SCHLICHTER GORGE
This is the ravine a mile to the south-west of Zimbabwe, down which flows the Mapudzi stream southwards. The walk in certain parts is somewhat rough, while in the rainy season owing to swollen tributaries and dense jungles of tall reeds it is almost inaccessible. To approach it one takes the path down the valley at the south foot of East Ruins, and directly east of Maund Ruins, and follows a small stream, the banks of which are shaded by trees and covered with royal fern. In the dry season there is very little water flowing, but there are always small pools. The path crosses this stream at its junction with the Mapudzi, the right bank of which must be taken. Where the sides of the valley close in the rocky sides of the hills must be climbed and then descended again. Along the course of the stream, which is densely wooded at the gorge, and flows between large boulders causing numerous pretty waterfalls even in the dry season, are some delightfully shaded pools, round which orchids and palms, and also ferns of rarer species, are to be found in great quantities. Where the gorge opens out at its southern end on to a wide valley a steep path, which leads up to Chipadzi’s kraal, must be taken. From the kraal a fine view of the gorge is obtained.