These highlands stretch from Nyanga in the north with the highest peak in Zimbabwe, Mount Nyangani at 2593 metres is located here as well with the Bvumba Mountains further south and the magnificent quartzite Chimanimani range are the southernmost slopes.
Zimbabwe is distinctive in Africa for its large number of medieval era city ruins built in a unique dry stone style.
The Hills were formed over 2000 million years ago with granite being forced to the surface, this has eroded to produce smooth "whaleback dwalas" and broken kopjes, strewn with boulders and interspersed with thickets of vegetation.
They are linked to historical figures such as Cecil John Rhodes, whose vision led to foundation of Rhodesia, and other early white pioneers like Leander Starr Jameson, Major Allan Wilson; most of the members of the Shangani Patrol are buried in these hills at another site named World's View.
The deployment of widespread police roadblocks issuing fines for minor or non-existent infringements has had a negative impact on tourism to the country.