In Zimbabwe, the wedding is a pivotal social event that bridges the gap between lobola ceremonies and the formalization of the union under civil or religious law. The rise of venues like Swan Creek Gardens reflects a shift toward “destination” weddings within one’s own country, where the environment serves as a silent witness to the vows exchanged.

My Afrika Magazine reporter Charmaine Brown (CB) had an exclusive chat with Swan Greek Gardens owner Leah Nachipo (LN), sharing insights into the venue and the free wedding giveaway initiative.

CB: What was the original inspiration for the development of Swan Creek Gardens?
LN: Swan Creek Gardens was inspired by a desire to create a serene, elegant destination where love stories unfold naturally. The vision was never just to build a venue, but to create an experience — a space where nature, sophistication, and heartfelt celebration meet. From the beginning, the goal has always been to offer couples beauty, intimacy, and excellence in one unforgettable setting.

CB: ⁠How has the venue evolved since its inception?
LN: Since its inception, Swan Creek Gardens has evolved both structurally and strategically. We have refined our landscaping, enhanced our ceremony and reception spaces, strengthened our in-house collaborations such as photography, and continuously elevated the overall guest experience. Each season, we improve and innovate to ensure we remain modern, competitive, and timeless while maintaining the warmth and personal touch we are known for.

CB: ⁠What motivated the choice of Shawasha Hills as the location, and how does the natural topography (including the steep incline of the grounds) influence the guest experience?
LN: Shawasha Hills was intentionally chosen for its breathtaking elevation, exclusivity, and natural beauty. Our terrain is one of our greatest distinguishing features. Unlike venues built on completely flat ground, Swan Creek Gardens offers depth, dimension, and dramatic visual impact. The natural incline creates a stunning layered setting — from elevated ceremony points to sweeping reception views. It allows for unforgettable grand entrances, spectacular sunset backdrops, and panoramic scenery that simply cannot be replicated on flat land. The slopes and levels give character to every celebration and enhance photography in a cinematic and timeless way. Our topography doesn’t just host weddings — it frames them beautifully.

CB: ⁠What inspired you to do Free Wedding Giveaways. Are there also specific days that the giveaway or discount applies to?
LN: The inspiration behind our Free Wedding Giveaways comes from our genuine desire to give back and celebrate love in a meaningful way. We understand that weddings can be financially demanding, and we wanted to bless deserving couples with a beautiful, stress-free experience. These giveaways and promotional packages usually apply to selected dates, often midweek or off-peak days, depending on availability and the structure of each campaign.

CB: ⁠For giveaway winners or promotional package holders, exactly which services are included?
LN: For giveaway winners and promotional package holders, we curate a comprehensive experience that may include venue hire for both ceremony and reception spaces, basic décor setup, standard seating and tables, coordination support, in-house photography services, and collaborations with selected trusted vendors. Specific inclusions may vary depending on the sponsors involved, but our commitment remains the same — to deliver excellence and a seamless celebration.

CB: ⁠When it comes to the venue, what is the maximum guest capacity for both the ceremony and the reception areas?
LN: In terms of capacity, Swan Creek Gardens comfortably accommodates approximately 200 to 250 guests, depending on the setup style. Both ceremony and reception layouts can be customized to suit larger celebrations or more intimate gatherings, ensuring flexibility without compromising elegance.

CB: ⁠In Harare, there is a lot of competition with many wedding venues; therefore, how do you manage to stay on the market?
LN: In a competitive Harare wedding market, we remain strong by focusing on excellence, consistency, and innovation. What sets Swan Creek Gardens apart is the powerful combination of breathtaking natural scenery, personalized service, integrated in-house offerings, and attention to detail. We prioritize client experience from the very first inquiry to the final send-off. Our reputation is built on quality, reliability, and delivering beyond expectation — and that is what keeps us confidently positioned in the market.