BULAWAYO – For local entrepreneur Elton Chivunga, founding Tree-Shed Guest Lodge was the fulfilment of a vision he says began with a dream.
Chivunga, the lodge’s founder and chief executive officer, said his journey into hospitality was inspired by a spiritual vision on December 23, 2018, in which he saw a large tree. A second vision on February 22, 2020, affirmed the call to establish the lodge in Bulawayo. The company was registered on March 6, 2020.
“In that vision, I was shown a huge tree as a sign of the place. When we established the company, we made sure ‘Tree’ appeared in the name and included it in our logo,” he said.
Chivunga acquired the property in 2023 from businessman Demetreous Economou through a commercial property loan. The site, then in a dilapidated state, underwent extensive renovations over three years, including the development of a conference facility.
Located along Airport Road, a short distance from Harare and Victoria Falls roads, Tree-Shed Guest Lodge offers convenient access for travellers. Positioned in Bulawayo — the City of Kings — the lodge caters to both leisure and corporate guests.
“Our lodge provides the perfect setting to unwind and recharge, whether you are visiting for business, a weekend getaway or a longer stay,” Chivunga said.
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The facility features 20 rooms, eco-friendly amenities and conference facilities that can accommodate up to 120 people, with on-site lodging for multi-day events.
Chivunga said the lodge’s vision is to offer affordable, quality service that leaves guests relaxed and satisfied. Plans are also underway to expand within Bulawayo and, pending approvals, into Hwange, Lupane, Zvishavane and Masvingo.
He described the hospitality sector as capital-intensive but said the team is putting final touches to the lodge, confident in its growth prospects.