The Sunday News
Rumbidzai Mbewe
GROWING up I never had that rural experience so whenever I get to a place with a rural set up I get so excited because that’s the closest I can get rural. Last week I decided to go on a trip and I ended up at Empumalanga lodge in Gweru just before you get into town.
Their sign post is not that attractive you might think again before going to check the place. However, when you get there you get a different picture because the gigantic palm trees and the way nature is just blended at the place will draw your attention.
From arrival, the staff was of great assistance and they even walked us to our rooms. On our way to the chalets that we had booked I noticed that they were some rooms still being constructed and their yard is very huge, giving them space to add more rooms.
From the moment I was given the key I was eager to see if that rural touch I am longing for could also be inside the rooms that is furniture or just the set up since outside it looked more like a hut. The rooms are spacious and not forgetting to mention that the place was super clean. No litter by the yard all you could see was the green lawn just after the verandas of the chalets or the proper rooms that we are used to.
I liked the blending of the rural house and the modern furniture that was inside the room. The floor was not carpeted or tiled but had the resemblance of a rock that has been finely polished.
Here I was inside the big room all alone and the space was too much for one person but nonetheless I enjoyed being alone. I loved the curtains — they were even thick and gave colour to the room during the day and at night with lights switched off there was still light coming inside the room. They just complimented the furniture that was in the room, which is the table, chair as well as the wardrobe. But what was a bit strange to me was that the windows were closed and had been locked by a chain of which if you want to open them there was an extra key that comes with the door keys. Anyway maybe that was for our own safety but I found it puzzling, funny, why not have burglar bars?
Anyway, after unpacking and settling down, I decided to take a hot shower because it was a bit chilly. There isn’t much to do at the place so I went out to get something to eat at the nearest food outlet, wanted to stretch my legs and admire the town I had visited. All guests have the option to choose if they want to dine at their dining hall or outside in the beautiful gardens, based on availability and weather.
As dawn approaches you can hear the sound of birds humming different tunes from the trees outside the rooms which is actually very refreshing. Monate is the catering company responsible for the meals at the lodge. The service offers an excellent
Western a la carte or traditional food menu offered to clients who require classy, eye-catching and custom services both on-site and off-site services. In the morning breakfast was served till after nine and like I said before the staff just make you feel at home with their warm smiles and good hospitality. I cannot complain because breakfast was good and I particularly enjoyed the egg mayo sandwich. It was juicy and you could taste the mayonnaise blended with eggs, tomatoes and some cucumber. Thumbs-up to the chef for that sandwich!!
Lunch and dinner are prepared on order so as someone who was going to spend the day away from the lodge I did not do as such but I had the chance to look at their menu and it looked promising. For those who do not like the outdoors kind of life and food, braai meat is available. They can do this for you, all you have to do is place an order with them. Besides providing accommodation for travellers, Mpumalanga Lodge offers venues for weddings, birthday parties and other social gatherings.
@rumbie_mbewe
