Jacana Lodge

A small bridge takes you over the pond to the chalets and tennis court. A breakfast bar overlooks an immaculate pool and the smell of freshly percolated coffee wafts around the office.

It is therefore, no surprise that Jacana Lodge is run by Mr. Vacos, a friendly and charming Greek man who has been in Zimbabwe for over forty years. His Yugoslavian wife, chose the decor and fabrics and has done an exceptional job at furnishing these very well designed lodges.

Jacana Lodge is built on three-acres of land just ten minutes walking distance from Bulawayo's city centre and is the perfect spot for visitors to overnight at. The accommodation is cleverly designed to resemble African huts with four lodges each comprising of three rondavels, which are joined together under one roof. Two of the rondavels are spacious bedrooms with bathroom and the third is an open plan lounge and kitchen area. Sound a bit bizarre? Maybe, but it's very clever all the same.

Jacana also has two family lodges with three bedrooms and all the lodges have self-catering facilities with fully-equipped kitchens complete with a full set of crockery and cutlery, fridge, toaster, kettle, cooker and a microwave in the family rooms. Our two-bedroom lodge had satellite TV, beautiful decor and endless hot water. Each lodge has its own shaded carport close by.

If cooking seems a bit too strenuous after a hard day on holiday, then there is always the 'dial-a-delivery' service. All the rooms have phones linked to a central computer, so communications are never a problem.

If you don't fancy cooking your own breakfast, then Jacana can provide breakfast by the pool or have it delivered to your room. Fresh orange juice, cereals, toast and a full English breakfast is sure to start your days off well.

And while you're there, you can make a wish in their hundred-year-old well and you never know, you may see one of those rare and elusive Matopos leopards.