Party Bike: Boost for ZimBho campaign
AWESOME experience!
That is what you get when you ride the recently launched peddling bar.
It is a new concept in the country. Rather, it is a breath of fresh air that is bringing the much-needed additional activities to Zimbabwe.
Last Friday, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) partnered with Cafe’ Espresso to introduce the party bike in Harare as they boost the ZimBho campaign.
Without doubt, this is one initiative that will enhance both domestic and international tourism.
The pedal pub is a multi-passenger human-powered vehicle, or simply a giant bicycle.
Legs of passengers who sit around a bar facing each other power the vehicle, though it can also be solar-powered.
It has a bench seat in the rear, rack-andpinion steering and a canopy top.
The tour guide controls the steering and braking.
Several people have already fallen in love with the pedal tavern concept and are scrambling for a chance to sample the product.
“I have been looking at our local tourism product and thinking how I can play a part in promoting our destination to both locals and foreigners. And this (peddling bar) is what I came up with. It’s a unique concept in Zimbabwe and largely Africa,” said Café Espresso director Philani Magadzire.
As many as 17 people can fit on to the party bike and groups can rent it for birthdays, corporate events, bachelor parties’, etcetera.
Individual bookings are also permitted. The party bike will see patrons wine and dine as they tour the city.
The brains behind the project say the attraction, which has created fun experiences and unforgettable memories, helps tourists indulge in adventure.
Over the past years, party bike tours have become popular in the United States of America and some parts of Europe.
“Drinks will be served on board. People want to have fun outside confines and the party bike is offering them that chance. Our idea is to make Harare a platform for entertainment before going to resorts,” added Magadzire.
Café Expresso is expecting delivery of five more peddling bars.
He was, however, quick to point out that the concept was broad.
“It’s not like we want to promote drinking. We simply want to promote tourism through the fun experience of touring. We are creating an environment where people can meet, chat with the next person while having drinks and listening to music of their choice. It is all about creating an ultimate tourism experience,” he said.
“The majority of beverages to be served in the peddling bar will be local brands.
“There will be safety precautions to the peddling bus as the sitting facility has seat belts to ease any worry from patrons. Also, we have trained our bartenders to make sure that no one gets wasted beyond limits while on board.”
Apart from Harare, the concept will also be going to Victoria Falls, Bulawayo and some parts of Manicaland.