The Sunday News
Phineas Chauke
SITUATED 35 kilometres east of Bulawayo Central Business District, along Beitbridge Road, it is the perfect example of a young establishment with a giant philosophy.
Just setting your sight on the place, you won’t struggle to fall in love with Blue Hills Camp. The establishment is exuding great positive energy with its grandiose environment and superb architecture. The vibe is definitely correct. The location of the camp was selected with great consideration and it is without any shred of doubt the right spot for any discerning and self-respecting excursioner or camper, whether foreign or local.
As you take the 1,3km drive from the main road to the camp, you are welcomed by the curious, rugged and yet refreshingly green terrain that would convince you that the eastern highlands are simply over-glorified. As you arrive, the car-park is generous and nicely paved while the top-drawer hospitality of the staff is enchanting and addictive.
Blue Hills Camp is a big dream still unfolding with a number of its puzzle pieces still being meticulously put together but even before it is complete it is already rocking the leisure and hospitality scene around Bulawayo with upmarket conferencing facilities that will surely give the old players a good run for their money.
The place has natural air-conditioning that is unbeatable and all the modern technological enhancements for all manner of events including corporate functions, weddings, seminars and church conferences, among others. Currently the camp has six beautiful chalets that can accommodate a total of 36 people. This means you can have your seminar at Blue Hills, sleep there and eat there too because they have a fully-fledged restaurant headed by a qualified and decorated chef.
For the adventurous type, the camp offers an opportunity for outdoor tented accommodation. The leisure facilities at Blue Hills Camp include a bar packed with an assortment of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, a braai area with attendant braai masters, a number of relaxed sitting sites where couples, friends and families can chill and have their conversations unhindered.
The mega-thrill, however, is the two-way zipline, 200m one way and 186m return. The zipline stretches over a river and the rugged terrain characterising the area.
For the nature enthusiast, Blue Hills Camp has impalas, plains zebras and an intriguing vegetation species diversity.
Mountain climbing and nature walks are some of the rejuvenating and inspiring activities available at Blue Hills Camp. This is definitely the place for people who want to have clean fun and connect with nature in a peaceful setting away from the hustle and bustle of the inner-city.
Some of the future activities include fishing and canoeing and pursuant to that a dam was constructed within the estate. While a mini-tree house and trampolines are available for children, a fully-fledged child play centre is on the cards as well as an outdoor events venue.
Blue Hills Camp is the true epitome of ingenuity and breakthrough thinking as far as tourism product innovation is concerned.
– Phineas Chauke is a Bulawayo-based Tourism Consultant, Marketer and Tour Guide. Contact him on +263776058523, [email protected]
