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Masvingo Orchards

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Agriculture
—°1
Masvingo Orchards (Zimbabwe)

Weather…

The Masvingo Orchards are located near Lake Mutirikwi, formerly Lake Kyle, and benefit significantly from the availability of irrigation water in an otherwise rather dry region. Masvingo, the country's oldest colonial settlement, has developed into a major agro-industrial center, with orcharding playing a central role. Particularly notable are the citrus plantations, which produce high yields thanks to the sunny climate and controlled water supply. The region's soils are rich in minerals, which positively influences the quality of the fruits, especially oranges and lemons. Besides citrus, mangoes and guavas are also grown for the local market. The proximity to the Great Zimbabwe ruins adds immense historical significance to the region, often combined with ecological tours through the orchards. Modern agricultural techniques, such as drip irrigation, are used to optimize water usage from Lake Mutirikwi. The orchards are not only an economic factor but also a major employer for the local population in the Masvingo province.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232322201715151721232423
Rain mm1131051004911873152883147

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The orchards of Masvingo in Zimbabwe are a major fruit cultivation center in the province. They supply the region with fresh fruit and serve as suppliers for processing plants.
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Visiting
The orchards are visible from surrounding roads, especially along the road to Great Zimbabwe. Some farms offer seasonal farm tours for a small fee.
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Where to view it
A good viewpoint is the elevation near the Great Zimbabwe ruins, from where the vast orchards can be overlooked. The hills west of Masvingo also offer a nice view.
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Local products
The orchards mainly grow citrus fruits, bananas, and avocados. Seasonally, fresh mangoes and papayas are available at Masvingo markets.
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Active season
The harvest season for most fruits falls between October and March, when the orchards are most active. In the winter months of June to August, activity is lower.
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Nearby
A visit to the orchards can ideally be combined with the famous Great Zimbabwe ruins. Lake Mutirikwi also gives opportunities for relaxation and birdwatching.

Geography

Coordinates
-20.10000, 30.80000

Facts

  • Masvingo was founded in 1890 and was named Fort Victoria until 1982.
  • Lake Mutirikwi was the largest dam in Zimbabwe at the time of its construction.
  • Citrus fruits from this region are exported throughout Southern Africa.
  • The average annual temperature in Masvingo is approximately 19.4 degrees Celsius.
  • The Great Zimbabwe ruins are located only 28 kilometers south of the city.
  • Irrigation systems support over 1,000 hectares of commercial farmland.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

MasvingoMasvingo4 km · NEExplore →
Lake MutirikwiLake Mutirikwi15 km · NWExplore →
Great ZimbabweGreat Zimbabwe22 km · NWExplore →
MashavaMashava38 km · SExplore →
Drakensberg Conservation CenterDrakensberg Conservation Center40 km · WExplore →
Bikita MineralsBikita Minerals72 km · NExplore →
Mvuma Wildlife RanchMvuma Wildlife Ranch83 km · SEExplore →
MvumaMvuma84 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Masvingo Orchards (1)

Mucheke Stadium📍 landmark

Mucheke Stadium is a sports venue in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, used for football and athletics.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What grows in the orchards?
Various citrus fruits and local produce.
Can I buy fruit?
Yes, often right at the roadside.
Is this a tourist spot?
It is more of an agricultural area.
When is the best travel time?
Everything is most colorful during harvest months.
Are there guided tours?
Only by prior private arrangement.
Masvingo Orchards: where is it located?
Masvingo Orchards is located in Zimbabwe.
Masvingo Orchards: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Masvingo Orchards: why is it worth visiting?
The Masvingo Orchards are located near Lake Mutirikwi, formerly Lake Kyle, and benefit significantly from the availability of irrigation water in an otherwise rather dry region.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Masvingo — Masvingo Orchards (Zimbabwe)
Masvingo
Masvingo is the oldest colonial-era settlement in Zimbabwe and is famous for being the gateway to the Great Zimbabwe ruins.
Chiredzi — Masvingo Orchards (Zimbabwe)
Chiredzi
Chiredzi is the main town in the southeastern Lowveld and is synonymous with Zimbabwe's massive sugar cane industry.
Mashava — Masvingo Orchards (Zimbabwe)
Mashava
Mashava is a historic mining settlement west of Masvingo, primarily known for its past as a major center for asbestos production.
🗺️
Lake Mutirikwi
Zimbabwe's largest inland dam offers spectacular water views and is located near the historic Great Zimbabwe ruins.
Triangle — Masvingo Orchards (Zimbabwe)
Triangle
Triangle is a specialized company town in the southeastern Lowveld, entirely dedicated to the production and processing of sugar cane.

History & landmarks

Masvingo Civic Centre — Masvingo Orchards (Zimbabwe)
Masvingo Civic Centre
The hub of municipal administration in Zimbabwe's oldest colonial town.
Gonarezhou — Masvingo Orchards (Zimbabwe)
Gonarezhou
Gonarezhou means 'place of elephants' and is a rugged, remote park famous for its majestic red Chilojo Cliffs.

Nature

Lake Mutirikwi — Masvingo Orchards (Zimbabwe)
Lake Mutirikwi
A large reservoir near Masvingo.
Chiredzi River — Masvingo Orchards (Zimbabwe)
Chiredzi River
A river in the south-east, important for sugarcane.
Runde River — Masvingo Orchards (Zimbabwe)
Runde River
A tributary in the Gonarezhou National Park.
Nuanetsi River — Masvingo Orchards (Zimbabwe)
Nuanetsi River
A river in the south, part of the Limpopo basin.

More places

Old Fort Victoria — Masvingo Orchards (Zimbabwe)
Old Fort Victoria
One of the first forts built by the Pioneer Column in 1890.
Great Zimbabwe — Masvingo Orchards (Zimbabwe)
Great Zimbabwe
The ruins of the ancient city of Great Zimbabwe were once the center of a vast empire.
Drakensberg Conservation Center — Masvingo Orchards (Zimbabwe)
Drakensberg Conservation Center
A wildlife conservation center in the region.
Bikita Minerals — Masvingo Orchards (Zimbabwe)
Bikita Minerals
Home to one of the world's largest known lithium deposits.
Triangle Sugar Estate and Mill — Masvingo Orchards (Zimbabwe)
Triangle Sugar Estate and Mill
A vast sugarcane plantation and processing facility in the Lowveld region.
🗺️
Lowveld Sugar Plantations
Large plantations for sugar cane cultivation in the southeast.
Runde Forest — Masvingo Orchards (Zimbabwe)
Runde Forest
Forest along the Runde River.
Chiredzi Wildlife Ranch — Masvingo Orchards (Zimbabwe)
Chiredzi Wildlife Ranch
A large ranch for conserving native wildlife.