Situated in the picturesque Bvumba Mountains, Leopard Rock Hotel has something for everyone.
Location
Found at the top of the Bvumba Mountains in Zimbabwe’s beautiful Eastern Highlands, Leopard Rock Hotel was originally opened in 1946 and has since tripled in size. This property accommodates people of all ages and strives to have something for everyone. It is the ideal destination for weary travellers, nature lovers, golf enthusiasts and even those wishing to get married. It has been visited by numerous celebrities over the years, the most notable probably being the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret. The camp is accessed by flying into Mutare Airport and being transferred to the hotel via road (a 30km drive).
Rooms
There is a wide range of different accommodation options, including rooms and suites. No matter which you choose, your room will have comfortable bed(s), an en-suite bathroom, internet access and wi-fi and facilities and a seating area. Room service is also available for all rooms. There is a two-bedroomed Family Suite with interconnecting doors, which is suitable for guests with small children.
Facilities
The hotel’s heart is its broad verandahs, lounges and dining rooms that celebrate the Highlands’ tranquillity. An 18-hole championship golf course designed by Peter Matkovich is consistently ranked among Africa’s finest, drawing enthusiasts for leisurely or competitive play. There’s a swimming pool, casino, tennis and squash courts, bowling green and a gym, while the gardens and forest paths invite gentle exploration. Multiple restaurants and bars serve fresh, locally inspired cuisine in settings from formal to relaxed.
Activities
Beyond golf and sport, the game sanctuary adjacent to the hotel offers guided forest walks and wildlife viewing, with species such as impala, giraffe, nyala, zebra, eland and rare Samango monkeys in residence. Hiking trails through the indigenous forest and botanical gardens reveal scenic lookouts, and horse-riding can be arranged nearby. Birdwatching is excellent year-round, with abundant highland species in the gardens and woodlands. For cultural excursions, local villages, markets and Mutare city tours are easily accessible.
Sustainability
Leopard Rock’s location within a large forested estate helps protect important highland ecosystems, and its private game sanctuary contributes to habitat conservation and wildlife care in the region. The hotel supports local guides and community interactions, encouraging guests to learn about the Eastern Highlands’ natural and cultural heritage while promoting responsible tourism that benefits local livelihoods and environmental stewardship.
Let me help you create your perfect bespoke holiday
Best places to stay in Eastern Highlands
Zimbabwe Trip Inspiration
When to go to Zimbabwe
Find out the best time to visit Zimbabwe with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is an excellent time to head out with expert guides and view resident and migratory bird species. The days are warm, with the risk of rain, this clears very fast as it arrives.
February
February is the best time for birders. The days are warm, with the risk of afternoon rain showers, but they clear as fast as they arrive.
March
If you want to witness Vic Falls at its fullest, March is the month to visit, with huge volumes of spray, it is perfect if you want to see the gorges and geology of the area.
April
The world famous Mana Pools re-open in April. The days feel fresher as the wet season ends leaving the landscapes looking lush green, making it perfect for walking safaris.
May
In May, the days continue to feel fresh and bright making it a perfect time to venture out on walking safaris.
June
June heralds the return of winter, nights turn colder and the temperature dips - take plenty of layers as the temperature can drop below freezing. It is the perfect time for photographers to explore Hwange National Park before the busy holiday period.
July
Winter temperatures continue into July so take plenty of layers. Much like June, it is perfect for photographers looking to view wildlife from a different angle.
August
If you want clear, bright blue skies and continuous wildlife sightings, August is the month for you. Camps are likely to be fuller, however, if you visit private concessions you can still experience exclusivity and no crowds.
September
Much like August, September is an amazing time for wildlife spotting and weather, in particular it is considered the best time of year to see elephant herds in Hwange National Park.
October
In October wildlife sightings are at their peak as the dry season ends. If you travel during this month you can experience hot days with temperatures soaring up to 40 degrees.
November
November is the best time to head out with expert guides and view resident and migratory bird species. The days are warm, with the risk of rain, this clears very fast as it arrives. It is low season and one of the best times to go white water rafting at Vic Falls, the volume and speed of the water is reduced exposing the rapids.
December
In December the days are warm with the risk of rain showers mid afternoon. The rivers rise and dependant on water levels travellers can visit 'devils pool' at Vic Falls, providing high excitement and a head for heights needed if you want to get close to the drop off.
Speak to a Zimbabwe expert today
and start planning your tailor-made vacation
Alistair
