Mukuni Safari Lodge, US bank sign deal
By Joseph Mwenda
Tue 01 Feb. 2011, 04:00 CAT


AMERICA’S Capital Corp Merchant Bank has signed a US$15.4 million project with Zambian corporation Playland Limited to construct a 4-star Cresta Mukuni Safari Lodge at the Victoria Falls.

According to a statement released by Capital Corp Merchant Bank, the aim of the project was to cater for incentive groups from Europe and America with less costly facilities that would also be used for local and regional markets in Southern Africa.

Capital Corp’s president Gilles Herard expressed confidence that the project would close the market gap between high-end hotels to budget lodges.

“The business concept of the project is strong, given the significant gap in the market for Safari and wilderness type high-end hotels in the Victoria Falls area where only 70 hotel rooms exist on the Zimbabwean side, and with limited conference facilities,” Herard stated.

He stated that in order to have a quick impact on the market and to enhance its position, Playland Limited had signed a management contract with Cresta Hospitality which is one of the biggest hospitality groups in southern Africa managing and operating 13 properties in three countries (Zimbabwe, Botswana and Nigeria) to manage its property.

“Cresta Mukuni will be twinned with the famous Cresta Mowana Safari Lodge situated in the Botswana National Park, which has won major international awards,” he stated.

Herard stated that the soon-to-be constructed internationally recognised four-star Safari timeshare would have modern facilities, amenities and conveniences like the other hotels already in the area but at a more affordable rate.