Zimpapers Logo

Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Beitbridge businessman Mr Charles Terry Mulowa is set to open to the public a new game park tomorrow that will promote tourism and economic development in the border town.

Vhembe Game Park is located five kilometres west of Beitbridge town.

The man-made park, which overlooks the Limpopo River and Dulivhadzimo Gorge, has four lions to start with.

“I have been working on the project for the past 18 months, after realising that we have limited recreational facilities in Beitbridge,” Mr Mulowa said.

“The target market is mainly people from Matabeleland region, Masvingo Province and South Africa.”

Mr Mulowa said the lions in the park were acquired from the Lion and Cheetah Park in Harare.

More animals are expected to be delivered before the end of September.

“Basically, we are looking at boosting tourism, hospitality sectors and create employment for people around Beitbridge,” said Mr Mulowa.

“At least 70 percent of our employees will be from the town, while we will outsource another 30 percent.”

Mr Mulowa said the game park would have a recreational garden, which is under construction, to cater for all social events, including weddings.

He said civil works for the construction of a tented camp and a kids’ play centre were already under way.

“We named the park after the Limpopo River, known as Vhembe among the Venda people,” said Mr Mulowa.

“Our aim is to promote issues of environment and wildlife conservation through this initiative.

“The park will also open up for guided educational and cultural tours for both adults and school children.”

Mr Mulowa said the area had great sites of rock formations, including rare species of wildlife.

He said he would keep a variety of wildlife, except elephants because they require a bigger place.

“With time, we are going to introduce horse riding, game drives and boat cruises,” said Mr Mulowa.

Prior to the latest development, Beitbridge residents have been visiting places such as Kudu Land, Sentinel Safaris, Toddy, Sondelani, Mazunga, Three Way Safaris for recreational facilities.

These are located between 40 kilometres and 120 kilometres from the border town.