The Turaco Trail

If you’re seeking an incredible trail with the thrill of adventure, don’t look any further than the Turaco Trail. This hiking trail is just as spectacular, whimsical, and magical as the turaco species.

The trail is located within Zimbabwe’s Nyanga National Park, home to the highest areas in the country and the most scenic natural landscapes.

WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE THE TURACO TRAIL?

Hikers get to explore various ecosystems, including afro montane forests and grassland landscapes. The design of this trail was done in such a way as to showcase the most beautiful parts of the area’s mountain wilderness.

The Turaco Trail is excellent for:

Keen birders
Anyone training for Kilimanjaro
Lovers of true wilderness experiences
Keen flora and fauna enthusiasts
Keen orchid enthusiasts

THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR ON THE TURACO TRAIL

The Turaco Trail offers something for everyone! Whether you’re hoping to see unique botany, birds, or incredible landscape features, you’ll find it if you embark on the Turaco Trail.

Birds you can spot here include:

Livingstones Turaco
Red-faced Crimsonwing
Blue Swallow
Swynertons Robin
White-Tailed Crested Flycatchers
Orange Ground Thrush
Pale Batis

Look out for these special trees/plants:

Pungwe Lily or Nyanga Fireball (scadoxus pole-Evansii)
Scodoxus Multiflorus

Must-see landscape features include:

Pungwe Gorge
Chikorkoto Summit
Tuckers Gap
Nyazengu Falls
Nyazengu Ridge
Gairezi Waterfall
Mt Nyangani Summit

waterfalls-turaco-trail-zimbabwe-trailfoods

WHEN TO HIKE THE TURACO TRAIL

The best months to hike the Turaco Trail are during April, May, Sept, Oct and Nov.

The trail organisers will discuss a detailed weather forecast with all hikers during your trail briefing. Bear in mind that the weather can change rapidly since the trail is a mountain environment.

To ensure that no hikers’ safety is compromised during harsh weather conditions, the trail may get closed at times, or hikers may have to exit the trail.

ABOUT THE TURACO TRAIL

Here’s all the essential information you need to know if you’re interested in booking the Turaco Trail.

Firstly, don’t underestimate the terrain. This trail is set in inaccessible and rugged mountain terrain, so hikers will go through a detailed trail briefing. Here you will have to fill out indemnity forms and receive trail information that includes route details and your estimated time of return. Since this is an authentic wilderness trail, there aren’t many signs on the hike, but the trail path is clear.

The overnight wild camps, perennial water sources, and trail emergency exit points are well-mapped, so you don’t have to worry about advanced map reading abilities.

Hikers also have the option to hire a GPS with the trail map

How Long Is The Turaco Hiking Trail?

There are various options to choose from. These range from 5 nights and 6 days (70km), 4 nights and 5 days (64km), and 2 nights and 3 days (32km).

There is also an option for a customised trail.

Difficulty Rating

The trail is challenging and strenuous in certain areas, so hikers should generally have above-average fitness levels. The trail is limited to 12 hikers at a time for self-guided groups.

Fitness Level Required

If you’d like to maximise your enjoyment on the trail, we recommend some form of training before you head out on the Turaco.

Various hikers go on the Turaco Trail as part of their training for Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp.

Age Limit

Hikers must be 12 years or older, although younger children and families can base themselves at the Mutarazi Cottages or the Falls Camp Site. From here, they can go on day trips on the trail and explore areas like the summit of Chikorokoto.

Backpack Information

Self-carry or slackpacking.

Accommodation

Hikers will enjoy wild camping on the trail and can choose to sleep at any of the FAR and WIDE accommodation options before and after the Turaco.

Water

There are perennial freshwater springs and streams throughout the route.

Hikers do not need to take water purification solutions, as all water on this trail is fabulously fresh, clear, and potable.

Facilities

You will not find any facilities on the hike, and you will need to carry everything from your tents, sleeping mats, and cooking equipment.

It’s always a good idea to see whether you can share certain items, such as cooking equipment or first aid kits, with fellow hikers.

If you’d prefer the slackpacking option, you can hire porters to carry everything so that you just have to carry your day packs. The porters will also set up your tents, and your camp will be ready when you arrive after the day’s hike.

Hikers can also hire a professional mountain guide to accompany them on the trail.

Important Information

Only one group is permitted in any designated wild camp at a time, and hikers may only walk the trail in one direction, so you will never see anyone else on the trail. There is strict trail access control.

