ADANSONIA ON THE RISE
Boasting a footprint that now stretches the length of Botswana, with branches in Gaborone and Maun, it is Adansonia’s flagship Francistown base that remains the jewel in the hotel’s glittering crown.
Nestled in the middle of Molapo Estates, its ever-expanding range of facilities spread across 10 hectares of luscious ground, the three-star establishment is barely recognisable from the joint that first opened its doors in the second city back in 2008.
Over the years, numerous extensions to the original structure plus several ambitious additions have transformed Adansonia from exciting new-comer to established veteran in the hospitality industry.
Taking Voice Money on a tour of the premises last Friday, Banqueting Manager, Onkgopotse Mosiiwa, reveals the hotel currently has 131 rooms.
Accommodation varies between standard, deluxe and executive rooms, while there is also the option of staying in one of the establishment’s chalets.
“Prices range from P795 to 1,900 a night and include a full English breakfast at our excellent à la carte restaurant, which can seat up to 400 diners. All rooms are en-suite, clean and comfortable, with all the amenities you’d expect at a modern hotel - everything you need for a relaxing night’s sleep!” explains the 43-year-old, adding they also run weekend specials for P500 but that does not include breakfast.
Starting in the lobby and oozing through the hotel, art is a reoccurring theme, with colourful paintings, intricate carvings and life-like sculptures giving the place a vibrant, homely feel.
“It creates a special, lively ambience,” notes Mosiiwa proudly.
The décor flows seamlessly through to the restaurant, where waiters are busy setting up for the imminent arrival of the men’s national football team, The Zebras, who are staying at the hotel ahead of their crunch clash with Tunisia.
“They always stay here whenever they’re in town,” quips our bubbly host.
Adjacent to the restaurant sits the hotel’s luxurious bar, fully-stocked with a variety of whiskeys, wines and liquors - enough to quench the thirst of even the biggest drinkers.
“We intend to start ‘Happy-hour Fridays’ very soon - it’s something we’ve
been planning for a while but had to put on hold because of Covid protocols,” continues Mosiiwa, adding both the bar and restaurant are open to the public, as is the hotel’s pool (at the weekends and at a charge).
Weaving our way through the venue’s immaculate green gardens, Mosiiwa pauses in the shade of Adansonia’s imposing waterfall structure. Standing at 30-feet tall, it is the highest water feature in Francistown and is a popular spot for photo opportunities.
Casually pointing out a rainbow in the cascading water’s mist, the veteran hotelier, however, is keen to talk about Adansonia’s conferencing facilities instead.
“That’s where we really stand out; when it comes to conferencing, we’re the best in the business,” he declares.
14 spacious, air-conditioned conference rooms back up Mosiiwa’s weighty words.
Already impressive, Adansonia took their hosting capabilities to a whole new level late last year with the opening of their long-awaited Convention Centre.
The cavernous building comes with a 6,000 ‘cinema-style’ capacity, making it the largest in the country.
“We host weddings, church gatherings, festivals, trade fairs, product launches - whatever you can think of really. Even the President attended an event here recently,” mentions Mosiiwa, talking about the Convention Centre with revered, father-like affection.
Efficient, friendly and extremely knowledgeable, he typifies the professional, well-trained staff found at Adansonia.
When fully operational, the hotel employs 140 workers, although Covid-19 means that hasn’t happened for a while.
“We’re slowly getting there again!” declares Mosiiwa defiantly.