tawandamusarurwa
Andrew Mangwarara
IN biblical times, a miracle occurred in a desert as the Israelites journeyed to the Promised Land.
Manna fell from Heaven for consumption by the travellers.
You get that kind of feeling when you visit the Manna Resorts in Glen Lorne, Harare. It is a greened-up holiday resort set in a natural miombo woodland, which consists mainly of the musasa tree (brachystegia spiciformis) and the munhondo tree (julbernardia globiflora).
To the ordinary eye, both trees look alike, but they actually have different characteristics.
After climbing a hill in Glen Lorne, you descend into this natural garden filled with a lush green lawn and decorative ornamentals.
The brick driveway leads you to a grand opening, where there is a circular fountain. Here, you celebrate nature. Behind it is a mesmerising 49-room thatched roof hotel.
A series of ponds and waterfalls located on a slope have become so natural that one gets the impression they have always been there.
The open spaces around the garden act as a grazing area for zebras that roam the place.
The resort boasts many conference rooms, which are set in a green background.
Panzvimbo has hotel rooms while Pasangano is a reception area with a restaurant, bar area and a lounge.
Around the Pamusasa meeting area, the landscaping is another sight to behold.
Located on a hill, the place is filled with plants of the elephant ear family, with wide-open, heart-shaped leaves making an impression on any visitor.
Pots of conifers at the entrance appear artificial but a closer look will reveal that they are real. The display continues around the rockery area surrounding the magnificent auditorium.
The zebra-grazed lawns provide a soothing relaxing picnic area.
A three-storey facility gives one a bird’s eye view of the surrounding suburbs and valley. The place is in a class of its own, depicting the impact of a natural African setting.
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Online Reporter