Elephant Lodge, formerly known as Jamaica Inn and located about 40 kilometres along the Bulawayo–Gwanda Road, was set ablaze on Tuesday after a raging fire believed to have been sparked by a nearby veld blaze swept through the property.
According to State media reports, the blaze broke out shortly after 2 PM and quickly engulfed the lodge, which has long been regarded as a landmark leisure stop and once famously hosted the internationally acclaimed British band UB40.
By late afternoon, the Bulawayo Fire Brigade was still battling to contain the inferno, but most of the property had already been destroyed. Four fire tenders and at least 20 firefighters were deployed to the scene in a desperate attempt to save the lodge. Despite their efforts, the flames proved too intense, leaving the structure completely gutted.
Eyewitnesses said strong winds fanned the fire, making it nearly impossible for crews to contain the blaze in time. “It all happened so fast. Within minutes the flames had spread across the thatched areas, and there was just no way to stop it,” said one resident who rushed to the scene.
The lodge, which is owned by businessman Mr. Tony Do Santos, has not yet released an official statement. The full extent of the damage remains unknown, but preliminary observations point to a total loss of buildings, furniture, and equipment. The value of property destroyed is still being assessed.
Tragically, this is not the first time the lodge has been devastated by fire. Almost exactly a year ago, a similar blaze tore through the property, causing extensive damage. The recurrence has raised fresh concerns about fire safety and disaster preparedness at leisure facilities, particularly those situated in veld fire-prone areas.
The latest incident has left the local tourism industry in shock. Elephant Lodge was considered a key stopover for travellers heading towards Matabeleland South and beyond, and its destruction is seen as a major setback for efforts to revive tourism in the region.
Blaze Destroys Elephant Lodge on Bulawayo–Gwanda Road
No injuries or fatalities were reported, but nearby communities expressed concern over the increasing frequency of veld fires, especially during the dry season. Environmental experts warn that with Zimbabwe currently experiencing high temperatures and strong winds, veld fires remain one of the biggest threats to both property and wildlife.
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has repeatedly urged property owners to create fireguards and take preventative measures during this period. However, many establishments — particularly those located near open grasslands — remain highly vulnerable.
For Elephant Lodge, the loss is particularly painful given its cultural significance. Once a vibrant entertainment hub under its former name, Jamaica Inn, the venue carved out a special place in the country’s social history. Hosting UB40 in the past earned it international recognition, and for many Zimbabweans, it held a nostalgic appeal.
Tourism operators in Bulawayo described the fire as “a heavy blow” to the sector, which is still recovering from the COVID-19 downturn. “This is not just a business loss — it is a cultural landmark gone,” said one operator. “We hope the owners will find the strength to rebuild again, but it will take a lot of support.”
Local authorities have promised a full investigation into the exact cause of the fire, although early reports point to the veld blaze as the likely trigger. EMA has said it will continue to monitor fire incidents in the area, urging communities to remain vigilant as the fire season intensifies.
As dusk fell on Tuesday, the once vibrant lodge lay in ruins, with smoke still rising from the charred remains. For residents, travellers, and the wider tourism fraternity, the destruction of Elephant Lodge marked not just the loss of a hospitality facility, but also a painful reminder of the destructive power of fire when prevention fails.
Source- ZimEye
