Out on Explorer Safari
Situated only 1.5 hours north of Harare, Siya Lima Homestead is without a doubt one of the most extraordinary farmhouses ever built in this country. Formally an award winning tobacco -piggery and maize growing farm, Siya Lima is now being run as a tourism concern by Janine and James Varden in conjunction with the local community. Mike Mcgrath who is now living in Harare building houses, comes out occasionally to check on the progress of the farm and house. A conservationist at heart, Mike would love to see the remaining area of farm being incorporated into the Mavuradonha Wilderness area therefore giving some formal protection to the rest of the land and a home to many wild animals such as kudu, monkey, rock rabbits, duiker and baboons that are found on the farm.
Built by Mike Mcgrath, founder of Siya Lima Farm and great character – the house reflects Mikes slightly eccentric personality and hospitable nature. This is truly a house for entertaining. The main house consists of 4 lovely bedrooms all with full ensuite facilities. There is a huge formal dining room with a open fire place, this is complemented by the reception area which houses a baby grand piano for those special dinner parties. A grand staircase leads up to one of the bedrooms and the sitting room also with a open fire place. In addition to the 4 bedrooms in the house there is a large cottage, again with a open fire place. Last but not lest there is a self contained flat above the stable block. The flat is currently being used as staff quarters. The house is full of nocks, alcoves, passages and dungeons. Two of the bedrooms open up to their own courtyards.
Barbara Mcgrath was a renowned horsewomen whose love of all animals is evident all around the farm from the piggery to the stables. The McGrath’s were successful thoroughbred breeders and the stables that housed these majestic horses reflect this passion. The stables are a real show piece and many a visiting horseperson (and others) have been astounded at the structure and lavishness of the stables. Mcgrath horses were always keep in grand style.
A stay at Siya Lima would not be complete without a walk into the surrounding Kopjes accompanied by the energetic Tigger and Jupiter the farm dogs to lead the way.
Activities at Siya Lima:
- Walks into beautiful bush and farming lands surrounding the house
- Sundowners at sunset rock
- R and R
- Horse riding on request
- Fishing on request at a neighbouring farm
- Visit nyamaneche national park 30 mins down the road and home to 9 white rhino and lots of other plains game
- Tengenegene stone sculpture village – 30 mins down the road
- Visit a working citrus farm 10 mins away
- Cow milking for the kids
- Therapists can be arranged on request for groups
- Private picnics in the bush
The house can be hired as following: self catering with cook and housekeeper or fully catered for basis. Siya lima is ideal for family getaways.
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How do you get to the farm? Have sent an E.Mail asking for a booking for the half-term holiday period Fri/ Sat nights leaving Sunday after lunch for two sharing.
Regards, Iain Macdonald
Hi Iain, have you seen the google map? If you need detailed instructions, please drop us a line.Thanks, Tim