Grand Reef Airport (UTA) in Mutare, 275km east of Harare, is to be expanded into a fully fledged airport.

The expansion is expected to expedite the movement of tourists to the eastern highlands – one of the country’s major tourist centres – and will be spearheaded by government under a public-private partnership arrangement.

Manicaland Province (in which Mutare falls) Minister of State, Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba, says funding is already in place. “People might have fears of funding gaps towards the construction of the airport, but I would like to say financiers are there, [and] funding is there. There are so many ‘takers’ who have approached my office; even locals have visited my office [with] regards to this project.”

The Eastern Highlands is sparsely populated and has a cooler, wetter climate than other parts of the country. It is a land of mountains, national parks and secluded getaways, stretching along the border with Mozambique.

Tourist attractions include, Mount Nyangani and Nyanga National Park (Nyanga), Mutarazi Falls, Chimanimani Mountains National Park and Bridal Veil Falls (Chimanimani) and Vumba Botanical Gardens.

Activities include white water rafting, mountain hiking and boat cruises at Osborne Dam.