By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
MASVINGO — Tamarind Holiday and Conference Resort has announced a major investment in its Kariba facility, unveiling a US$1 million-plus upgrade that positions the resort as a premier conferencing destination in Mashonaland West.
Speaking at the resort’s stand during the 19th Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe World Tourism Expo in Masvingo, Marketing and Events Manager Vimbai Chimenya said the investment represents a significant vote of confidence in Zimbabwe’s tourism sector.
“We are here at Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe enjoying ourselves at our stand, Tamarind Holiday and Conference Resort,” Chimenya said.
“We are here to show you guys what we have at our new facility in Kariba — 65 rooms. We invested a million plus into this facility.”
A Conferencing Powerhouse
The centrepiece of the investment is a conference facility with a seating capacity of 500, which Chimenya described as “the biggest in Mashonaland West.”
The resort, located at 784 Baobab Ridge in Kariba, sits just a one-minute drive from Lake Kariba and 12 minutes from the iconic Kariba Dam.
The property features state-of-the art 65 air-conditioned accommodations with private pools, premium bedding, and 50-inch flat-screen televisions with satellite channels.
Guests can enjoy three outdoor swimming pools, a waterslide, and a seasonal outdoor pool, alongside a restaurant specializing in local and international cuisine, and a poolside bar.
The family-friendly resort also offers a complimentary children’s club, playground, and trampoline.
For business travellers, the resort provides a 24-hour business center, coworking spaces, and a conference center, making it well-suited for corporate retreats and business events.
A Strategic Showcase
Tamarind’s presence at the Sanganai Expo reflects a broader trend of tourism operators leveraging the platform to showcase their offerings to international buyers and industry stakeholders.
The expo, running from September 9 to 12 at the Gymkhana Events and Conference Centre in Masvingo, has attracted 405 exhibitors and 153 buyers, including 125 international buyers from key markets such as China, India, the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
The event is being held under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” with President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially opening the showcase.
Kariba’s Tourism Renaissance
Tamarind’s investment comes as Kariba positions itself for a tourism resurgence. The Municipality of Kariba has begun crafting a new five-year strategic plan (2026–2030) focused on strengthening tourism, improving service delivery, and addressing long-standing energy challenges.
“We are reflecting on how far we have gone in pursuing our vision to become the ultimate tourism destination embedded in a thriving local community,” said Kariba Mayor Councillor Ralph Maoneyi.
The town’s budget for the coming year stands at US$15 million, with expectations of steady growth as it attracts more investment.
The strategic plan aligns with the national Vision 2030 agenda and the National Development Strategy 2.
Looking Ahead
For Tamarind Holiday and Conference Resort, the Sanganai Expo represents an opportunity to connect with international buyers and position Kariba as a destination of choice for both leisure and business travellers.
“You need to come through. It has 500 seating capacity of a conference, which is the biggest in Mashonaland West. So please do come through and visit,” Chimenya said.
As Zimbabwe’s tourism sector continues its recovery trajectory — with tourism receipts reaching US$537 million in the first half of 2026 — investments like Tamarind’s signal growing confidence in the country’s hospitality industry.
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