Buchwa Mountain

Mount Buchwa is a mountain range with a crescent shape. It rises sharply from a mostly dry plateau of 900-1000 meters to 1627 meters at its highest point. The rocks contain large amounts of iron ore, and areas of the mountain were actively mined until around 2001 when the operations became unprofitable. The significant altitude difference between this isolated mountain and the generally dry surrounding low-veld generates much higher rainfall and regular mists on the higher slopes and peaks, resulting in a higher diversity with the presence of interesting plant species that would otherwise be restricted to the Eastern Highlands' high rainfall areas. Dry Acacia woodland near the base, miombo woodland on the slopes, rocky regions, some submontane grassland, and evergreen wooded sections with Eastern Highlands flora impact make up the habitat of Buchwa.

The solitary Mt Buchwa, which rises 1000 meters above the surrounding countryside, has to be one of Zimbabwe's most strange locales. Huge vehicles must have once plowed up and down the steep, narrow route, which is still passable but only barely. There used to be a mine at the summit of this terrifyingly steep mountain. Old mining towers may still be seen, and the main shaft has now filled with water, forming a vast lake near the top. The old tunnel, which runs through the top ridge, resembles a massive eye peering blankly into the abyss.

Location: Zimbabwe

Elevation: 1,627 m ( 5,337 ft)