adminYoliswa Dube Showbiz Reporter
BINGA district in Matabeleland North province is the perfect place to relax and take a back seat far from the madding crowd. The unique rustic feel and soothing stillness is one that will leave you refreshed and ready to take on the world.
I fell in love with Binga as a tourist destination and the native BaTonga that goes with it — their language and culture are a sheer marvel.
When you bump into a Tonga, they will not hesitate to offer a warm greeting in their native language, “muri kaboto”, followed by a “mapona mapati” to which you respond, “tapona”.
The Tonga, such a blameless and genuine people who still uphold their traditions, are famous for their smoking pipes and ear piercings.
About a five-hour drive from Bulawayo, I set out on a visit to what is probably one of Zimbabwe’s best kept secrets, Binga, with a friend.
Using Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road and taking a right turn at Cross Dete, just before Hwange, the highway allows a perfectly smooth drive.
It is when you turn into Kamativi before you eventually get to Binga that the journey becomes arduous for anyone of a nervous disposition. The roads are winding with numerous sharp curves now and again. The further you go, the more it seems like you’re driving up a cliff where you worry about looking down and falling into a gorge somewhere.
Quite frankly, I was scared out of my wits! But, it’s good adrenaline for adventure lovers.
Binga is primarily accessible by road, besides, you’re going to need your car when you get there in order to avoid any transport inconveniences as there are no car hire services there. If you’re coming from Harare and have access to a vehicle in Victoria Falls, you could fly into Victoria Falls and then drive from the resort town to Binga. This significantly shortens the duration of the journey.
It was on a hot summer afternoon that we drove down to Binga and by the time we arrived, I had started to sweat from the sweltering heat. I swapped my sneakers and jeans for a pair of shorts and flip flops.
It was time to embrace the true African sun peeping over the magnificent Zambezi River which lines the boundaries of the lodge we lived at, Masumu. Located deep into the thicket, about 30km from the Binga main road, Masumu Lodge offers unparalleled views of the Zambezi River as it flows upstream.
Without competing with nature, the chalets at Masumu Lodge are built in the midst of trees and boulders. At some point, it felt like I was up a tree house. From there, I could see the Zambezi River stretching for metres on end, it felt infinite.
I could stand at the balcony of my chalet, enjoy the view and breathe in fresh unpolluted air. The chalet, which was built for two had a state-of-the-art bathroom and an air conditioner to beat the heat. Because Binga is malaria — prone, treated mosquito nets and mosquito repellent were made available. We were also advised to drink bottled water only as untreated water often made visitors to the area sick.
There was neither radio nor television — the lodge was tucked away in what felt like an island, far from the rest of the world such that there was no reception. It is probably every traveller’s dream, no disturbances from the outside world.
No television, radio, mobile network or WiFi — just a few days of fine dining and relaxation.
You’ll only find Internet services and other information communication technologies at Binga Business Centre, the heart of business and trade in the district. Here, you’ll also find supermarkets, hair salons and other small businesses.
Masumu Lodge offers a variety of gourmet cuisine, both western and traditional dishes, which are made a la carte.
There was also a self-catering option for those travelling in groups. The chalets housed up to four people at a time, ranging from $60 to $200 per chalet per night. The meals range from $6 to $15, depending on what suits one’s palate. Most accommodation facilities in Binga are planted along the Zambezi River, offering the most rejuvenating views.
Besides Masumu Lodge, you’ll also find Kulizwe Lodge and Chilla Lakeside — with equally competitive prices and self-catering services. Because Binga is somewhat remote, traffic is very minimal which means no stress and more relaxing walks under the rays of the evening sun as it sets.
A significant number of people walk to wherever they need to go. Forget about the geyser once you get to Binga — because it’s very hot, you’ll crave for cold showers a couple of times a day.
It would be wise to pack some sunscreen and a hat so that you don’t have to worry about sun burn. Besides the scenic views, you can hop onto a boat and cruise the Zambezi River, where you will also spot hippos. The two-hour cruise costs $55, inclusive of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as well as finger-snacks.
Crocodiles are also a major attraction with a fully-fledged crocodile farm thriving in the district. The hot springs which are believed to have medicinal effects are quite enthralling.
The water from these springs is said to be the purest with Tonga pedagogy saying it also washes away bad luck. I had a go with the water and I’m not sure yet if I’ve become luckier!
A visit to Binga is incomplete without having undertaken a fishing expedition on the Zambezi River. With the help of fishermen in the area, we set out to fish at dusk; a somewhat patience draining but rewarding experience.
We got to braai the fish we had caught — it was an extremely fulfilling and proud moment.
My absolute highlight of the entire trip was a visit to the beach. Yes, there’s an amazingly beautiful beach in Binga. The therapeutic sandy soils under my feet and the water up shore were the most thrilling experience.
Watching the ripples of water and the sun set over the river was one priceless moment. Binga is heralded as remote but as a tourist destination – it offers the most captivating serenity.
Online Reporter