Over 24 hours in Beitbridge

Where to stay?

The Rainbow Beitbridge Hotel gets a somewhat plus from me, the mere size of the hotel itself is enough to be considered a workout in itself as you navigate around the hotel – that just goes to show how much ground you can cover - the rooms are clean, spacious and good place to lay your head and relax as you enjoy your stay... with air conditioning – unlimited WiFi and DSTV - I was hooked on the WiFi for obvious reasons.. The serene setting of the pool and inviting cool blue waters will definitely grab your attention and you’re bound to want to take a swim – plus a great way to cool down in the Beitbridge heat. Trust me when I say you will feel like you’re on another planet. Don’t know how the locals do it. Looking to work out? The hotel has a gym with enough the equipment to get you pumped out and work on that bod or to just stay healthy. The hotel’s restaurant covers breakfast, lunch and dinner and an espresso lounge on location is for those who want to laze about, watch TV and have a few drinks.

I did however, try out their buffet breakfast which was an average breakfast – I didn’t quite enjoy and expected better from such a fine establishment. The dinner on the other end which was chicken schnitzel served with crumbed mushrooms, chips, salad and creamy cheese sauce - I asked for the mushrooms to be added though was slightly above average...Besides the cheese sauce being a bit too thick and the mushrooms lacking seasoning it was a filling meal and was just about satisfactory.

Besides the casino on location – I do think more can be done to spice things up and entertain guest who are just passing through or staying over for whatever period of time.

I would like to add though that besides a few hiccups and once you’ve gotten over some of the disappointing facets of the hotel – you come to appreciate the hotel for all that it is in this border town.

Brekkie

Din Din

Gym

Where is Beitbridge?

Beitbridge is a border town in the province of Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe. The name also refers to the border post and bridge spanning the Limpopo, which forms the political border between South Africa and Zimbabwe. The town lies just north of the Limpopo River about 1 km from the Alfred Beit Road Bridge which spans the Limpopo River between South Africa and Zimbabwe. The population is dominated by the local Venda people, who are also found across the international border in South Africa. Let me not forget the temperatures are extremely high and it’s best to apply sunscreen and take lots of water to stay hydrated.

Hello April

New Hair/ New Look

I’m currently rocking a mid length Indian Remy weave which I coloured black – the original colour being brown. I’m also trying out white and this is the first time I’ve paired my dungarees with heels... I think it’s pretty chic and a part of reworking old favourites.

Trends I love

The mod look -Take me back to the 60s - peter-pan collar dresses - knee high socks and it being all about the eyes - the perfect mod look is all in the eyes.. Love it and totally crushing.. and Athleisure

- With time I've grown to understand that you can still be stylish and comfortable - the athleisure trend embodies this - back in my teenage years you couldn't tell me this because my heels went wherever I went and some of the outfits i wore were hardly comfortable. I'm definitely incorporating more and more of these looks in my closet.. Comfort is key...

 Pinterest mod look 

Athleisure

New on the market

Frankies Original Cream Soda – Saw it on the shelves and had to try it...Me being used to the green coloured soda – it was incredibly good and had a unique (original) taste as the name suggests... All I’m saying is try it it’s worth the $1.99. Can be found in Pick n Pay outlets. Other flavours include Cinnamon Cola, Ginger Beer, Dandelion & Burdock and Root Beer. I want to try the Root Beer next...

According to http://www.cloverfrankies.com/, “When soft drinks were first produced in the 1930’s the taste of Cream Soda was achieved by mixing a tablespoon of real fresh cream into a glass of lemonade. Frankie’s Original Cream Soda reproduces that same Olde Fashioned clear creamy vanilla taste.”

Where to eat?

Once again Organikks Cafe in Chisipite does it for me. I’ve featured it on the blog so check out the deets HERE

Where to shop?

Purple Plastic Choker from Glamourize

Glamourize Accessories 

Quality accessories - I shall say no more. Branches found at Borrowdale Samy Levy's Village next to Focal Point, Arundel Village next to Pick n' Pay and Sammar Gallery Avondale Shopping Centre

Visit their  website on www.glamourize.co.zw

Current stay

Rainbow Beitbridge Hotel

I recently traveled to Beitbridge and was impressed by the Rainbow Beitbridge Hotel. The architecture, design, decor are on another level. The size of the hotel itself is too much ground for me to cover... I do recommend it as a hotel to stay at when visiting Beitbridge or passing through. I can’t help you with the heat though – but at least they have air conditioning. Service could be improved though. On location is a gym, pool and casino..

Obsessed with

My new snakeskin vans....It was love at first sight and they are oh so comfortable – great travel shoes and for running around... I got them cheap at Powersales for less than $10

First Class English Breakfast at Organikks

1 Dacomb Drive, Chisipite

Harare, Zimbabwe

I have had breakfast at a number of places but Organikks tops them all, this up-town eatery matches first class international standards and had me wishing I could stay behind for more.

Organikks Cafe which is located in the up – market leafy northern suburb of Chisipite has a way of taking you away from the rest of the world and setting you up for a memorable food experience. The back-story of the cafe which is written down on the menu is enchanting and a sweet touch to the cafe. Plus I love a good story and could somewhat see myself getting there at some point in my future. Knowing how it all started out as just a part of someone who loved food from the get go and seeing it evolve to what the cafe is now is magnifique.  

The seating, the decor and all is fitted in to the last tee – which is pure perfection. The atmosphere itself was serene, relaxing and somewhat exotic. – I don’t know why but it just made me feel like I was in a faraway place.

Both my foodie partner and I went all in for the English breakfast. I had mine with a caramel frappe which was delightful. The sweetness of the caramel is exactly what any sweet tooth lover needs to   sort out any craving. My other half had the breakfast with Arabian Mint Tea – I’ve been meaning to try various teas as well – Chamomile tea being one of my favourites –it’s calming and no I’m not just saying it because everyone says it – it really is. Back to the Arabian mint tea – it was soothingly light and the mint wasn’t the slightest bit overwhelming – one get’s just enough of the minty taste to acknowledge its presence and appreciate the freshness it brings to the tea.

I was impressed to see a wide range on the selection of teas they have on offer – go if you’re a tea lover or just want to try something different.

On the breakfast – words cannot describe how fresh, perfectly seasoned and full of flavour the meal was.  I normally gobble through my food but this time I wanted to savour every bit of flavour that the food brought into my mouth. From the succulent sausage, perfectly cooked eggs, bacon, and grilled juicy tomato to those mushrooms – Let’s talk about those mushrooms though – they were an explosion of flavour and it was love at first bite....

Organikks Cafe left a good impression on me and it deserves a perfect 10/10.

 It truly was the perfect food experience. I’m eager to try out their dinner soon.

Also on the premises is The Skin Spa for all your beauty care treatments and a hair salon for your hair care needs. Another reason to spend the whole day there – just saying...

Go because you won’t be disappointed.

Karen's background story on the menu

Our view as we had breakfast