THE breathtaking Bushman Rock Safaris located in Melfort is situated in the second oldest vineyards in Zimbabwe and offers a refreshing environment.
Previously owned by an Italian family, the new owner, Afaras Gwaradzimba who is also the chairman of the Bushman Rock Safaris Board and his team has managed to make the over 400 hectare piece of land as a world class get away ideal for people who value the precious resources in the country.
The safari is endowed with great natural beauty and being near Harare is easily accessible.
Services on offer for both local and foreign tourists include game drives, game walks, fishing, wedding receptions, workshop venues, canoeing, wine tasting and accommodation.
The rooms namely A-frame Lodge, Baobab Lodge, Ghecko Lodge and Polo Lodge that are uniquely furniture, branded and thatched easily meet international standards.
Zebras, elands, giraffes, horses and other wild animals that do rounds make the destination more fascinating.
According to the Safaris’ managing director, Jono Passaportis, Bushman Rock Safaris which began operations in 2009 is working towards becoming a brand synonymous with quality and aims to become the pride of Zimbabwe.
While many whites packed and left the country in protest of the Land Reform Programme and refused to share or partner with indigenes, Bushman Rock is one place where all races peacefully and successfully co-exist.
Staff at the establishment is driven chiefly by the love and appreciation of what the country has to offer.
“When we did this development in the Zimbabwe Dollar era we were forced to be creative,” Passaportis said.
“There was an abundance of architects within the country and this saw us hiring Stone Beatie Studios to put together the stone work we have in our rooms.
“The local people within this community came to do the thatching and many of the stone masons we used and still use are Ruwa based.
“The fundamental vision behind Bushman Rock Safaris has been for the brand to become a proudly Zimbabwean product. We have therefore embraced being Zimbabwean through our labels, products, furniture, staff and all the products we use.
“We are thinking of having an organic vegetable garden and we are discussing with the local people to try and promote this.
“We would like to grow our brand and make it synonymous with quality. We want to say to the world if you want to drink wine come to Zimbabwe and if you want to play polo come and play in Zimbabwe.”
The managing director disclosed that while the local market which makes 85 percent of its target market is picky, Bushman Rock Safaris remains competitive.
“The local clientele is very selective on where they spend their money and so as Bushman Rock we are looking at a growth market that will see us providing affordable all inclusive luxury packages in the future for locals and overseas market,” he said.
“As Bushman Rock what makes us competitive is that we give a personal service which is evident in our ten rooms.
“We provide game activities and lodging and wine tasting which is an incredible offer.
“We know what we are and we price accordingly.
“We are a small operation and we will be moving to an all inclusive rate.”
Bushman Rock Safaris is confident that the tourism sector will significantly grow and it is working towards increasing its market share through continued provision of quality products.
According to Passaportis, close to 50 individual families are deriving their livelihoods from Bushman Rock Safaris and are a huge asset to the venture.
“We are proud to be within a farming community, which understands and protects what we have here,” he said.
“The various activities we conduct with them have made them understand they must protect the wildlife that is here.
“Our role in Corporate Social Responsibility-CSR has seen us working in schools within the community and supporting the Melfort Football Club which is a youth based organisation because we believe this country is going to grow and the young are the future.
“Empowering young people has also seen us get increased support from the Bushman Rock board, we have a passion for tourism, the people and this area, we want to see this place uplifted and become a little hub of excellence.”
Passaportis said Bushman Rock Safaris plans to expand, “setting up extra ten rooms and we will be launching a restaurant and a day trip facility.”