Penhalonga

Penhalonga is a town in Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe, located in the foothills south-west of Mutare along the Penhalonga River. It forms part of Mutare District and serves as a local centre for the surrounding rural communities.

The town grew from the gold mining industry that has operated in the area since the late 19th century. The Penhalonga Gold Mine became a focal point of settlement and commerce, and remnants of mining infrastructure and colonial-era housing remain a feature of the landscape. Exploration and mining activity have fluctuated over time, shaping the local economy.

Today, Penhalonga is a small, mixed rural–industrial community. Economic activity includes mining by small operators, agriculture in the surrounding countryside, and services for Mutare and nearby settlements. The area is hilly and scenic, with the Penhalonga River contributing to the local watershed.

Notable landmarks and features include the historic mine site and period buildings that reflect the town’s mining heritage. The name Penhalonga is believed to reflect historical European influence in the region, though the exact etymology is not definitively recorded.