Ngoni Dapira

THE Eastern Highlands, a region known for its rich cultures and breathtaking landscapes is also home to some of the most relaxing getaway resorts which are still to be exposed as the tourism block now awakens, reviving its tourism glow.

Part of the lounge and dinning area.

Whether you are an avid tourist or just a curious traveller, the Eastern Highlands tourism will leave you spell bound if pointed in the right direction. One such place is the mountain lake resort, Lake Alexander Country Resort, hidden in the lush timber forests of the Eastern Highlands in Penhalonga, about 40 km outside Mutare in Mutasa District.

The tranquil luxury resort which officially opened its doors last year in October is no doubt heaven on earth literally, with spectacular skyline lake views from its water front restaurant, elevated swimming pool area and overlapping outdoor thatched gazebo deck bar. Built from the ground by Phanuel and Shingirai Madzima, the cozy mountain lake resort attests that Zimbabwe has astute tourism entrepreneurs with an eye for beauty and building exquisite world class tourism destinations.

The outside thatched gazebo deck bar.

Easterntimeszim (ETZ) Out and About Lifestyle, a new tourism column, had a firsthand experience of the new kid on the block to share an account of what the charming place has to offer. It is definitely one of those tourism resorts that will boost your energy levels when you are feeling a bit drained and in need of quality time to relax and rejuvenate.

Whether as an individual, a couple, family or a group, an outing there is definitely exactly what the doctor orders when prescribed to rest and revitalize for a clean bill of health. The resort has 10 modern but conservative looking chalets which blend with the natural forest environment surrounding it. The chalets have self-catering facilities but the resort also complements this with its restaurant where a la carte meals are also served for those that do not like cooking for themselves. Their standard chalet goes for US$110 whilst a family chalet which accommodates five people goes for US$220.

The bedroom in one of the chalets.

Since it is located in a forest area, there is a back-up generator in the event of electricity power outages and well trained security to ensure guests are well taken care of.  There is also a conference facility which can accommodate 60 people maximum. With Wi-Fi service efficiently available, those that need to balance business and pleasure will be delighted there, whilst the 21st generation youngsters will be happy with this because most are inseparable from their mobile phones and posting on social media platforms in this digital era.

What good is a mountain lake resort if it does not offer water activities, so to complement this, Lake Alexander Country Resort has kayaking and canoeing and a speed boat cruise, whilst those avid swimmers can also enjoy the pool which is fairly deep.  There is also a walking trail for nature walks and quad bike trails as well for those that do not like walking, but prefer driving around sightseeing the area.

Nicholas Marekwa the boat captain at Lake Alexander Country Resort preparing a canoe for guests.

For those that want to come for day trips, there are braai facilities. For US$10 a group of 10 people and below can bring their own meat and braai whilst enjoying the various outdoor activities. For ETZ, canoeing was the activity of the day. The thrill of rowing in the man-made lake is soothing and exciting. It is never easy at first go but by the end of the lap one can easily become a pro and go it alone.

The rate card of activities.

“For all our water activities our guests should feel very safe because as the boat captain I am a qualified marine diver having worked for the sub aqua unit,” said Nicholas Marekwa the boat captain during the tour of the place. Marekwa added that given the beauty of the place they also charge an entrance fee of US$3 for every visitor except those booked for the night.

There is also a volley ball pitch to add on to team building activities for groups. “We also host weddings, private birthday parties and corporate events for those that love exclusive events,” said Marekwa.