How much does it cost to set up your own small hotel? In the past the costs were quite huge but thanks to technology, the graph of costs keeps going down. In the past you needed bricks and mortar running from several thousands to millions dollars but not now.
A motel in Juliasdale in the Eastern Highlands has 7 tent domes and doing extremely well. The dome tents– a relatively new phenomenon in Zimbabwe but with time we hope to see more especially in the Eastern Highlands and other areas such as Harare and Bulawayo.
To those old enough they should have fond memories of the former Detema Safari Lodge outside Hwange which used to be the number 1 spot for tourists at the turn of the century. It was made up purely of trees and thatched grasses with the tree houses one of the best on the continent.
We do not know what happened to Detema Safari Lodge and also why the concept was not widely adopted.
Back to Dome Tents,
Source of Dome Tents=China.
All you need is land enough to set up between 10 and 15 domes with enough space between them to allow for privacy of visitors. The land can be along the shores of lakes such as Lake Mutirikwi, Lake Chivero, Lake Darwendale and Mazvikadei. There is plenty of land for lease by the National Parks Authority. Some years back Lake Chivero had a caravan park located next to Harare Safari Lodge which was quite popular but later on closed under unclear circumstances. This helps confirms that the concept has worked before.
One can even opt for land along our highways such as Harare-Mutare, Harare –Bulawayo, Harare-Mutoko, Mutare-Bulawayo and others.
Location can even be outside small towns such as Mvuma, Chivhu, Mutoko, Mrewa, Gwanda, Karoi and others.
Build Ons,
- Green Designs: Do not disturb the natural landscape by senselessly chopping down trees but rather incorporate nature into your designs.
- Security: Secure your land with fence—preferably razor wire or electric fence.
- The domes will need decks and one can use concrete or wood
- Build a reception area with good parking space.
- Build bathrooms for each tent, have private parking space for visitors.
- Build a dining room and laundry room.
- Recruit and train competent staff to manage your business. It would be better if the owner stays on the premises or somewhere nearby.
Your targeted clients will be international tourists and local tourists with a good eye and taste buds for finer things in life. If located outside town, then the place should be visible from the highway or closer to the highway.
The dome tents generally do not need much maintenance and care and can last for more than 5 years.
Risks: If you are leasing the land, once clients start flocking in, your rentals will increase with the landowner not factoring in that it’s a long way before you break even and start making profits! The land owner may even chase you away and grab the business.
This is not a get rich quick type of business as it requires patience and a long term vision. The premises need to be neat and services provided world class. With time value increases with possibilities for expansion or even opening in new places.
So all the best and kindly share feedback once done.
