Articles

Serengeti Eco-tourism Project

Serengeti Five Ecotourism facility is situated 28km on the South West of Rusape Town. It was an initiative of an individual who was keen in conserving the environment involving local communities. The project started in 1991 with funding from Africa 2000, the construction was completed in 1997.

Management of the facility: The project is managed by the founder supported by Administration and Catering and Housekeeping staff.

Accommodation – Serengeti Five offers accommodation and conferencing facilities. 5 spectacular dagga and grass roundavels and one large conference facility provides accommodation to between 15-20 people.

Access – The facility is easily accessible by road from Rusape town where one travels 10km of gravel road from the Rusape Wedza road.

Amenities – Visitor amenities are available from Rusape Town. Local clinic can be of service to the visitors. The facility is covered well by mobile telephone networks. Attractions: Scenic views, Lake Rusape, rural setting/village life, nursery – green belt, caves

Activities –The facility is close to a man made dam used for recreational purposes such as fishing and swimming. Tourist are also attracted by the training in budding and grafting of trees to produce fruits within a year, conferencing, day and night booking and organic growing/farming.

Awareness – Nyathi Travel Company often markets the facility. However the facility relies on word of mouth especially from NGOs who come to Serengeti for conferencing.

Main Challenges: Marketing, shifting seasons hence reduction in dam levels which sometimes dries up. Low visitor inflows and community participation arrangements.

Future Prospects: To develop a large conference facility, increase accommodation capacity and involve more household beneficiaries.