*Farming for Tourists: Why Your Farm is the Next Big Destination*

By Carl Joshua Ncube

For the past few weeks, Nelsy and I have been completely immersed in the rhythm of farm life on the outskirts of Kadoma. We haven’t just been enjoying the fresh air; we’ve been deep in the trenches of a feasibility study, looking at the “low-hanging fruit” available to farm holders.

The goal? To figure out how to take a working farm and, with the right business models and implementation pathways, scale it into a high-value tourism destination. What we’ve discovered is that the “farm feel” isn’t just a vibe—it’s a massive business opportunity. Whether you are on a commercial farm or a rural homestead, these ideas are designed to get you from zero to full operations.

Here is how we are rethinking the farm experience:

*The “Experience” Over the “Luxury”*

When converting spaces, don’t get stuck on making things “perfect.” We’ve been looking at converting old storerooms into “cute rooms.” The trick? Don’t worry about indoor bathrooms initially. By moving the bathrooms outdoors, you aren’t just saving on plumbing costs; you are increasing the authentic farm experience.

Imagine a bathroom with an outdoor wood-fired hot water system. Guests schedule their bath times for the early morning or late evening, watching the steam rise into the crisp Kadoma air. It’s not an inconvenience—it’s a memory.

*The Great Outdoors (Literally)*

We are looking at outdoor showers with a view and strategically scattered toilets that allow guests to feel connected to the landscape at all times. This extends to the social hubs of the farm: fixing up the pool area and creating dedicated fire pits. These are the anchors for great outdoor experiences.

*Retro Kitchens and Farm-Made Flavors*

There is something magical about a wood-burning stove. We are advocating for keeping those old retro kitchens intact to serve authentic farmhouse family meals.

But the food shouldn’t stop at the table. A key part of our study is the production of “Farm Made” goods. We are talking about home-made bacon, biltong, jam, cheese, and butter. We’re even looking at fermentations like sauerkraut and custom-packaged teas. These aren’t just for eating on-site; they are products to be sold at a roadside shop or gift store alongside branded merchandise like overalls, gumboots, and hats.

*Tractors, Trails, and Training*

A farm is a playground. We’ve developed models for “In-Field Activities” where guests are taken on tractors in the morning to follow the cattle and goats, ending with a picnic in the fields. It’s the ultimate photo op.

For the more active guest, we’re looking at “Farm Cross-Fit”—using gym equipment laid out outdoors and building obstacle courses that utilize the natural terrain. And for those who want the opposite of a workout? Mud baths and hydration treatments for an on-site spa experience that feels grounded in the earth.

*Events and Glamping*

Finally, we are looking at the farm as a canvas for events. A beautiful venue for weddings or photoshoots doesn’t need gold-plated chairs; hay bales and logs create an amazing “farm-chic” vibe. To scale up for these events, we are looking at camping and glamping sites with outdoor ablutions to accommodate larger groups without the need for permanent brick-and-mortar structures.

*The Verdict*

The transition from a pure production farm to a tourism hub is about seeing what you already have through a different lens. That old storeroom isn’t a mess; it’s a boutique guest room. That tractor isn’t just a tool; it’s a tour bus.

We are excited to share the full results of this feasibility study as we continue to build the #VisitKadoma initiative. The future of Zimbabwean tourism isn’t just in our hotels—it’s in our fields!