The dominating rocks in the Eastern Highlands are Dolorite, Shale, Schist, Siltstone, Sandstone, Quartzite and Gneiss. The area west of the Eastern Highlands, roughly west of the road from Nyanga via Mutare to Birchenough Bridge and further south, is dominated by Granite. According to the tectonic and the resistance of the rocks the landscape of the Chimanimani Mountains, situated east of the town Chimanimani, appears as a series of north-south ranges. The prominent ranges and highest peaks are dominated by various Quartzites and Gneiss, while the other rocks form the gently undulating slopes. Similar geological conditions are found north of Mutare, along the Mozambiquean border. But there the highest altitudes are reached in the Mt. Inyangani range (east of Nyanga) which are geologically different. The quartzitic ranges are situated east of Mt. Inyangani.

The study area is located east of the town Chimanimani, along a transect starting at the camp of Chimanimani National Park.