Hi All
First impressions always count, especially when you are a discerning visitor to an International Fair like the Sanganai Tourism Expo held in Mutare last week. I popped into the show the night before to have a glimpse of what to expect and was immediately taken in by the Mountain Lakes exhibition – A simple, yet very effective, presentation complete and ready for business at 7 pm.
The interesting chat I then had with the very welcoming owner resulted in an invitation to check their resort out, which I duly took up on Thursday. The 65 km tarred road to the Bonda mission turnoff made for very easy driving, as did the next 25 km of tar, transporting us through seemingly endless “Carpets” of colourful Miombo woodland to the Mountain Lakes turnoff. Nyanga in Springtime is well known for the Munondo and Msasa trees proudly displaying a vibrant flush of new red and gold leaves.
Mountain Lakes Resort must surely rate as the best of its kind in the Eastern Highlands. Having originally bought the property as a weekend getaway, the owner, and his family fell so in love with the beauty and peacefulness of the surrounds, that they decided to develop it into a special resort. Mountain Lakes now boasts 16 very private lodges built around 3 man-made lakes as well as a fancy restaurant set well apart from the separate entertainment area.
There is even a non-denominational church on the property that would make a perfect setting for an up-market wedding.
The attention to detail, that I’d first seen at Sanganai, came through from the moment I arrived there. The initial sighting of the lake with large lodges surrounded by scenic forests gives one the feeling of being somewhere in Switzerland. Each lodge has two large bedrooms complete with their own bathroom en-suite with both having their own bath and separate shower. A spacious lounge separates the two bedrooms with a loft kitted with 2 double beds for friends or youngsters. Then there is a fully kitted kitchen area plus a gas stove and a washing machine.
Mountain Lakes only opened in December last year, but it is already full for the few days around Christmas 2025. Each lodge will cost you just $450 per night for up to 6 people, including Bed and a healthy, continental breakfast. I decided to spoil myself that evening ordering Butternut soup and three delicious lamb chops accompanied by a very reasonably priced bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.
On Friday morning I joined a group of “Buyers” for a grand tour of the resort being shown around conference rooms, the church, the home-grown vegetable gardens, and the massive peach orchards that, apparently, produce the most sought-after peaches in the country.
Their whole “Raison d’etre” is to offer guests an opportunity to experience nature with a chance to reconnect with family and friends. You can even have a “digital detox” with no access to the internet if you so desire. Mountain Lakes want you to leave them “Rested” and in a better space, both physically and mentally, than when you started your weekend.
Highly recommended weekend away. We would appreciate it if you let Mountain Lakes know you read about them on Bambazonke. We could even help you arrange a booking – just send us an email to travel@bindu.co.zw .
Just Chilled Mike G.
