Friends of the Vumba

12/06/2026

Bee bush is an increasing alien invader in the Vumba and Burma Valley and the FOTV Scouts have done a number of trials with a herbicide called Zonda, donated by Ian Waters for trial purposes.
We are now sufficiently happy with the performance to advocate its use.
The scouts are seen here administrating their trials and then recently, demonstrating how best to deploy Zonda to the youth tasked with slashing of bee bush near the Leopard Rock /Mountain Lodge turnoff. The recommendation is for cut and paint rather than spray, as the spray trials have been seen to regrow.

01/06/2026

Dear All,
You are invited to come and join us for the monthly fundraiser walk, this month in Burma Valley.
This is a favourite outing that we actually haven't scheduled for a couple of years, so we are really looking forward to it!
The walk has been planned and cleared by the scouts together with the hosts and will take us through grasslands and forests with mountain views and glimpses of Mozambique.
Date: Sunday 14th May
Time: starting time is 9am sharp for completion around 12-1pm latest
Venue: Burma Valley (important to allocate enough time to get there!)
Bring: Strong hiking boots, water, refreshments for a halfway stop, camera, binoculars, and wet weather gear maybe a good addition
Cost: USD $10 pp, students and pensioners $5, Walking members FREE, children U/12 Free.

RSVP: Sally 0712207828 - for specific directions to the venue and any queries about the walk
You are invited to extend your day and bring a picnic or braai, plus chairs, tables, cutlery, crockery, and drinks. The hosts will provide fires for cooking as well as some salads.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

12/05/2026

Who's put their name up for this incredibly beautiful run?

🌄 The Mountains Are Waiting… Are You?

The 2nd Edition of the Mega Market Pvt Ltd. RunVumba Botanical Trail is getting closer, and registrations are closing soon!

From misty forests to breathtaking ridge-lines, RunVumba is more than a race — it’s an experience.

🏃 14km | 21km | 42.2km
📍 Vumba Botanical Gardens
🗓️ Race Day: 11th July
⏳ Don’t leave your entry too late.

👉 Register now: https://vumba.run

01/05/2026

Come and join us for the monthly fundraising Vumba Walk on Saturday 9th May. We have a created a new variation on a popular walk that all will enjoy just before Mothers Day!
As usual, you need to be fit enough to hike for 3 hours in the classic mountain terrain that is lots of up and down with occasional steep ascents and descents. This of course affords wonderful panoramic views at various points along the way and takes you through variety of indigenous forest and grasslands as well as rocky slopes.
The camaraderie enjoyed with our walkers of varied age and ethnicity creates an added interest with many new friends created.
Date: Saturday 9th May
Time: 9am sharp to finish around noon
Cost: $10 pp, $5 for students and pensioners, U/12 free, Walking members FREE.
Bring: Very good hiking boots, water, refreshments for the half time break, walking sticks, hats, sunscreen, binoculars, cameras.

RSVP: To obtain details on the venue and directions, please RSVP. Sally - 0712207828
We also would like to plan a Mothers Day treat for afterwards, so please make sure to send your number details to Sally - 0712207828

12/04/2026

Fantastic walk today - thank you to our scouts for a well prepared trail and Ken and Sue from Seldom Seen for hosting us all to walk from their place and back and then have a fabulous braai together afterwards. Just the best weather too!

05/04/2026

Dear Friends,
Please come and join us for the monthly fundraiser Walk in the beautiful Vumba mountains.

We will gather in the upper Vumba with some glorious sunshine promised…. and the walk will be the usual 3 hours walking in the mountains, so lots up and down requiring a high level of fitness!
It can be slippery in this wet season so make sure to wear robust hiking boots.
Please also bring your own picnic with drinks and chairs and meat for a braai afterwards if you wish to stay longer. The hosts will prepare fires for braai but please make sure to bring everything else?

Date: Sunday 12th April
Time: 9am sharp the walk starts. finish around 12 noon
Costs: US$10 pp, US$5 for students and pensioners. Children under 12 and FOTV annual Walking members FREE

Bring: Good Hiking boots, hat, walking sticks, wet weather top, water, snacks for halfway, camera, binoculars, sunscreen

RSVP: for directions and any queries Whatsapp Sue 0779 408 557

17/03/2026

Heads up on the next two walks planned in the Vumba mountains. Just to make sure you all get a chance to plan properly.... hope to see you there!

02/02/2026

Dear Friends, Please join us for the monthly Vumba Walk on Sunday 15th February 2026. This month it will be hosted at Whitehorse Inn, lower Vumba.
A new 3 hour circular walk is planned that will take you up into the Miombo woodlands below Lions Rock and then to traverse up and down small valleys (lots up and down!) back to the starting position.
These are beautiful woodlands promising interesting fungi after all the rains, plus lovely butterflies, many stunning flowers and orchids and if lucky we'll see the iconic Samango monkeys too.
A short stop en route as usual for a quick snack and drink , so make sure to bring your drinking water as well as a light snack
If you are able to enjoy staying a little longer, Whitehorse Inn invite you to partake in the verandah menu afterwards plus the bar will be open for drinks. Anyone wishing to bring their own picnic are welcome to enjoy it on their luscious green lawns under the tree canopy.

The degree of difficulty is about 4 - meaning you need to be fit enough to walk for 3 hours and agile enough for the ups and downs that are what the Vumba is all about.

Date: Sunday 15th February
Time: 9am start (sharp) to around Noon finish
Bring: Good hiking shoes, water, snacks, binoculars, cameras, walking stick for slippery bits, hat, sunscreen and swimming costumes for afterwards.
Cost: US$10 pp, US$5 half price for students and pensioners. FOTV Walking Members are free.

PLEASE RSVP for number management as well as for Directions: Sally Preston, 071 920 7828

08/01/2026

Thanks to Casstech, our environmental scouts use these gumboots regularly and we highly recommend them!

The Wayne Duralight Gumboot delivers waterproof protection without the heavy feel — keeping you steady, comfortable and productive in tough conditions.

✔ Lightweight comfort
✔ Durable, recycled PVC construction
✔ Slip-resistant sole with excellent grip
✔ Easy to clean, easy to wear

Perfect for agriculture, farming, outdoor work and rainy-season conditions.
Available at: BHOLA MEGA MART Farm & City Centre GAIN Cash & Carry Golly's Wholesale, Paint and Hardware N. Richards Group Profarmer Zimbabwe Union Hardware

09/12/2025

FOTV highly recommend the wet weather farming gear of Casstech here - our scouts rely on them every day for their patrols in the Vumba and Burma Valley, especially so right now with all this heavy rain! We are extremely grateful for their kind donations.
Please see

As the farm season peaks, every hour matters to you. You need gear that keeps you working in rain or shine, mud or dust, without slowing you down. Our durable PPE and apparel are built to keep you protected, dry, and comfortable so you can stay focused and productive from planting to harvest.