The Sunday News
Dumisani Nsingo, Senior Business Reporter
THE Forestry Commission has embarked on an extensive refurbishment programme of its two photographic lodges in Matabeleland North province which are part of its tourism and hospitality wing Ngamo Safaris to ensure that the facilities remain competitive in the market.
Ngamo Safaris marketing manager Mr Enock Mandura said the hospitality and tourism concern had started upgrading its facilities at Ganda Lodge in Dete and had set sights at commencing renovations at Jafuta Lodge in Victoria Falls next year.
He said the company had already spent $200 000 in renovating Ganda Lodge using funds realised from their safari operation but could not be drawn into revealing the estimated budget for the refurbishment project, stating that the work was being carried out depending on the availability of funds.
Forestry Commission is also seeking joint ventures for its hospitality and timber divisions as part of its efforts aimed at improving viability and profitability of its entities.
“We have started refurbishment work at Ganda where we are removing the ceramic tiles replacing them with modern tiles. We are also sprucing up our bathroom facilities, replacing tubs with the shower system because we have realised that it is more convenient to most clients.
“We are also looking at installing a Wi-Fi network facility because nowadays people are fond of showing and sharing their experiences to friends and relative on social media. Gone are the days when one would go on an expedition and lose connection with those that might have remained home,” Mr Mandura said.
Ganda Lodge is located within the beautiful teak woodlands of the Sikumi Forest bordering the Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s premier wildlife area.
It overlooks the Ganda pan, a natural waterhole which attracts a wide variety of bird and animal species including elephants, buffaloes, lions and a large variety of waterfowls. The lodge has eight double storey chalets of stone under thatch.
Each of the chalets has four three quarter beds, a fireplace, a bathroom, shower and overhead ceiling fans to cool the rooms.
The interiors are decorated in distinctly African style and include teak furnishings.
“By next year we should be working on sprucing up Jafuta because we feel it’s now rustic though its appearance is still attractive to some foreign tourists. It’s no longer appealing to locals and as such we are looking forward to face-lifting it so that it suits all,” Mr Mandura said.
Jafuta Lodge is situated in the Fuller Forest and it overlooks a waterhole. It is just 13 kilometres from the world famous Victoria Falls.
The lodge affords tourists access to the Victoria Falls as well as to the undisturbed and carefully managed teak forests.
“We are also improving on our activities and in that same vein we intend to have game drive vehicles at Ganda of which one has already been purchased including a transfer or shuttle to transport non-driving guests from their drop off points.
“We are also looking at improving our wildlife management processes by having new boreholes to pump water for the animals so that we can attract more numbers for our guests to view,” Mr Mandura said.
Ngamo Safaris was voted the Best Safari Company at the Megafest Tourism Awards held in Victoria Falls on 25 September under the theme: Appreciating Business. Honouring Leaders!
“Winning the award was an indication of the efforts we have put in terms of marketing our product and the quality of service we are giving to our customers as we make efforts to raise revenue for our natural resources conservation programmes,” Mr Mandura said.
“Our performance has been on an upward trend since the dollarisation from 20 to 30 percent to about between 65 and 70 percent. We have a two-tier pricing system whereby we charge less to locals to enable them to enjoy the benefits of their resources,” Mr Mandura said.
