WIN A DREAM HOLIDAY GETAWAY COURTESY OF THE VUMBA FAIR’S EASTERN HIGHLANDS RAFFLE

The mist-draped hills of the Vumba are gearing up for one of the region’s most anticipated community events, and this year organisers have raised the stakes with a raffle that promises to send lucky winners straight into the heart of Zimbabwe’s most breathtaking scenery. The Vumba Fair returns on Saturday, 29th August, and alongside the usual charm of stalls, live entertainment, and home-grown produce, fairgoers will have the chance to win getaways to some of the Eastern Highlands’ most beloved retreats.

Nestled among rolling green mountains, indigenous forests, and cascading waterfalls, the Eastern Highlands has long been treasured as one of Southern Africa’s most picturesque escapes — and this year’s raffle puts that beauty within reach for one fortunate ticket holder. Prizes on offer include stays at Chilo Lodge, set on the banks of the Save River within the Chilo Gorge Safari Area; Aberfoyle Lodge, surrounded by manicured tea estates and tumbling streams near Nyanga; and the iconic Leopard Rock Hotel, whose championship golf course and castle-like grandeur have made it a landmark destination for generations of visitors.

Also up for grabs is a stay at White Horse Inn, a cosy mountain hideaway known for its warm hospitality and sweeping views, and a night at Seldom Seen, a secluded gem tucked into the folds of the Vumba’s forested slopes. Rounding off the prize list is a delightfully indulgent Tea for Two at Tony’s — a treat that has become something of a local institution and is expected to be one of the most hotly contested prizes of the day.

Organisers say the raffle reflects the spirit of the fair itself: a celebration of the Eastern Highlands’ natural beauty and the community of lodges, hotels, and small businesses that keep the region thriving. “Every one of these venues represents what makes this part of the country so special,” said one fair committee member. “We wanted the raffle to give people a reason to explore the Highlands themselves and experience that beauty firsthand.”

With such an impressive line-up of prizes, fair organisers are urging attendees not to miss their chance to enter. Raffle tickets will be available throughout the day at the fairgrounds, with the draw expected to take place before the event wraps up.

The Vumba Fair takes place on Saturday, 29th August. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, bring cash for stalls and raffle tickets, and dress for the region’s famously cool mountain air.