There is a radio communications network along the trail to ensure that most areas of the trail have radio signal coverage for emergencies. FAR and WIDE also offer a professional mountain search and rescue service to guests on the trail.

The closest emergency unit is in the Honde Valley. However, FAR and WIDE can get hikers to Mutare or Harare via helicopter in the event of an emergency.

DIFFERENT OPTIONS FOR THE TURACO TRAIL

There are four different options to choose from on the Turaco Trail, making this trail versatile and exciting for returning hikers.

Far and Wide - Out and Back Hike (70km)

This route was introduced in 2020 and is the newest option on the trail.

It takes most people 5 nights and 6 days to complete this route.

The Thru Hike - Far and Wide to Aberfoyle Lodge (60km)

This route is 4 nights and 5 days hike.

It was opened to the public in 2012 and it took four years to construct this hiking trail!

The Pungwe Gorge Loop (32km)

If you’re looking for a shorter route, this option will take most people 2 nights and 3 days to complete.

Custom Hike

The Turaco Trail also caters for those looking for something unique or a trail based on experience level or particular sights.

If you’re interested in a customised trail, send an email to info@farandwide.co.zw.

The Turaco Hiking Routes

Hikers can safely leave their vehicles parked at FAR and WIDE. Here’s a look at the highlights of the three dedicated trails.

Far and Wide - Out and Back

Day 1: Start off at FAR and WIDE and hike over Chikorokoto. You will then hike down into the Pungwe Gorge, where you can choose to either camp at Bernie’s or Eddy’s Eddy, depending on your route.
Day 2: Ascend out of the Pungwe Gorge along the Western side of the Nyazengu Gorge. Hike to the Golden Pools, where you will camp.
Day 3: Hike to the summit of Nyangani before going down to Juliet’s camp at the Gairezi River’s source.
Day 4: Follow the Eastern escarpment of the spectacular Mt Nyangani before heading down to the Forest camp above the Nyazengu Falls.
Day 5: Hikers follow the Eastern ridge of the Nyazengu Gorge and descend into the Pungwe Gorge. Here you will either camp at Bernie’s or at Eddy’s Eddy, depending on the route you took on Day 1.
Day 6: Ascend and exit the Pungwe Gorge over Chikorokto and return to FAR and WIDE.

The Thru Hike - Far and Wide to Aberfoyle Lodge

This hiking option follows the Out and Back trail to Juliet’s camp.

Day 1 to Day 3 will be exactly the same as above.
Day 4: instead of turning back towards FAR and WIDE, hikers will continue to make their way towards little Nyangani and down into the forest. On this night, you will camp at the Turaco Camp that sits above Nyawamba Falls.
Day 5: Descend through the Muruwe and Dzunzwa gap on your final day and head down into Aberfoyle Lodge.

The Pungwe Gorge Loop (Hikers Can Choose Their Direction)

Day 1: Start off at FAR and WIDE and hike over Chikorokoto. From here, you will head down into the Pungwe Gorge, where you can choose to either camp at Eddy’s Eddy or at Bernie’s, depending on your route direction.
Day 2: This day offers a gentle hike along the Pungwe River. Follow the trail to your next camp, which will be either Bernie’s or Eddy’s Eddy.
Day 3: Hikers make their way back out of the Pungwe Gorge, walking along Chikorokoto before returning to FAR and WIDE.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE TURACO TRAIL

There are so many things to expect, but mostly, you can expect an absolutely authentic wilderness experience!

Although this hike is challenging, it will reward you every step of the way, and you will feel completely recharged after your immersive journey through the different environments.

CURRENT COST TO HIKE THE TURACO HIKING TRAIL (2024)

The most recent rate to hike the Turaco Trail is US$25 per person per day (residents) or US$35 per person per day for non-residents. This daily fee includes National Parks entry fees, wild camping fees and trail fees.

To have a mountain guide accompany your group will cost US$200 per day (you can divide this fee between the whole group).
You can get porter services at the cost of US$40 per person per day.
Please note that tips are not included in these prices and that a minimum of 10% is usual.

HOW TO BOOK TO HIKE THE TURACO TRAIL

There is a form on the website that, although long, does give a complete idea of what you can hire, and what you might need, as well as an estimated quote.

You can also email info@farandwide.co.zw if you’d like to make a booking.

GETTING TO THE TURACO TRAIL

Closest airport: Harare (Transfers from Harare International Airport are available on request.)
Nearest major city/town: Mutare
Drive from Harare: +- 4 hours

For those that want to get to their hike as fast as possible!!

