Nottingham Estate Resorts: Unique Eco-Tourism Experiences On The Limpopo River

Nottingham Estate is a privately owned farm located on the banks of the Limpopo River in Zimbabwe.

The farm not only produces quality citrus for export, but it also offers unique eco-tourism experiences through their two lodges: Nottingham Retreat and Kuduland Lodge.

The venue may be located outside the traditional tourist hubs of Vic Falls, Kariba, Hwange, and Great Zimbabwe, but it has been well supported by travellers passing through to and from Beitbridge who still find it to be a great stop over “The estate attracts a steady flow of mostly local clients as the rates are favourable compared to well-known tourist hubs. Guest visits are usually on the weekend or a public holiday, leaving weeknights mostly free,” said Angela Mason, Bookings Manager at Nottingham Estate.

Despite its disconnection from the major tourist areas, most visitors, whether local or international, find it an ideal destination. Perfect for those seeking a de-congested safari and resort experience outside the traditional tourist itinerary.

Accommodation facilities:

Nottingham Retreat provides a tranquil escape from its majestic location adjacent to the scenic Mthilashokwe Dam. Seven kilometres of pristine water offer prime bass and bream fishing, as well as myriad birdlife and wildlife.

The dam is surrounded by baobab, mopane, a variety of other indigenous trees, and numerous rocky outcrops. Wake up to beautiful sunrises and the call of the iconic fish eagle.

The retreat has seven rooms, all air-conditioned waterfront chalets, fitted with a single king-size bed and two three-quarter beds. Guests can sleep between 3 and 4 people. Couples can share with their children if they are under 12 years of age. Room 8, still on the waterfront and air-conditioned, is a self-contained chalet with a lounge and kitchenette and 2 bedrooms, sleeping a maximum of 4 people. Room 9 is an air-conditioned, luxury family 3-bedroom chalet with 2 bathrooms (one off the main room), an open-plan kitchen (dining or lounge) area, and a front veranda with a view of the dam and camp grounds.

“Clients can hire a boat with an experienced boat driver who knows where the best fishing spots are,” said Mason.

Kuduland Lodge is situated on the banks of the mighty Limpopo River, nestled under a canopy of fever trees and a majestic Nyala tree. Verdant green lawns roll down to the river’s edge, providing a tranquil escape for families and weary travellers. The venue is also ideal for weddings and other functions.

The lodge offers a choice of six air-conditioned rooms with two, three-quarter beds in each room or five Borrocs rooms, which only have fans, gauze windows, and their own swimming pool. These can sleep four, one person in each of the four, three-quarter beds. Guests can unwind by the pool, overlooking the river, or indulge in delicious meals served in a thatched lapa or under the shade of the Nyala tree.

The camps offer various amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. “We have a camp cot and high chair for families with toddlers or babies. Due to us having only showers at Kuduland, we do have a toddler /baby basin to use for smaller kids. Please request this when booking. We have two swimming pools, each with a holding capacity of 25 000 litres, and a jumping castle at Kuduland to entertain young children,” said Mason.

The camp allows guests to observe these magnificent creatures up close as they playfully devour discarded oranges. Other wildlife to be encountered, besides elephants, are kudu, impala, baboon, porcupine, eland, and warthog.

“Those are the animals that can be seen feeding at the camp, although we have many more species of animals on the farm. The nights at Fly Camp are alive with the sounds of nature, from the calls of hyenas to the breath-taking spectacle of a star-studded sky. This experience is seasonal, available from May to September,” said the resort’s booking manager.

The viewing of the elephant and other species feeding at Fly Camp does not have an age restriction, but all children need to be supervised by an adult at all times. Guests should make sure they include the Fly Camp elephant feeding experience when they are booking and confirming accommodation, as Fly Camp is available to camp clients only.

Dining experience and sustainability:

Several dining options are available for memorable stays at the Nottingham Estate Resorts. The chefs make a decision on what they are preparing based on the client’s dietary requirements and the menu options for the day.

Mason revealed plans for the future including expanding their activity packages, which are currently underway. This move will see exciting activities like cycling tracks, brunches out in the bush, and more being introduced. “In the near future, we will offer expanded activities according to the client requests.

All activities will need to be booked in advance so that we can organise accordingly,” she said.

Upgrading the décor at camps to usher in a newer and fresher look is also underway.

An unwavering commitment to sustainability that extends beyond eco-tourism is evident. The estate has a rich history of adapting to challenges.

Facing water scarcity, they constructed the Mthilashokwe Dam in 1995 and the Mpande Dam in 2017 to ensure sustainable irrigation practices. To combat rising electricity costs, they built a 1.5-megawatt solar power station in 2016, showcasing their dedication to renewable energy.

Nottingham Estate has clearly demonstrated a passion for eco-tourism, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and wonder of Zimbabwe’s Limpopo River region.

Text by Martin Chemhere | Photos by Fotohaus

From DESTINATION ZW EDITION 10