WITHIN the beautiful teak woodlands at the border of Sikumi Forest and Hwange National Park, lies a lodge, where visitors are first welcomed by wild animals before coming into contact with human beings, writes Isdore Guvamombe.

The game seem unperturbed by human presence and discerning tourists are able to take pictures well before they disembark from their cars and before they even check into the majestic lodge.
The lucky ones might see a lion stalking its prey and hunting for its lunch and on this particular occasion, you would think you are watching a National Geographic movie.

Overlooking a natural waterhole, which attracts a wide variety of birds and animals, like the elephant, gnu, water fowl, the lion, Ganda Lodge offers a perfect opportunity for those who love to rest while watching nature’s exhaustless generosity.
There is also moonlight game viewing, from the lodge as some animals come to drink late.

Run by the Forestry Company of Zimbabwe, under the Ngameo Safaris Photographic Lodges entity, Ganda Lodge has eight double-storey chalets of amazing stonework under grass thatch.
Each of the chalets has four beds, a fireplace, a bathroom, shower and overhead ceiling fans for cooling. The interior is decorated in distinct African style with teak furniture.

The outside grounds are lush green and aided by a well-maintained swimming pool that offers clients an opportunity to cool off after an eventful day of game viewing.
On the business side, for those in love of conferencing in the wild, the lodge offers conferencing facilities for up to 40 people, while bar facilities for after work imbibing are also available.

The dining room offers excellent table d’hote meals and a mouth-watering selection of African, Chinese and European dishes, including game meat prepared on the barbecue.

Thereafter guest can retire to traditional open bonfire, where they can enjoy the splendour of the African night highlighted by the floodlit pan.
Night Eye, as the night game drives are euphemistically known at the lodge, can be arranged at this 40 000-hectare estate, where one can appreciate the sights and sounds of the African wild.

For those who love village life, tours to neighbouring villages can easily be arranged for a unique insight into the local culture.
Booking can be done at the central reservations offices of Ngamo Safaris, at the Forestry Company Office in Bulawayo.
For those who love nature, it will be worthwhile to stop over at Ganda Lodge en route Victoria Falls.