Forbes

Nov 16, 2025

It was November 1, around 2pm, and according to the Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe, a blazing 33°C. So, after having disembarked from the vehicle, I was already dreaming of air-conditioning after having heard the Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG), owners of the hotel and conference centre, completed a US$5,2 million makeover. Before I could even compose myself and my luggage after disembarking, a sharply dressed bellhop appeared before me with a smile. “Refreshing afternoon sir!” the hotel bellhop Conley Mafema said. This is the signature RTG greeting across its establishments in Zimbabwe, and up to that point, I had heard it many times before then, but on that hot day, this one was actually refreshing. Within seconds, Mafema relieved me of my luggage with an ease and warmth that already set the tone for my stay. I had come not just for a night of rest, but also to experience the RTG's festive offering—'Fun Under the Rainbow,' a holiday promotion designed to give families, couples, and solo travellers a chance to unwind and reconnect at these upcoming holidays. I was taken through the hotel lobby that buzzed with soft conversations and the faint scent of polished floors to the front desk. There, Tanyaradzwa Mangidzwa, 20s, welcomed me with a professional calm that instantly soothed the stress of the day. Check-in was quick, friendly, and efficient—the sort of hospitality that makes you feel like you have been expected. Handing me my keycard, Mangidzwa said: “Have a refreshing experience, sir.” And again, with the heat, this just hit different. So, with that and my key card in hand, I made my way to the room. Part of the refurbishments done was the installation of two new Kone elevators, bringing the total to four to offer seamless vertical movement with key-card access controls, ensuring both efficiency and security. Kone is a globally renowned Finnish company specialising in elevators, escalators, and automatic doors whose brand is distributed locally by Skyline Elevators (Pvt) Limited. And standing in the elevator car on my way to my room, it was an investment well spent because it took the doors sliding open on my floor to realise it had even moved! Stepping into my refurbished standard room at Rainbow Towers, I was greeted by a minimalist, modern space that instantly felt serene. Soft ambient lighting highlighted sleek finishes and stylish flooring, while a comfortable bed invited relaxation. A table/desk and chair made working effortless, and an extra chair in the corner offered a cozy reading spot. The large windows framed a bright, open view of the city outside, letting in natural light that made the room feel even more spacious. The bathroom, with gleaming surfaces and a rain shower, doing away with the bathtub for that room, completed the spa-like experience—the perfect balance of comfort, elegance, and functionality. “The festive season is fast approaching and the Zimbabwe's leading hospitality and tourism brand Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) has something for everyone. The group is running the ‘Fun Under the Rainbow' promotion, a special opportunity for families to unwind, reconnect, and create lifelong memories during the upcoming festive season,” RTG told the paper. “The most magical time of the year is here, and there's no better way to celebrate than with a well-deserved getaway with the Festive Fun Under the Rainbow! Whether you are planning a peaceful escape, a fun family vacation, or a festive retreat with friends, RTG hotels located in the key holiday destinations across Zimbabwe are ready to welcome you with warmth, comfort, and unbeatable holiday cheer.” The hotel boasts of 293 rooms in total following the refurbishments. One presidential suite, diplomatic suites (9), executive suites (18), towers king rooms (64), standard double rooms (118), and standard twin rooms (83). Several floors were renovated as part of the refurbishments. Throughout my stay, the in-room phone allowed me to access housekeeping at any given time, who often responded quickly. Then came the evening when I ate my dinner at the Hibachi-styled Kombahari Restaurant, one of the hotel's gems. A Hibachi restaurant is a style of Japanese dining where food is cooked on a large, flat, iron grill (called a hibachi or teppan) right in front of you. It's both a meal and a performance. For the Kombahari, tables circle the grill, allowing for an individual, group, or couple experience. Arriving there, my waiter, Martin, guided me to the counter where the chefs perform their culinary theatre. The ‘performer' on that day was chef Shingi. Despite it taking its inspiration from Japan, the menu chef Shingi offered gave a touch of everything African, Mediterranean, European, and Asian, as well as à la carte offerings. This diverse offering is certainly a draw, as evidenced by how the room later filled up with large groups. The next day, I had breakfast at the Harvest Gardens, designed as a buffet setting with a diverse offering of food from traditional to European, ensuring there is something for everyone. Later, through Heritage Expeditions Africa (HExA), I was able to make a booking that took me back home. Hotel guests can also book immersive travel experiences from HExA—from guided safaris to educational cultural tours—creating itineraries that showcase the natural, historical, and cultural richness of the capital and surrounding areas. “As RTG we are a one-stop-shop from how you travel to your destination, if flying we have transfers, and the activities that HEXA offers at the destination. Heritage Expeditions Africa offers immersive travel experiences that celebrate the rich natural, cultural, and historical heritage of Zimbabwe and beyond,” RTG said. “From guided wildlife safaris and scenic adventure tours to educational and cultural expeditions, HExA creates tailor-made journeys for individuals, families, and groups. With expertly curated itineraries, comfortable transport and accommodation, and a commitment to responsible tourism, every trip is designed to connect travellers with the authentic spirit of Africa.” RTG has thus called on holiday seekers to “plan ahead, secure your spot, and let Rainbow Tourism Group make your festive season unforgettable.” “Enjoy convenient and flexible payment plans, giving you the freedom to plan now and enjoy later,” RTG said. “Celebrate the festive season in style with the exclusive Holiday Packages, available from December 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026 (excluding December 22, 2025, to January 3, 2026) at the resort hotels of A'Zambezi River Lodge, Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel, and Montclair Resort and Conference. “Experience luxurious comfort, exceptional hospitality, and memorable getaways at affordable rates.” Some of the other activities on offer at the hotel and conference centre include the spa, gym, tennis court, and a cycle track for jogging or cyclists. Forbes named Zimbabwe the number one country to visit in 2025, citing its stunning natural landscapes like Victoria Falls, rich history including the Great Zimbabwe ruins, and an increase in tourism, safety, and investment in hospitality. Staying at RTG's Rainbow Towers Hotel and Harare International Conference Centre thus showed me why, for a country still far behind in terms of infrastructure, the experience.