The Sunday Mail
Andrew Mangwarara
IN the heart of Glen Lorne is a secluded venue perched on a hill.
This place, built sometime in the 90s, shows the importance of greening up our environment no matter the location.
The Imba Matombo hotel, restaurant and wedding venue offers an ideal place to unwind in tranquility. The sounds of different birds add character to the atmosphere, and the grass-thatched gate gives you a glimpse of what is to come.
The sloped driveway keeps you in suspense as you enter, as you will be unable to see what lies on top.
As you circle the driveway, where keeping left is a must, you will see a table and a number of wooden benches where visitors can relax. These are located under the shade of the popular privet (ligustrum lucidum).
A large tennis court in front of the parking area leaves you in awe.
A full view of the place at the top reveals grass-thatched hotel facilities that are unique and homely. The dotted Japanese sago palms are a pleasant sight. What complements their aesthetics are lush green lawns.
Metal flamingo sculptures add to the intrigue at the place as you approach the reception area.
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A combination of the arum lily (zantedeschia aethiopica), the flaming glorybower (clerondendron splendens) and the dragon tree (dracaena deremensis) on one side welcomes you, whilst two earthen pots brighten the entrance.
Leaving the restaurant veranda, one is greeted by the swimming pool area, where a different menu is offered.
The neatness of the lawn is a pleasant view. It is complemented by triplets of earthen pots. Wooden benches with tables line the swimming pool area and a grass-thatched gazebo offers respite from the sun.
Exploring further the other wing of the hotel, one is introduced to a miombo woodland type of garden, where various shade plants like the delicious monster (deliciosa monstera) and the parasol plant (schlefflera arboricola) complete the picture of beauty.
It is when you visit one of the unique restaurants that you will have a view of the surrounding forest, with a msasa tree (brachystegia spiciformis) growing through the floor of the balcony to bring one closer to nature, whilst being complemented by the mahogany furniture.
Even the flooring and balcony are made of the same beautiful mahogany hardwood.
It goes to show that sometimes it is not about planting new trees to green up a place but rather capitalising on the existing vegetation.
If you would like to be featured in our green-up campaign, contact us on the number above. Feedback: [email protected] or [email protected]
