Romelda Lakeside Retreat: Our full report

On the scenic shores of Zimbabwe’s Lake Mutirikwi, Romelda Lakeside Retreat is way off the beaten track.

This small, reasonably rustic camp offers just six tented rooms with lake views. While none of our team has yet visited, we understand that this is a convenient location for visiting Great Zimbabwe, as well as Mutirikwi National Park and the Italian Chapel of St Francis of Assisi, close to Masvingo.

This south-eastern area of Zimbabwe is rarely visited by travellers, yet Lake Mutirikwi (formerly known as Lake Kyle) is an attraction in its own right.

Romelda’s six tented rooms are set up on stilts amid lush vegetation, overlooking the lake from their small wooden decks. Constructed of insulated canvas, the tents each have a canvas shade roof, with roll-up doors at the front and mesh windows. Four “standard” tents come with two three-quarter beds and an en-suite shower, whereas the two “luxury” tents boast a king-size bed, as well as an outdoor bath & shower.

Two of the standard tents have interconnected decks, which would work well for a family of four. And for larger families, a couple of day beds can be added to extend this to six on request.

Each tent is equipped with a solar fan, a tea and coffee station, and USB charging points.

Travellers gather in the covered bar and lounge area, where wicker furniture sits on cool stone floors, tables are set for meals, and windows overlook the lake. Glazed doors open on to an outside deck where a small pool is surrounded by plenty of seating.

Romelda’s lakeside setting is key to its appeal but there is plenty more. With river and lake cruises, game drives and rhino tracking, fishing and canoeing, the range of activities is pretty varied. For many, the highlight will be a visit to Mutirikwi National Park, which is home to a healthy population of white rhinos. An afternoon rhino walk would be a thrilling opportunity to seek out these ancient creatures in the wild.

Add in the Italian Chapel of St Francis of Assisi near Masvingo, built by Italian internees in World War II, and Great Zimbabwe ruins only a little further, and there’s no shortage of attractions within barely an hour’s drive.

Our view

While we have not visited Romelda, we consider that it is well-placed for a variety of activities and cultural attractions within easy reach – not least the opportunity for an afternoon rhino walk.

Tom Morris

Country manager: Zimbabwe

Geographics

Location: Great Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board
Food quality: We understand that food standards are fairly basic, with special dietary requirements requiring advance planning. Much of the produce is sourced from local farmers and the retreat’s garden.

Special interests

Cultural experiences: For those seeking a deeper understanding of Zimbabwe's culture, Romelda is an hour's drive from Great Zimbabwe, the ruined capital of a late iron-age kingdom. Visiting the Chapel of St. Francis adds another unusual cultural element to a stay here.; See ideas for Cultural experiences in Zimbabwe

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Special activities & services: There is a small pool, and space for children to play in the garden.
Equipment: Two tents are connected by a shared deck, so would work for a family of four, with a further two beds can be added on request.
Generally recommended for children: With space for children to run around and a small pool, Romelda could work well for families with older children.
Notes: The lodge’s proximity to the lake, and a small pool, means that all children must be constantly supervised by a parent or carer.