior of the Botanical Reserve has been opened. The Reserve
is well endowed with indigenous orchids and ferns. In the
Botanical Garden there are sheltered walks between the stately
indigenous tree ferns and azaleas. Strategically positioned
flower beds are encountered as one leisurely takes stock of
the Gardens. A superb collection of both the winter/spring
and summer flowering varieties has been assembled for the
visitors’ enjoyment throughout the year. To complement
the annuals, an herb garden, some roses, proteas, fuchsias,
cycads, tea bushes, aloes, camellia, and palm sections have
been set up.
The birdlife around the Garden and in the Reserve attracts
a number of visitors. Several species of birds can be recorded
whilst strolling along the many footpaths. Also found in large
numbers is the Samango monkey which is endemic to the Eastern
Highlands.
Facilities
Lodges
The self-catering lodges in the Garden are very popular with
visitors to the area.
Camp site
A camp site with ablution blocks with hot and cold water systems
is available in the Garden.
Caravan Sites
The caravan sites with beautiful panoramic views and electric
power points also have water borne sanitation.
Tea Room
A tea room offering refreshments is found in the middle of
the Gardens. The shop is open daily weather permitting. Light
meals can also be provided on request including cakes and
vegetarian dishes.
 Swimming
Pool
The swimming pool is located by the camping site.
Amenities
At nearby hotels, a number of activities can also be carried
out. Provisions can be found from the nearby shops or hotels
in the vicinity. The Leopard Rock, one of Zimbabwe’s
finest hotels provides riding, golfing, tennis and other holiday
activities.
Attractions & Activities
Why Visist Vumba?
How to get to Vumba Botanical & Reserve
The road winds up through steep mountains, heavily clothed
with Msasa trees, which present a brilliant tapestry of reds,
yellows and rich olive greens in the Zimbabwean spring. The
road from Mutare is tarred as far as Cloudlands, 17,7 kilometres
from Mutare. At Cloudlands, you turn right on to a gravel
road then travel for about 15 kilometres to the Park.
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