Feb 2017 Upper Dam spilling
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Hillside Dams Conservancy

4.2
·689 reviews·Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

A serene natural escape perfect for picnics, braais, and outdoor adventures with beautiful dam views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend afternoons

Enjoy the sun and fresh air

CrowdMedium
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Feb 2017 Upper Dam spilling

Hillside Dams Conservancy

Best Time

Weekend afternoons

Enjoy the sun and fresh air

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene natural escape perfect for picnics, braais, and outdoor adventures with beautiful dam views.

4.2
(689 reviews)

"A must for outdoor lovers, offering beautiful views and a quiet environment for relaxation."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Car & Entrance Fees

Remember to carry your ID, entrance fee for yourself and your car. :moneybag:

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking and activities. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Picnic and Braai Spots

Picnic and Braai Spots

Designated picnic and braai areas

Enjoy a leisurely day with family and friends, complete with delicious grilled food and fresh air.

Walking Trails

Walking Trails

Various marked trails

Explore the natural beauty with short, scenic walks offering lovely views of the dams.

Adventure Activities

Adventure Activities

Adventure area

Experience zip-lining and canoeing for an adrenaline rush amidst nature.

The Hideout Spot

The Hideout Spot

Restaurant/Hideout Spot

Savor their amazing pizza and enjoy the ambiance at this popular dining spot.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Outdoors

Hillside Dams Conservancy is a natural escape perfect for picnics, braais, and outdoor activities. Pack sunscreen and comfortable shoes for walking trails. Consider visiting with a group for a fun day out.

Navigating the Grounds

While the conservancy offers beautiful views, be aware of dusty roads and potentially confusing signage. Plan your route and enjoy the serene environment.

Best Times

When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Enjoy the sun and fresh air
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter, perfect for relaxing
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Join us for a vibrant paint session and unleash your inner Picasso 🎨 Date: 29 November Time: 3 pm Location: Hillside dams conservancy (restaurant) @hillsidedamsconservancy RSVP: 0781880759 0771458593 #paintandsipbulawayo #whatsoninbulawayo #painting🎨 #bulawayo #dateideas #paintandsip #weekend #paintparty
paint_and_sip_bulawayo
13 likes • 325 views

🚗 Car & Entrance Fees

Remember to carry your ID, entrance fee for yourself and your car. :moneybag:

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking and activities. :athletic_shoe:

Shot at Hillside Dams Conservancy DJI MINI 3 Pro This edit took about 22mins, so it was a rough one…I played around with Hue/Sat, an attempt to see how close I could get the sky to reflect off of the water with a little help😁 edited in Davinci Resolve Visit Zimbabwe🇿🇼 if you want 😆
i._shoot_everything
220 likes • 5.6K views

☀️ Sun Protection

Don't forget sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. :sunwithface:

🧺 Pack Your Essentials

Cooler boxes and braai stands are welcome for a perfect picnic. :picnic_table:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Car & Entrance Fees

Remember to carry your ID, entrance fee for yourself and your car. :moneybag:

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking and activities. :athletic_shoe:

☀️ Sun Protection

Don't forget sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. :sunwithface:

🧺 Pack Your Essentials

Cooler boxes and braai stands are welcome for a perfect picnic. :picnic_table:

🚮 Respect Nature

Please clean up after your braai and avoid leaving litter. :wastebasket:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(689 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Hillside Dams Conservancy for its beautiful natural scenery, quiet atmosphere, and suitability for outdoor activities like picnics and braais. It's a recommended spot for relaxation and group outings. However, some note that the dusty roads could be improved and signage could be clearer. There's also a suggestion for more promotional offers on activities.

"A visit to hillside Dams was long overdue and the weather on this day was perfect. It’s a must for anyone who loves the outdoors to visit and the views are beautiful. The dust road could do with a lot of work and I felt like the signs were confusing. There’s not a whole lot on offer but would recommend for an outing with a large group perhaps as picnic or braai."

Ruvarashe Dahwa

"Great time... Quite environment... Great hospitality... Great for relaxing, unwinding and braai"

Ace Machekano

"Nice garden and picnic area with short walking trails. It's an easy trip from the entrance to the lake."

Brian Jungwiwattanaporn

What People Like

Beautiful views
Quiet environment
Great for picnics/braais

What People Dislike

Dusty roads
Confusing signs
Limited promotions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hillside Dams Conservancy is accessible by car. Be prepared for some dusty roads leading to the entrance. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors looking for outdoor activities near Bulawayo. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available for visitors, including for cars. Ensure you have the correct entrance fee for your vehicle. Reddit

Traveling by car is the most convenient way to reach Hillside Dams Conservancy, allowing you to easily transport picnic supplies and explore the grounds. Reddit

Information on public transport is limited, but private vehicles are the primary mode of access. It's advisable to check local transport services if you don't have a car. Reddit

Some visitors have noted that the dust road leading to the conservancy could use some work. Drive cautiously. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You'll need to pay an entrance fee for both yourself and your car. It's recommended to carry your ID. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required for regular visits. However, for specific events or group bookings, it's best to inquire directly. TikTok

