Your cottage is fully equipped for Self Catering. The kitchen has both gas and electric cookers and an outside stone braai in the garden. Firewood is supplied for your braai and for the fireplace inside the cottage. Fridge, freezer, kettle, toaster and microwave are standard.
Mosquitoes: Bring insect repellent for evening times. November to March, the mozzies are abundant. In the past it was believed that Chimanimani was a malaria free area. However there have recently been malaria cases treated at our local clinic. We provide Mosquito nets over your bed.
Power Supply: Bring a torch. Head torches are invaluable tools in Zimbabwe! 220 v. Square pin. Adaptors are available on request. Presently the power supply in Zimbabwe is highly unreliable throughout the country. A good idea to bring some sort of light be it a camping lamp or head torch or both and spare batteries. You are advised to stock up on ice and coldies for your cooler box wherever you can. Chimanimani presently receives power from midnight to 5am.
Linen: Sheets and towels are provided and your cottage is serviced daily if you wish. You do need to bring your own soaps and shampoo. We utilise a wood boiler (burning alien species) so, water being available, a hot shower or bath can be relied upon. Please let Jane, Dee or Constance know if you need hot water during the day - the boiler is generally on by 4pm and the water hot by 6pm for evening showers.
Water: Chimanimani water is better than drinkable, it is delicious. However, as with most of Zimbabwe the municipal supply remains erratic. The team at Frog & Fern work on a daily basis keeping full tanks at the cottages but we recommend you carry a 5 litre container for your vehicle and/or walks because you may not always find water elsewhere in the village.
Roads: A good tarred road leads to Chimanimani from Masvingo, Chipinge and Mutare. However once you reach the village be prepared for poor to very poor dirt roads. If you can possibly bring a 4×4 you will be thankful. Frog & Fern is only 1.5km from the tar and any robust sedan can make the trip. There are unlimited lovely walks right from your cottage door – so you need not use your vehicle again until departure. Be forewarned though, if you prefer to drive then visiting the nearby Bridal Veil falls, or Eland Sanctuary in a low slung motor like the Camry, BMW or an SLR will not make for happy driving. So if walking is not your thing, bring a 4×4 – you will be thankful.
Food: Bring your favourite foods… In the village you can buy the absolute basics only. Bring your own braai meat. While beers and soft drinks can be found you are advised to bring your own wine and spirits with you. Eating out can be a dismal experience unless you are particularly fond of sadza and mariwo. Stopping for take away PIZZA in Mutare is not a bad idea if you think you may arrive in Chimanimani too late to get cooking.
If you would like a Breakfast Pack supplied in your cottage just let us know when you book. The Breakfast pack is continental style.