Fixed-wing charter flights to Katiyo Airstrip or Mutare are available on request.

Or you can even charter a Helicopter flight to the Far and Wide property! Rates on request.

How To Reach the Starting Point for the Turaco Trail

Here’s how to get to FAR and WIDE Zimbabwe (and the SkyDeck Mountain Retreat).

If you’re driving on the Mutare/Nyanga Road, take the turnoff 1km before Juliusdale.
Turn right onto the Mutare/Nyanga Road before Juliusdale.
Continue driving for 11.7km.
Turn left onto a dirt road. Here you will see a green sign that says “Mutarazi Falls SkyWalk.”
Continue driving for 10kms, and ignore any turns from the Nyakupinga/Shanon Road.
Turn left on the Pungwe Scenic Road. You will again see a green sign directing you to the Mutarazi Falls SkyWalk.
Drive another 2.4km to reach the Mutarazi Falls Road turnoff.

To reach the FAR and WIDE HQ and the Mutarazi Cottages:

Turn right onto the Mutarazi Road and drive for 4km to reach the entrance to FAR and WIDE. The Mutarazi Cottages are the visible stone cottages.

WHAT TO PACK FOR THE TURACO HIKING TRAIL

If you’re looking for our ultimate advice on what to pack on trail, check out our tried-and-tested recommendations.

Once you have booked your spot on the Turaco Trail, FAR and WIDE will send you a rough outline of a kit list.

If you foresee any logistical troubles hauling your kit to Zimbabwe, or prefer to get your equipment there, FAR and WIDE has a huge range of suitable equipment for hire.

These rental items include tents, stoves, fuel bottles, backpacks, sleeping bags, chairs, camping mats, trekking poles, GPS units, radios, maps and compasses.

HOW TO PACK FOR THE TURACO TRAIL

Whenever embarking on multi-day hikes, there are certain do’s and don’ts to consider when packing your backpack.

A general rule of thumb is to share the load of necessities with fellow hikers. There’s no need to pack multiples of certain items like stoves, pots, gas canisters, or first aid kits when you can easily share these between hikers.

DON'T FORGET TO

Pack rain gear! Since this trail is in the mountains, it means that it could rain at any time. The dry season is from April to October, while the wet season is from November to March. Always be prepared for rain when you’re in the mountains, though.

Also, avoid prominent positions, rocky outcrops, or isolated trees during lightning storms. Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands have some of the highest frequency of lightning strikes in the world due to the large concentrations of dolomite rock.

FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Turaco Trail:

What happens if you have to cancel the hike due to the weather?

If your trip needs to get cancelled due to bad weather, FAR and WIDE will help you rearrange your trip by postponing it, or they will offer you a refund.

Is the Turaco Trail ever closed?

No, the Turaco Trail is open all year unless it needs to get closed due to bad weather.

Are fires allowed on the Turaco Trail?

Fires are only allowed in designated areas, and only camping stoves are allowed.

Are there any bathroom facilities on the Turaco Trail?

No, there aren’t any toilets available along the hiking trail. Walk about five minutes from any water source when nature calls.

AND THEN...

Have you looked into the Turaco Trail? If so, you’ve probably seen some INCREDIBLE photos of the highest suspension bridges and zip lines in the world!

The Mtarazi Falls, where these activities take place, is also the highest waterfall in Zimbabwe and the second-highest in Africa.

Sadly these activities are not included in the cost of the hike. But they look awesome, and the costs to do them are as follows:

$50 skywalk
$80 skyline
$100 combination

Also on offer

White water rafting
Kayaking
Guided birding walks
And more…

Our recommendation…since you’re here already it would be crazy not to try at least one of these epic activities. Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do!

FINAL THOUGHTS

We don’t know about you, but everything about the Turaco Trail gets us excited! If you need any help in compiling a meal pack for your Turaco Trail, get in touch with us or go and take a look at our range of hiking meal goodies.

Our curated multi-day packs are ideal for this adventure, and you’ll have delicious meals throughout your trip!

You can even have your Trail Food bag customised at a small additional cost especially for your trail!

If you’ve already been on the Turaco Trail, let us know – we love to hear from our fellow hikers!

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The Trail Food Co would like to thank Chris Cragg from Far and Wide for all of the epic photographs of the Turaco Trail.

If you have an epic hike or trail to share, or if there are any corrections or updates that you would like to suggest to this trail guide, please email

trish(at)trailfood.co.za