Harare will be bursting at the seams again this festive season with the return of thousands of Zimbabweans living in the Diaspora who might not have the time to explore Nyanga, Kariba or the Falls. While these destinations are always popular for obvious reasons there are more unknown spots that expose the diverse country side with its rich landscapes just as well. And most of them can be, fuel willing, seen in a day. So all you will need to feel at home in the African bush is a picnic basket, directions and money enough for the nominal entrance fees.
Zimbabwean memories at little or no cost can be found at:
•Botanical Gardens in Harare are the ideal refuge for an afternoon of peace and quite set in lush well manicured gardens. The pride the staff takes in the garden is apparent throughout and the rich range flora and fauna compares favourably with some of the top parks in the world.
•Domboshawa Rocks – only half an hour’s drive outside of Harare on the Borrowdale Road, magnificent sunsets can be enjoyed from this extraordinary vantage point.
•Matopos Hills National parks, Bulawayo – rocky outcrops in every direction, the diverse landscape close to Zimbabwe’s second largest city makes for a great 2 day excursion. A large population of Black and White Rhinoceros are successfully breeding in the park and chalets, campsites and exclusive lodges are all on offer.
•Lake Chivero – Only one hour’s drive out of Harare, facilities at Lake Chivero include lodges, chalets, caravan and picnic sites. Lodges are self catering units that contain bedrooms, lounge and a kitchen. Cutlery and crockery are provided.
•Chinhoyi Caves ~ only an hour and half out of Harare, ‘The Silent Pools’ are steeped with history and worth a visit for any Zimbabwe wanting to revisit this historical site or for new visitors wanting to now more about our heritage.
•Darwendale Dam – with great bass fishing, a wildlife area and neatly finished thatch rondavals in the main park, Darwendale Dam is a great outing for the whole family.
If you have any suggestions of other places we can recommend as getaways every Zimbabwean should enjoy, please email rian@venues4africa.com.
www.venues4africa.com
Budget breakaway’s around Zimbabwe
Kumba Shiri Bird Park and Wild Life Sanctuary
Kumba Shiri (bird park and wildlife sanctuary) offers chalets which are located at Lake Chivero close to the dam wall. On offer is a swimming pool, a children’s playground, pony rides and walks through the bird Park and Wildlife Sanctuary.
Z$20 000 per Chalet per night for 2 people.
Mbizi Game Park and Lodges
Mbizi is situated 22km from the City Centre on a 1000 acre property offering a range of accommodation and activities. Mbizi’s facilities include game drives, canoeing, picnicking areas and an obstacle course.
Z$85 000 per Lodge per night for 4 people
Cerruti Lodges
Cerruti self catering lodges are located in Charara approximately 20km’s from Kariba. All the lodges are double storey catering for up to 9 people. There is an outdoor living area with a built in braai as well as a communal pool and children’s playground.
Z$20 000 per person per night
Nzou Lodges
Nzou is a complex of lodges on the shores of Lake Kariba which offers self catering accommodation at Charara approximately 27km’s from Kariba. Situated nearby are abundant elephants, impalas, hippos, and zebras just to name a few, which are all in the National Park.
Z$45 000 per lodge per night
Victoria Falls Rest Camp & Lodges
Victoria Falls Rest Camp & Lodges is situated in Victoria Falls town and offers a wide range of accommodation from camping to chalets and lodges. There is a spacious swimming pool, restaurant, volleyball court and curio shop all on offer. There is also an activity booking centre where you can book all the exciting activities that Victoria Falls has to offer.
Z$100 000 per self catering lodge per night
Malalangwe Self Catering Lodge
Malalangwe is situated on the Plum Tree road 72km’s from the centre of Bulawayo. This safari Lodge is self catering with stone under thatched chalets. There is a central kitchen where the chef prepares all your meals. On offer is a swimming pool, walks around the area and game drives. This lodge can take a maximum of 6 people serviced or 12 people unserviced. Own staff are welcome.
Z$15 000 per person per night.
To book any of the getaways mentioned above please call
Amy on 04 706 109 or email venues@yoafrica.com
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