Online Reporter
Judith Phiri
Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Hwange Local Board (HLB) is courting investors to construct an upmarket hotel and a lodge that will go a long way to upscale the town as a tourist destination.
The local authority on Friday did a site visit to the hotel and lodge stands now on the market. The hotel stand is 2.2 500 hectares while the lodge stand is 1.9 653 hectares both at Baobob Commercial Centre.
HLB also called for expression of interest for the purchase of the stands in terms of Section 152 of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15) from potential, reputable and legally registered persons.
Responding to inquiries from this publication, HLB Town Secretary, Mr Ndumiso Mdlalose said they expect the buyers of the two properties to build upmarket facilities.
“HLB is proud to present an exclusive opportunity to visionary investors in the hospitality sector, two strategically positioned prime land parcels designated for the development of a luxury hotel and an upmarket lodge.
“These parcels, located on elevated terrain overlooking our soon-to-be-developed Civic Centre, offer sweeping scenic views and direct accessibility from the Bulawayo to Victoria Falls Highway, a vital corridor for regional and international tourists,” he said.
“Positioned in the heart of Matabeleland North Province, this investment is more than a real estate acquisition, it is a chance to help redefine Hwange as a dual hub for tourism and energy.”
He said historically synonymous with coal mining, Hwange was now rapidly emerging as one of Zimbabwe’s fastest-growing towns, spurred by robust investments in mining and power generation.
Mr Mdlalose said this transformation opens unparalleled opportunities to meet rising demand for high-quality hospitality services.
“Despite Hwange’s proximity to two of Zimbabwe’s most iconic tourist destinations, Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls there is a significant gap in upmarket accommodation. Currently, the town has just one two-star hotel and nine unrated lodges and guest houses,” he added.
“This shortfall is further evidenced by the increasing number of residential property owners applying for zoning changes to convert homes into guest lodges to meet surging demand.”
He said Hwange was more than a stopover, it was a destination in its own right.
Mr Mdlalose said the town offered rich educational and cultural tourism experiences, including, the Kamandama Mine Disaster Memorial, honouring the lives of over 400 miners and the Nambya Museum, celebrating the heritage of the district’s indigenous people.
He said: “We also have the country’s largest thermal power station and coal mining operations key attractions for edu-tourism. There is the historic 19th-century railway wagons on public display as well as the ancient Bumbusi and Shangano ruins which are sacred sites with deep cultural significance.”
Mr Mdlalose said the town was easy access (just 30 kilometres away) to the Zambezi River’s Hwange Angling and Boating Club, an internationally renowned fishing and leisure destination.
In terms of educational tourism (Edu-tourism), he said they continue to grow, with Hwange welcoming over 20 schools annually, blending educational enrichment with leisure travel.
Mr Mdlalose added: “Hwange’s robust economic base is underpinned by a 90 percent employment rate among adults in the urban area, ensuring strong local patronage for any hospitality venture. In addition, the influx of international and domestic business travellers tied to mining and energy projects guarantees a steady stream of clientele year-round.”
He said with demand far exceeding supply, and a Council mandate for construction completion within five years, investors could expect accelerated timelines for return on investment and the opportunity to create landmark developments that will define Hwange’s skyline and hospitality standard for years to come.
Mr Mdlalose said this was more than an investment in property, it was an investment in a district and Province poised for extraordinary growth.
“HLB stands ready to support committed investors ready to bring world-class hospitality offerings to a town on the rise.
“We invite potential investors to be part of shaping Hwange’s future as a premier destination where tourism, culture and commerce converge.”
