Forgotten jewel Caravan Park set for stunning comeback

A BREATH of fresh air is blowing through Mutare’s tourism sector as a new investor steps in to redevelop the once-forgotten Caravan Park into a world-class camping and recreational destination.

Nestled within the scenic Christmas Pass, Caravan Park is a naturally beautiful space adorned with indigenous and exotic trees, and lush green grass that carpets the area year-round.

Located less than 10 kilometres from Mutare’s city centre, the park offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains – a tranquil escape that blends nature’s serenity with accessibility.

After years of lying idle, the park is finally poised for a major revival following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Mutare City Council and Victoria Falls Bushcamps (VFBC).

The new player plans to inject fresh energy, modern infrastructure, and eco-friendly recreational facilities that will elevate the park into one of Zimbabwe’s premier tourism hubs.

As part of the transformation, the organisation plans to undertake extensive renovations of the park’s core infrastructure, starting with the rehabilitation of ablution facilities to ensure a clean and comfortable environment for all visitors.

A modern restaurant and café will be constructed to provide a range of culinary offerings and refreshments, enhancing the overall guest experience.

In a move to position Caravan Park as a versatile destination, the development will also include a state-of-the-art conference and events facility — ideal for corporate retreats, weddings, and group gatherings.

Accommodation will cater to a variety of travellers’ preferences, with a blend of semi-permanent luxury tented suites and charming chalets nestled in the natural surroundings.

For outdoor enthusiasts, dedicated areas will be created for campers with their own gear, as well as serviced plots for visitors arriving in self-drive camping vehicles, offering a flexible and immersive experience in the heart of nature.

This development is expected to breathe new life into the city’s tourism sector, creating employment opportunities, attracting visitors, and complementing other nearby attractions like Vumba, Murahwa Hill and Chimanimani Mountains.

For local tourists, Caravan Park will offer a much-needed recreational escape close to home, ideal for weekend getaways, school excursions, family picnics, and cultural events.

The affordable access and proximity to the city makes it a convenient retreat for residents looking to reconnect with nature without travelling far.

International visitors, particularly those drawn to eco-tourism and off-the-beaten-path experiences, will find the revamped Caravan Park an ideal base for exploring the Eastern Highlands.

The site’s natural beauty, combined with planned enhancements such as guided tours, wildlife watching, and cultural showcases, will position it as a unique and authentic destination in Southern Africa.

With plans to preserve the park’s natural ecosystem and integrate local artisans and service providers into the tourism value chain, the development is poised to benefit the broader community.

As work begins on this transformative project, optimism is high that Caravan Park will, not only reclaim its place on the tourism map, but set a new benchmark for sustainable and inclusive tourism development in the Eastern Highlands.

Victoria Falls Bushcamps business developer, Mr Tasiwa Mparuri, told Post Tourism that they look forward to working with Mutare City Council to achieve their vision and bring their brand to the Eastern Highlands.

“As a new player in the tourism space, with sites in Victoria Falls, our vision as Victoria Falls Bushcamps (VFBC) is to grow our brand nationally and offer memorable experiences to our clients. This led us to seek opportunities in the Eastern Highlands, the hidden gem of Zimbabwe, and to participate in the council’s tender process to lease Caravan Park.

“We plan on renovating the park through the rehabilitation of the ablution facilities and construction of a restaurant and cafe to service visitors. We will also build a conference/events facility with accommodation — these will be a mix of semi- permanent tented structures as well as chalets. We also plan to create a space for campers with their own gear as well as for visitors with self-drive camping vehicles.

“The park will have obstacle courses as well as a swimming pool to entertain guests. We plan to embark on this project in phases, with the initial phase being complete in 60 days, and the final phase by December 2025.

Mutare will benefit through the addition of services and activities to the city.

This will ultimately increase the city’s offering to national and international guests, increasing their length of stay in Mutare, and thus increasing the local Gross Domestic Product.

Local residents will benefit from synergies with the park, for events such as weddings, concerts and conferences. They will also benefit from employment opportunities as well as the supply of goods and services to the park and its activities,” he said.-herald