By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
Monomotapa Hospitality, a subsidiary of the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF), has officially assumed ownership of the iconic Caribbea Bay Resort, effective March 1, 2026, signalling a new chapter for one of Kariba’s most well-known lakeside destinations.
The takeover follows the company’s US$18 million acquisition of the historic Monomotapa Hotel last year, reflecting a broader strategic push to expand its footprint in Zimbabwe’s hospitality sector and enhance the country’s tourism offering.
In a communication to hospitality trade partners, tourism stakeholders, and suppliers, Monomotapa Hospitality expressed excitement about welcoming Caribbea Bay Resort into its growing portfolio.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high international service standards while contributing to the growth of a sustainable tourism industry in Zimbabwe.
“This acquisition allows us to strengthen our service offerings and improve the overall experience for our guests,” stated a representative of Monomotapa Hospitality.
“We remain dedicated to preserving the legacy of hospitality in Zimbabwe while investing in local tourism.”
With the transition underlining African Sun’s push to streamline its focus on strategic properties, some industry experts welcomed the change, citing it as an opportunity for innovation and improved service delivery at the famed resort.
Washington Ncube, a well-known tour operator in the region, remarked, “This takeover presents a fresh start for Caribbea Bay.
Monomotapa Hospitality has shown great potential in enhancing guest experiences at their properties. I’m optimistic about what they will bring to Kariba.”
Similarly, Cephacy Shonhiwa, another tourism operator, highlighted the importance of continued support for local tourism: “The transition is not just about management; it’s about creating a more vibrant tourism culture in Kariba. With Monomotapa’s commitment to excellence, we can expect the resort to flourish.”
Despite the excitement, there are underlying concerns regarding the impact of this transition on existing bookings.
Monomotapa Hospitality has assured that all reservations made prior to the takeover will be honored, aiming to maintain confidence among travel partners and guests during this changeover.
The management of African Sun has been vocal about the decision to divest from Caribbea Bay Resort, stating that the capital from this sale will fund refurbishments aimed at revitalizing other key assets within their portfolio, including the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel and the Holiday Inn series.
As the resort town of Kariba looks ahead, stakeholders are hopeful that this shift will reinvigorate the local tourism landscape, ensuring that Zimbabwe remains a premier global destination.
The focus on sustainability and commitment to quality service from Monomotapa Hospitality could set a new benchmark in the industry and attract more international visitors to the region.
The anticipation surrounding this transition is palpable, as local operators and the tourism community alike await the positive changes that Monomotapa Hospitality promises to bring to Caribbea Bay Resort.
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