Escape to countryside serenity

Rarecray Farms is a farm based in Chivhu, Zimbabwe. Whilst they established themselves, in 2018 as livestock farmers and breeders of quality animals, ranging from cattle to sheep, goats and pigs, the farm owners have recently expanded their operations portfolio to include the running of a guest lodge.

Jaded urban dwellers seeking fresh air and a tranquil place to retreat from the hustle and bustle for a while, need look no further than Gwizo Lodge. Rarecray Farm’s Christine Nyatsambo Zimbango, the driving force behind this venture, shares more about what they have to offer guests.

Whilst the lodge is located on Rarecray Farms, a working farm nestled in the heart of the Zimbabwean countryside, Gwizo offers an off-grid farm-stay experience amidst the serene surroundings of musasa and mutondo trees. The lodge itself provides a modern and contemporary escape for guests.

The lodge is self-catering and accommodates a maximum of six guests in three bedrooms. Two of the bedrooms are en-suite. The house is fully equipped with DSTV, a gas stove, tea and coffee making facilities, an iron, a fridge, cooking utensils, cutlery and crockery, a microwave and a fan. There are books and board games available as well as an outdoor projector for movies under the stars and guests have access to the braai facilities and a pool.

You can be as relaxed or as active as you want whilst staying there as Gwizo also caters for those looking to include healthy exercise as part of their getaway. Activities currently on offer include fishing, hiking, camping, star gazing, and an outdoor movie experience under the stars of the velvety darkness of an African night sky.

Looking ahead, Christine’s vision is to build more chalets and expand the camping facilities to not only accommodate those who want to experience camping as a once-off but as a stopover for overlanders. “We want to expand our activities to include cycling, quad biking, and rock climbing. We have a river running through the farm and two small dams, we hope to expand one of these and build a dam wall so we can offer boating and canoeing as well. The farm is in close proximity to the majestic Chivhu dam which promises future delights in fishing and boating.

“We will be looking to start the process of introducing small game on the farm, including but not limited to impalas, zebras, warthogs, wildebeest, ostriches and more, so that our guests can experience a game experience. We want to offer guest game drives; nature works and provide exposure to the communities around us including schools where exposure to wildlife is limited.”

Gwizo Lodge offers an escape for city dwellers seeking a breath of fresh air and host Christine looks forward to welcoming you.

What should you pack for the stay?

Provisions: Bring your own food and snacks to cover the duration of your stay.

Comfortable outdoor clothing and shoes are a must for activities such as hiking and fishing.

Bring your personal toiletries, including soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and other necessities.

Outdoor Gear: Consider packing a hat, sunscreen, sun glasses and insect repellent for outdoor activities. If planning on fishing, bring your own fishing gear.

If you are camping, pack your tent, bedding, and camping equipment.

Finally, binoculars and a camera are a must for looking at the wildlife and for bird watching as well as for capturing memorable moments!

Find Gwizo Lodge on:

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/gwizofarmlodge

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/people/Gwizofarmlodge/

Airbnb:
https://www.airbnb.com/h/gwizofarmlodge

Email:
gwizofarmlodge@gmail.com