Our very good friends have recently obtained a charming little property that once was the Aloe Motel, just some 24 kms out of Bulawayo. Their initial intention in buying it was not actually to run it as a lodge, but rather to continue with their farming ways. However, seeing as all the infrastructure is there, they decided to dust it off - or rather ... scrub it off as it has been closed for some years - and make it available to those wishing to stay there. It's very handy for Falcon School families as it is much closer to the school than if one stayed in town !! They plan to make it available on a self-catering basis, all bedding, towels, kitchenware provided, and they will also be building some DECENT ablutions (the existing one has been destroyed before it fell over !!) and make it available for campers, seeing as there currently appears to not be a decent & secure camping site in Bulawayo. It is convenient and easy to get to, being right on the main highway, although this can be a bit of a drawback as the noise of the traffic can get quite hectic at times. Although I did notice that it was very noisy on one day, and very quiet the next, so I guess it's just the luck of the draw. It didn't detract from "being in the country" though !!! The plan is to also use it for events such as bike rides, walks, parties, conference meetings etc.
We went and stayed there for a weekend and had a great time. There is lots of space, and every day I went for a nice long walk or 2, and again did some birding and came up with a good number of birds (including another 2 "first-timers"). There is a clean swimming pool which kept the youngsters entertained for hours on end. What is also very charming, is that early in the morning and in the late afternoons you can hear the Chipangali Lions calling .. quite unexpected at first, but I started listening out for them and it was really a pleasure hearing them, which adds to the outdoor experience !!!!
A charming little place which will grow from strength to strength under the loving care and attention it is receiving from it's new owners !!!!
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