When one mentions the name Dedza what comes to mind immediately are famous secondary schools, Marist and Dedza.
The two schools have produced renowned individuals in the country including presidents.
Dedza is als a popular destination for tourists who normally frequent places such as Chongoni, painted rocks and xaves as well as Dedza pottery.
Of late the town has also seen a proliferation of tourism establishments including lodges.
One such lodge is the newly opened Chegutu Lodge which opened its doors early this year and is proving to be a popular destination for both local and international tourists.
According to Managing Director Cassim Alli the lodge has excited many people and business is steadily growing.
Alli said due to pressure he was forced to open the facility even when some rooms and a hall were not complete.
“Currently there are a few rooms which are operational but they are very beautiful, are fitted with tiles, self-contained and the beds in there are so large to make one really feel at home. The beddings are imported and customers who have stayed with us normally come back when they are visiting again,” said Alli.
According to Alli the name Chegutu was chosen because it is a town in Zimbabwe which before independence was known as Hartley.
Many Malawians including the first president of the country Kamuzu Banda at one point in the 1960s stayed in Chegutu.
“We are very ambitious and when the hall is completed we will be able to hold conferences, weddings and other social gatherings,” Ntaba added.
The current rates being offered are promotional and they may be adjusted upwards next year.
The lodge is situated very close to the Blantyre-Lilongwe m1 road near the dip tank. It is close to Dedza town, a service station and other recreational facilities.
“I want to urge the cooperate word and even government to support us as we are employing many people hence reducing unemployment. As upcoming Malawian business owners it is important that we be given full support,” he explained.
Tourism has been identified by government as the main drivers of the economy supplementing agriculture and mining.
