Romelda Lakeside Retreat is near Masvingo town in Masvingo province. Romelda is a family-owned property that has been in the same family for over 40 years. Recently, the property has been developed to offer lodging facilities to those who would like to enjoy the tranquillity and peace of Lake Mutirikwi (Kyle). Located on the Glenlivet Road, Romelda is on a private Estate, directly across from the Mutirikwi and Popoteke River Confluence. It offers a most perfect and peaceful location in which to spend time away overlooking the gorgeous lake.
Romelda offers a sole-use self-catering tented lodge, comprising of 6 en-suite tents a functional main area with bar, lounge, dining and kitchen space, a swimming pool and two decks, one positioned on the waters edge at the front of the lodge.
There is also adequate camping space with 3 sections that can fit about 4-6 people or 2 vehicles. The lawned terraces each have a private seating area, braai area and lighting. The shared ablutions include solar powered hot water showers with a kitchen and cleaning area not far from the camping site.
1. Main Tented Camp (12 pax)
This comprises of:
| Main entertainment area | Private bar |
| Dining room | Plunge Pool |
| Kitchen & cooking area | Viewing Deck |
| 6 x en-suite tented rooms | Fire-pit & braai area |
The 6 en-suite tented rooms which are made up of:
- 4 tents have 1 x double bed + 1 x day bed;
- 1 tent has a queen size bed (Popoteke) – this also has an outdoor bath & shower;
- 1 x tent with 1 x double bed and 2 x single beds for children;
- Bedside fan & lamp;
- En-suite bathroom with a shower, basin & toilet;
- Complimentary toiletries;
- Open wardrobe style hanging space;
- Indoor sofa/chairs and table;
- Private verandah with 2 chairs & small table;
- Multiple plug points (with USB chargers);
- Serviced daily.
2. The Camp Site (3 sites)
For those on a budget or looking for more of an adventure, Romelda also offers an appealing camping area. There are 3 sites that share an ablution block which has 1 toilet and 1 shower, with a communal 2-sink wash-up area. Each of the 3 camp sites has its own braai, (1 x complimentary bundle of firewood) with charging ports (round plug), outside light and picnic bench.
There are many activities to keep occupied during your stay at Lake Mutirikwi, Romelda is about a 45 minute drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. This is an interesting walk around the oldest known kingdom of Zimbabwe. On the way there we suggest guests take the (back road) through the local villages where there are places to stop for unbelievable views, a visit to the ancient rock painting sites and of course over the Dam Wall – where you are also able to stop to take a look at the old St Andrews Chapel built by the first water bailiff. Should you wish to drive back through Masvingo town you can also visit the Italian Prisoner of War Chapel located outside the Army Barracks. Kept and maintained by the Italian Embassy the chapel steeped in local history is a beautiful memoir.
Surrounding Lake Mutirikwi is Kyle Recreational Park, renowned for it’s successful protection and natural breeding of White Rhino. Game Viewing is available self-drive in the park or via boat on the lakeshore – sightings include giraffe, buffalo, kudu, impala, zebra and occasionally Rhino. Romelda can also arrange for a walking Safari in the park where you are able to track and view rhino by foot.
The lake itself is home to some of Zimbabwe’s record holding Bass. August to November can be very successful days spent fishing on the lake, with prolific spots right in front of the lodge or at the river mouths just around the lodge. Home to another 20+ varieties of fish, Lake Mutirikwi is also great for other varieties like vundu and bream.
The Glenlivet Mountain range holds a number of interesting hikes, all at different levels of difficulty. Expansive views over the lake can be see from most of the heights, birdlife, butterflies and insects can also be enjoyed up these hikes. Particularly during winter (April – September) where the local harvesting of the delicatessen stink-bugs can be witnessed.
Magnificent sunsets, fresh air, activities abound – all set in beautifully manicured gardens with mostly indigenous plants and a small-scale tree plantation. As you can see, no matter what your interests, there is bound to be something for everyone at Romelda Lakeside Retreat. Book your stay now!
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