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 towards upscaling the town as a tourist destination.
The local authority on Friday conducted a site visit to the hotel and lodge stands now on the market. The hotel stand is 2,500 hectares while the lodge stand is 1,965.3 hectares, both located at Baobab Commercial Centre.
HLB has also called for expressions 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 construct 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-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 that while Hwange has historically been synonymous with coal mining, it is 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.”
