The Sunday Mail
Leisure Reporter
LOCATED on the edge of Lake Kariba with a view that makes the massive water body look like an ocean, Cutty Sark Hotel makes any vacationer escape from the daily troubles of this world.
From a distance, one gets the impression that this is an expensive holiday destination, afforded only by the well-heeled but no, budget tourism exists in this country.
Zimbabwe is endowed with numerous holiday destinations – from the super expensive ones like the Gonarezhou-housed Pamushana Lodges, to budget resorts dotted across most towns and cities.
As most folks debate which areas to go to this festive season depending, of course on their budgets, we profile places that you and your loved ones can consider starting this week.
Talk of The Village Place, Margolis Resort, Bushbaby Lodge, Lake Chivero, Mukuvisi Woodlands and Mbizi Game Park, to name just a few.
All these are just in Harare and its surroundings.
Zimbabwe is truly blessed and there is no reason for anyone, no matter how little resourced they are, not to have a time of their life this Christmas.
Holidaying is not about going to Mauritius, Zanzibar or Dubai – it is getting out of your routine life for a few hours or days to relax, unwind and re-energise. A getaway trip to your rural area can cost more than a well-planned day trip retreat at a resort – yet you find many complaining about how expensive holidays are.
ln this instalment, we give you an insight into Kariba, particularly Cutty Sark Hotel.
This hotel is on the shores of the dam where the lake’s waves and wildlife sounds nourishes one’s relaxation.
Small fishing boats as well as cruisers float on the Lake.
Kids under the age of three stay and eat for free at this hotel, unbelievable. Most people just shy away, with no idea that most of these places are family friendly.
“For kids we have jumping castles, face painting, Santa Claus at Christmas, clowns, candy floss – the list is endless,” said Cutty Sark sales and marketing executive Lauraine Maroti.
“We have single, double and family rooms, which is ideal for holidaying. Our activities range from boat cruises, sunset cruises, game drives, fishing and swimming.”
Cutty Sark Hotel is just four and a half hours drive from Harare or two and a half hours drive from Lusaka, that is, using the safest speed complete with breathers at lay-bys.
Surrounded by wildlife and complete with stunning views of the lake and mountains, it is a place to get away from it all – join a land or water safari, visit Kariba Dam which is only 10 minutes away or just relax by the pool and enjoy the peace.
“If it is business you are planning, we have a large conference room, flexible accommodation and staff who will work closely with you to make your meeting a success.
“Our rates are affordable, you will get a warm welcome and great service. After some tough years, the outlook on Lake Kariba is looking so much better and positive.
“Recent sales and marketing efforts in Harare have shown that the historic name and romance associated with the Cutty Sark Hotel and Kariba are still very present,” said Maroti.
The hotel’s gardens and the raised lawns on the Lake shore are ideal for product launches and team building exercises. Outdoor activities can be arranged upon request.