The conservancy is a great place to enjoy the sun and fresh air during the weekend. Specific opening hours can vary, so it's advisable to check locally or on their social media pages. Reddit

Some visitors suggest that promotions, like package deals for activities, could enhance the visitor experience. It's worth checking for any current offers. Reddit

Yes, you can carry your cooler boxes and braai stands, making it ideal for picnics and barbecues. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Activities include braaing, canoeing, zip-lining, walking trails, and simply relaxing. It's also a great spot for team-building excursions. Reddit

Absolutely! It's highly recommended for picnics and braais, with nice garden and picnic areas available. Reddit

Yes, there are short walking trails that offer beautiful views of the lake and surrounding nature. Reddit

Visitors rave about the beautiful views, especially the reflections of the sky on the water, making it a picturesque location. Instagram

It's recommended for outings with large groups, especially for picnics or braais. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, you can enjoy lunch at the hideout spot, where their pizza is particularly amazing. Reddit

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own braai stands for a barbecue experience. Reddit

The hideout spot offers dining options, including highly recommended pizza. Reddit

The conservancy has nice garden and picnic areas, perfect for a relaxed meal outdoors. Reddit

Absolutely, you can carry your cooler boxes to keep your drinks and food cool. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The dams themselves offer beautiful reflections of the sky on the water, creating stunning photographic opportunities. Instagram

Yes, the natural scenery, especially the water bodies and surrounding landscape, makes it a very photogenic location. Instagram

Drone footage has been captured at the conservancy, showcasing aerial views of the dams and landscape. Always check local regulations before flying. Instagram

Landscape photography, nature shots, and aerial views are popular, capturing the serene beauty of the conservancy. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons might offer softer light for photography, enhancing the natural beauty. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hillside Dams Conservancy is a fantastic destination for families looking for outdoor fun. The picnic and braai areas are perfect for a relaxed family day out, allowing kids to play while parents unwind. The short walking trails are manageable for little legs, offering a gentle way to explore the natural surroundings. Reddit

For a bit more excitement, consider the adventure activities like zip-lining, which can be a thrilling experience for older children. Remember to pack plenty of sunscreen and ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes for all the exploring. It's also a great spot for a family barbecue, so bring along your braai stand and cooler box! Reddit

🌳 Nature Lovers & Outdoor Enthusiasts

For those who cherish the outdoors, Hillside Dams Conservancy is a must-visit. The beautiful views and quiet environment provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation. Explore the walking trails to discover the serene landscapes and enjoy the fresh air. Reddit

Bring your binoculars for some birdwatching or simply find a peaceful spot to sit and appreciate the natural beauty. The reflections on the water offer unique photographic opportunities, especially for capturing the interplay of light and landscape. Instagram

🎉 Group Outings & Celebrations

Hillside Dams Conservancy is an excellent choice for group outings, whether it's a casual picnic, a lively braai, or a team-building event. The spacious picnic and braai areas can accommodate large groups, making it ideal for celebrations and gatherings. Reddit

Encourage your group to bring their own food and drinks, and make use of the braai facilities for a memorable shared meal. The availability of activities like canoeing and zip-lining can also add an element of fun and adventure to your group's day. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Natural Beauty

Hillside Dams Conservancy is celebrated for its natural charm, offering a tranquil escape from urban life. Visitors often highlight the beautiful views and the quiet environment, making it ideal for relaxation and unwinding. The conservancy features short walking trails that provide easy access to scenic spots around the dams. These trails are perfect for a leisurely stroll, allowing you to immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings. Reddit

One of the most captivating aspects for photographers is the way the sky reflects on the water's surface, creating stunning visual effects. This natural phenomenon, captured in drone footage, showcases the serene beauty of the landscape from various perspectives. Instagram While the conservancy is primarily a place for enjoying nature, it also hosts events like paint and sip sessions, adding a creative dimension to its offerings. TikTok

However, visitors should be aware of the dusty roads leading to the conservancy, which might require careful driving. Despite this, the overall experience is consistently described as a great time for those who love the outdoors and appreciate a serene setting. Reddit

Activities and Experiences

Hillside Dams Conservancy offers a variety of activities for different interests. For the adventurous, there's the opportunity for zip-lining and canoeing, providing an adrenaline rush amidst the natural landscape. Reddit For those seeking a more relaxed outing, the conservancy is a prime spot for picnics and braais. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own braai stands, cooler boxes, and food, making it a perfect venue for group gatherings and family outings. Reddit

The 'Hideout Spot' is a notable dining option within the conservancy, particularly praised for its amazing pizza. This makes it a convenient choice for visitors who prefer to dine on-site rather than bringing their own food. Reddit Beyond these, the conservancy is also recognized as a suitable location for team-building excursions, suggesting its capacity to host organized group events. Reddit

While the range of activities is appealing, some feedback suggests that offering promotions or package deals for the adventure activities could further enhance their success and appeal to a wider audience. Reddit

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