Amalinda Lodge

Highlights

• Exclusive, privately owned safari lodge located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Matobo Hills
• Guides here are Professional Archeologists whose knowledge of both the natural and historical splendor of the Matobo Hills completes the whole spiritual ambiance
• Famous for its healthy population of endangered rhino, the area is one of the most sought after destinations within Zimbabwe

You should know

• Children of all ages are welcome.

The detail

Amalinda Lodge is a unique four-star luxury lodge set in the granite boulders of The Matobo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This exclusive, privately owned &family run safari lodge is the premier accommodation in the area.

Tucked away in an ancient bushmans shelter, Amalinda lodge boasts a spa, infinity rock pool, library, wine cellar, sunset lounge, show kitchen and many varied activities. Ranging from game drives to rhino trekking, cultural tours, hikes to the renowned San bushman paintings & a chance to follow in the footsteps of Cecil John Rhodes at his world famous tomb known as "View of the World.”

The accommodation at Amalinda lodge offer guests uncompromisingly high levels of comfort, style, and elegance. The thatched chalets, all individually designed around natural granite boulders, are tastefully decorated with teak and leather furniture with a touch of traditional African and colonial memorabilia. The substantial beds are ensconced in mosquito-net drapes, and the en-suite bathrooms are carved into the rock face. The chalets have a luxurious seating area, and secluded balconies offering magnificent panoramic views. The two expansive suites, the Rhodes Suite and Lobengula Suite, have a distinctly romantic ambience, offering a sumptuous lounge and entertainment area, and freestanding outdoor bathtub.

The chalets are connected to the main lodge by pathways that meander through the boulders, wild fig and paper-bark thorn acacia. Guests can relax in the comfortable lounge or in the impressive bar area, which is set into the rock face beneath a large boulder. A large railway sleeper dining table dominates the dining room. Guests can select their wine from the natural cave wine cellar and enjoy a glass or two in elevated and secluded seating areas. They can also relax in the tranquil library or enjoy a peaceful game of chess in the insular chess room, located among the treetops.

Overlooking the waterhole at the base of Amalinda lodge is a large infinity swimming pool with comfortable deckchairs and a bar. A log fire crackles in the enclosed boma area, a perfect spot for stargazing over post-dinner drinks.

A well equipped spa offers a full range of rejuvenating and relaxing treatments. The thatched health centre includes a fully equipped gymnasium and a sauna.

A highlight at Amalinda is tracking black and white rhino under the leadership of well-trained professional guides. Elephant back safaris provide a rare opportunity to roam through the bushveld on the back of these majestic giants. Morning and evening game drives take place in open-sided game viewing vehicles. The Amalinda lodge area is also a haven for bird watchers, with some of the regions rarest spotted here.

Amalinda Lodge also offers horse-riding trails, guided tours of ancient San rock art sites, and the gravesite of Cecil John Rhodes at World’s View. Guests have the opportunity to meet some of the Ndebele villagers who live near the camp, and an overnight stay at a traditional African village can be arranged.

Mammal and bird species are prolific and include the highest concentration of leopard and black eagle in the world. The open terrain and experienced guides make the Matobo Hills an excellent place to track rhino on foot. Other animals to be seen include sable antelope, giraffe, zebra, impala, wildebeest, and ostrich. Nocturnal species sighted include caracal, porcupine, civet, and genet.

Over 200 bird species have been recorded in the area, including Verreauxs' eagle, African hawk-eagle, Wahlberg's eagle, African crowned eagle, Martial eagle, Augur buzzard, Brown snake-eagle, Black-chested snake-eagle, Lanner and Peregrine falcon. The elusive Mackinder’s eagle-owl breeds in the hills. Smaller species worth looking out for include the Boulder chat, mottled swift, Lazy cisticola, and Southern hyliota. Yellow-billed oxpeckers can be seen clearing pests off the various mammal species including rhino.

Price includes

• Accommodation, local beverages, all meals, all activities in camp, National Parks fees, Monument fees, all shared transfers within a 20km radius of camp as well as airport arrival and departure transfers, Laundry & Wi-Fi.