I mentioned in a previous blog that Woody and I had taken the opportunity, during the hottest months in Kariba, to take a familiarisation trip to the Eastern Highlands of our beautiful Zimbabwe.
We started at Musangano in Mutare, then progressed to the Bvumba. Many years before we had been invited by Woody’s mom and step father to take a day trip to the Bvumba. We had a lovely day out, and although I wasn’t sure where the various lodges were that we had visited that day, when Woody and I were driving along on this trip I gave the poor chap a heart attack by suddenly telling him to stop! I had recognised a turning we had just passed and was sure the sign saying White Horse Inn was one of the places we had visited on that previous trip. Woody was not convinced but being a good sport, he duly turned the vehicle around to go and see where this charming forest road led to.
As soon as we drove into the car park of the White Horse Inn, I knew we had been there before. Woody had no recollection of it, so of course I immediately sent off a whatsapp selfie to his mom . She confirmed my suspicions and I won the “bet.” We asked if we could have a look around and were both immediately won over by the old world charm of the Inn. The staff are extremely helpful and even though we were the only guests there, they immediately offered us a cold drink and the lunch menu.
Their a la carte menu was extensive and we were very keen to try it. We had our meal outside on the patio overlooking the lush gardens and were struck by how many bird calls there were. It was such a relaxing setting, with brilliant service. Neither of us was disappointed with our meal, and on top of the fact the food was out of this world, the prices were very reasonable.
After our meal, we took a stroll around the premises to really have a good look at the terraced gardens. There were lots of little seating areas where you could take a load off and just sit and enjoy the bird life. At one of these outdoor table and chairs was a tree that had one of the biggest, most gorgeous orchids growing in it that I have ever seen! Definitely a gardeners delight. To top it off, at the bottom of the garden we came across a bubbling stream! If we had had more time I think it would be the perfect location to put a picnic blanket down and watch for the Samango monkeys that frequent the area.
I was so impressed with the White Horse Inn that I requested a site visit so I could add the Inn to our website. This was quickly organised and, although the rooms are now looking ever so slightly dated, they are still extremely comfortable and clean and have a very special feel about them that fits in with the general Old World feel of the place. It feels like you have stepped back a little in time. Woody, in particular, loved the traditional cosy bar, which has a log fire ready to be lit if the nights (or days) are cold.
We were very reluctant to pull ourselves away, but knew we had to get to our accommodation for the night, which was a little drive away still. Sadly (or not so sadly in our case) when we got to the cottage that had been reserved for us, it was not at all suitable, and we were now stuck! So we very quickly called Ben at The White Horse Inn and asked if we could book in for the night at the last minute, he very efficiently organised it all. By the time we got to the Inn, the staff were on standby and booked us in straight away and then escorted us and our luggage to a Mini Suite as an upgrade.
We spent a lovely night there, and enjoyed another scrumptious meal, this time in the quaint dining room. To top it all off, as we were about to head to our suite for the evening, it started to very gently rain, nothing better than falling asleep to the gentle pitter-patter of rain on the roof, with a full tummy and wonderful new memories from a new destination found. Of our entire trip to the Eastern Highlands, Woody and I both agreed that The White Horse Inn had something charming and magical about it that made it our favourite stop-over. If you are ever in the Bvumba area, we highly recommend The White Horse Inn, even if just for a meal.
My Personal Rating of:
*Best cuisine in the Easter Highlands
Contact Us
Package Deals
For package deals that include accommodation, as well as other lodges, activities and annual event participation in and around the Eastern Highlands, Matopos, Kariba & Vic Falls area.
