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Harare — SA 2010, as we called the Fifa World Cup, has come and gone. For Zimbabweans, the two things that will forever be etched in our memories are the visit of the Pisarinhos (little birds), the national team of Brazil and that of Shakira.

Shakira's sneak visit made many people wonder just what is so special about the Singita Pamushana that it managed to lure such a high-profile visitor while the rest of the country's tourism service providers were struggling to find even a few backpackers.

The Herald Lifestyle thought that it is high time to let Zimbabweans in on the secret of one of the world's premier holiday destinations hidden away in the Lowveld -- the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve.

Malilangwe, meaning "call of the leopard", is a 100 000 acre private reserve located in the environs of Gonarezhou, Zimbabwe's section of the Save-Limpopo Transfrontier Park.

It is home to Africa's big five -- leopard, lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo.

The private game reserve is very proud of their "ittle six"; six species of small beautiful antelope klipspringer, Sharpe's grysbok, grey duiker, steenbok, rare Livingstone's suni and oribi which have become firmly re-established after almost dying out in the great drought of 1992-3.

Aardvarks, painted hunting dogs, and caracal are among the other animals that you may be able to catch sight of, if your lucky stars are in ascendancy during your visit.

Malilangwe is a haven for bird watchers who can enjoy the over 400 species and one of the highest concentrations of large breeding eagles in the world.

Several species each of species of eagles, hawks and owls are there to be watched, studied and enjoyed.

Malilangwe Trust is a wholly Zimbabwean, non-profit organisation that focuses on harmonising conservation initiatives, community outreach programmes and commercial tourism activities.

The trust was formed in 1994 and the majority of the trustees are Zimbabwean citizens, ordinarily resident in Zimbabwe.

The conservancy has played host to many prominent names in the ecology studies field.

At any given time they usually have resident international scientists involved in research into the various flora and fauna of the region.

In keeping with the green trend the world over, Malilangwe is run in an eco-friendly and "green manner".

All its refrigeration compressors are carbon dioxide neutral and the swimming pools have been converted into salination systems in order to cut back on chlorine usage.

Shakira's temporary home in Zimbabwe, Singita Pamushana, is marketed and managed by Malilangwe's tourism partner as apart of South Africa-based Singita's top international tourism circuit in East and Southern Africa.

The brand has footprints in South Africa, Uganda and Tanzania.

Singita is Africa's most prestigious luxury safari operator and has won the Best Hotel in the World award. Singita Pamushana is currently the only Relais & Chateaux accredited resource in Zimbabwe.

Access to the lodge is through a 15-minute drive from the Buffalo Range Airport.

Flights from OR Tambo International Airport come in twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays and charter flights are available from Harare or any other part of the country at any time.

Driving down is another option, if you feel like taking advantage of the scenic Harare-Beitbridge route.

It is also listed on the Kiwi Collection, a website that offers special rates for the world's premium accommodation service providers.

Needless to say, Singita Pamushana is the only place in Zimbabwe that is on the list for now.

Kiwi Collection rates its listed clients on the food and beverages served, spa and fitness, attention to detail, generosity and value, wow/hip factor, architecture and design, location and fit to promise.

Thus a visitor to Singita Pamushana is assured that they will get the very best of all those and more.

Kiwi Collection recommends Pamushana for "people who care about luxury safaris, black rhino, and private plunge pools".

Last year, Zimbabwe's leading luxury safari lodge was refurbished at a cost of US$3,5 million to bring it up to the standards that have seen it qualify for its prestigious partnerships.

Pamushana rooms are done up in the style of the Shangani, the local people. The beds are built up from the floors then covered with the finest bed linen in warm natural colours.

Spectacular decorative beadwork done by the local craftsmen adorns the walls.

Each suite and villa has its own private plunge pool. (An opportunity to really go au naturel and indulge in a little skin-dipping perhaps?)

Amenities include inside and outside pools, with the inside one heated, a jacuzzi, a wine cellar, two restaurants, inside and out with the option to dine in style as a secluded place in a natural forest setting.

There is also a game-viewing deck with a spotting scope for those who want to watch the diverse variety of wildlife.

Gastronomy, hiking, romance, photography, safari, sightseeing, wildlife and bird watching are just some of the listed activities that one can enjoy while at Pamushana.

Studying Bushman paintings and playing tennis are others. Or you can simply relax and enjoy a getaway in the lap of luxury while enjoying the call of the wilderness.

Should you be thinking of joining the prestigious list of the elite who have been pampered at Singita Pamushana, then you may want to take advantage of their current special offer for 2011 bookings.

For US$5 700, which is a reduced price for six days, they will throw in the seventh night for free.

For those who would like to experience the Malilangwe eco-tourism but are not in the class of Shakira and company, the trust has alternative accommodation in the form of four other camps that cater for different classes of visitors.

Nduna Safari Camp is affiliated to the Classic Safari Camps of Africa brand and it is a special, authentic camp that caters mostly for Zimbabwean and regional travelers and families. This camp is currently closed for renovation and reorientation.

There is also Simbiri Camp, which limited for the use of Trustees and other VIP visitors and guests.

Hakamela Camp is an education and conference facility and serves as the base for environmental, education and community programs.

Kwali camp serves short-term visitors, students, researchers and contractors working with or at the Trust.

All profit from the Malilangwe Trust's commercial activities is directly invested in local community development. Robin Hood and his gang sought to rob the rich so as to help the poor.

Malilangwe has decided to do it in style; they spoil the rich, so as to save the environment and serve the heirs to the wilderness, the local people.

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