The first month of 2017 has taken me back to Bulawayo. I returned to the lovely Holiday Inn and was not disappointed. Everything is just as i remember it being on my last visit…friendly staff that go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable, sincere smiles on peoples faces and a very warm welcome back.
Our training covered 3 full days. This was one of the smallest groups i have done training for, but it was quite refreshing to spend a little more time also getting to know the individuals that attended the training. Our course focused on customer service, dealing with difficult situations and compensation. We also looked at dealing with significant situations (emergency procedures) and guest relations.
Besides the training, a little information on Bulawayo – Bulawayo is Zimbabwe’s second largest city. Located in the South-west of the country, it is home to more than a million people. Bulawayo is the hub of the province of Matabeleland which comprises the whole western Zimbabwe from the South African border in the south to Victoria Falls in the north.
The city has wide tree lined streets and is surrounded by beautifull parks, a legacy of Cecil John Rhodes. Within the city are many examples of early Victorian buildings which are maintained by the Bulawayo City council and landlords as heritage sites.
Bulawayo houses the country’s main museum, the natural history museum, a railway museum, the Bulawayo Art gallery, which is housed in a most attractive turn of the century building, theatres, the Mzilikmzi Art and craft centre, good hotels and one of the finest caravan and camping parks in Zimbabawe. Bulawayo is also home to the Chipangali wildlife orphanage and the Kame Ruins.
One of Zimbabawe’s major tourist attractions is the Matopas National Park, less than an hour’s drive from the city. As one leaves the city travelling south, many granite outcrops are seen. They increase in number and size as the distance from the city grows. By the time the Park is entered one is surrounded by a dramatic and enveloping scenery that is unique and extraordinary.
Just twenty-two kilometers to the west of the Bulawayo is Kame Ruins, one of southern Africa’s magnificent Late Iron Age ruins (now an Unesco World heritage Site.) The land adjoining the ruins has been made into a Nature Reserve by the City Council, called Mazwi Nature Reserve, where the visitor may walk, drive and picnic.
Also worth a visit and situated on the main Gwanda Road, 23km from Bulawayo is the Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage and Research Centre, a home for orphaned, sick or abandoned wild animals. There are lion, leopard, cheetah, black rhino; many species of antelope and a large colletion of birds.
Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre, situated just out of town off the Old Falls road, is definitely worth a visit where visitors can choose from a wide selection of skilfully crafted sculptures, basketry, pottery, beadwork and woodwork – all done by local people.
There are many reasons to visit the part of the world, listed above are just a few. However, make sure you stay at the Bulawayo Holiday Inn, i am 100% confident that staff will look after you.
For any assistance with your safari and to spend some time in the AMAZING LODGES, contact http://www.imvelosafarilodges.com/ Imvelo are top notch in all regards!
