| Project Name | Umzingwane District Tourism Hub Development |
| Sector | Tourism |
| Problem Statement | The district has numerous and diverse tourism attractions - both tangible and intangible that either lie untapped or are grossly underutilised. Communities in the areas where these sites exist are not well-up economically and have strained sources of livelihoods as they depend mainly on subsistence agriculture with only a few engaged in market gardening. The agricultural land is limited as the terrain is mountainous forcing those doing agriculture to strain the environment further by engaging in streambank cultivation. Though the area being discussed is within the Matobo World Heritage Site, nominated due to its landscape and cultural richness, both the communities and the environment wellbeing is suffering as (i) the communities are not utisising the environment and status of the area for meaningful economic gains (ii) the limited agricultural land resources is over utilised and communities end up turning to unsustainably utilise the wetlands causing serious damage to the wetlands and sitation of the rivers; a treat to the status of the World Heritage Site. Besides the livelihoods, the intangible heritage in form of culture and traditional beliefs is strengthened with extinction as the young are not attaching meaningful value to the traditions as currently there are no economical gains. |
| Location | Umzingwane District- Eastern side of Matopo national park within buffer zone of Matopo World Heritage Site (Matopo Communal Lands); Diana’s Pools, Lumene Falls, Kumbudzi Ruins, Umzingwane cultural center site, Mtshabezi Dam, Matshatshatsha Falls(seasonal), rock art within Matopo, Sigola and Swazi communal lands, Historical Sites(Rhodes Indaba Site, Fort Mlugulu) |
| Investment Type-Financing Model | PPP arrangements /Private operators |
| Project Scope | Development of Cultural village, camping sites, promotion of ecotourism and gastronomy tourism, bird viewing sites, promotion of geological education (orbicular granite), water sporting (boating and canoeing), mountain biking, luxury lodges, luxury hotels. Key Attractions and Development Components: Diana’s Pools Development Plan: Create viewing platforms, picnic areas, and walking trails. Activities: Swimming, hiking, and nature walks. Facilities: Restrooms, parking areas, zip line and visitor information centers, chalets Lumene Falls Development Plan: Construct safe access paths and observation decks. Activities: Sightseeing, photography, and eco-tourism. Facilities: Cafeteria, gift shops, and guided tour services. Kumbudzi Ruins Development Plan: Restore and preserve the ruins, install interpretative signage. Activities: Historical tours and educational programs. Facilities: Museum, research center, and guided tours. Umzingwane Cultural Center Development Plan: Develop a cultural center to host traditional performances, craft markets, and cultural festivals. Activities: Cultural exhibitions, workshops, and festivals. Facilities: Performance stages, exhibition halls, and craft markets. Matshatshatsha FallsDevelopment Plan – Walking trailsZip-line enchored in such a way that it moves across Mtshabezi dam and valley and at a speed that will allow the tourists to do photography as well as bird viewingMtshabezi Dam Development Plan: Develop recreational facilities, such as boating docks, fishing spots, and camping sites. Activities: Boating, fishing, camping, and bird watching. Facilities: Campgrounds, boat rental services, and picnic areas. |
| Project Cost | $1,300,000 |
| Funding Required | Feasibility Study: $50,000 Infrastructure Development: $1,000,000 Marketing and Promotion: $100,000 Community Training Programs: $50,000 Sustainability Initiatives: $100,000 Total $1,300,000 |
| Project Status | Brown and Greenfield opportunities are available |
| Feasibility Studies | Yet to be done |
| Project Economics | Project viability will be availed once a comprehensive feasibility study has been completed |
| Value Proposition | Umzingwane District, renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, holds immense potential to become a premier tourism destination in Zimbabwe. With its array of scenic landscapes, historical sites, and cultural landmarks, the area offers numerous attractions. This project seeks to transform these resources into a cohesive tourism hub that draws both domestic and international tourists. We invite interested investors to participate in the development of the Umzingwane Tourism Hub, either as a whole or by focusing on specific components as outlined in the scope. Umzingwane Rural District Council is open to both Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements and private operators willing to operate on lease terms with the Rural District Council. The council will facilitate obtaining all necessary approvals, permits, and agreements to ensure a seamless start to tourism operations in Umzingwane District. |
