The upgrading of Kyle Recreational Park is set to strengthen Masvingo’s tourism circuit after Government commissioned a range of new and refurbished facilities aimed at improving visitor experiences.
The facilities commissioned on Wednesday include refurbished tourist lodges, a water reticulation system, a solar power plant, gazebos, campsite ablution facilities and a new entrance gate.
The development, spearheaded by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), received financial support from the Gonarezhou Conservation Trust and the Animal and Wildlife Area Research and Rehabilitation Trust.
ZimParks Director General Professor Edson Gandiwa said the investment was part of the authority’s five-year strategic plan for 2026 to 2030, which places infrastructure development at the centre of efforts to improve tourism, conservation and community development.
“Kyle Recreational Park development is aligned with its five-year strategic plan for 2026 to 2030, which places infrastructure development at the centre of efforts to improve tourism, conservation operations and community development across the country’s parks,” he said.
Professor Gandiwa said the strategy would address infrastructure gaps across the parks estate while promoting the sustainable use of Zimbabwe’s tourism resources.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Evelyn Ndlovu said infrastructure development was being complemented by strengthened law-enforcement measures to protect the country’s wildlife resources.
She said reported poaching cases involving key wildlife species had declined from 120 in 2019 to 60 in 2025 and 20 so far in 2026.
Ndlovu also said wildlife crime incursions had declined from 1 355 in 2019 to 1 001 in 2025 and 714 in 2026 to date, despite a spike recorded in 2024.
She said ZimParks had strengthened its law-enforcement operations while deploying technology capable of providing real-time information to patrol teams and researchers.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Permanent Secretary Dr Takaruza Munyanyiwa said the upgraded facilities would enhance the quality of the tourism product available to both domestic and international visitors.
“We now have improved accommodation, better amenities, reliable water and solar power, which all contribute to a better visitor experience,” he said.
The investment is also expected to create opportunities for surrounding communities and local businesses through increased tourism activity.
Masvingo Provincial Director for Coordination in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Rosemary Chingwe, said Kyle Recreational Park complemented major attractions such as Great Zimbabwe and could strengthen the province’s wider tourism circuit.
“For Masvingo, this investment is very significant because tourism is not only about attracting visitors, but also about creating opportunities for our communities and local businesses,” she said.
She said the improved facilities could encourage visitors to spend more time in the province while experiencing its wildlife, heritage and natural attractions.
