The intimate Camp Amalinda is just 45 kilometres from Bulawayo, in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matobo Hills. The comfortable lodge has been imaginatively designed around the spectacular granitic landscape of an ancient San shelter, blending seamlessly with the thickets and surrounding hills.
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.
September 20, 2024
Sabi Sands Game Reserve reservations made easy
Made safari reservations with Pascal John. He was very helpful as we had a specific time frame that corresponded with the rest of our Africa trip. Pascal John was professional, sent documents on time, and and with no errors. He responded via email very very quickly. We definitely recommend Safari.com and Pascal John!
August 24, 2024
Pascal the man
Pascal the man
August 19, 2024
Pascal has been effective in tailoring…
Pascal has been effective in tailoring a program in challenging dates. It was a pleasure interacting with him… felt in very good hands from the get go!
Nov 7, 2024
Keith Chideme is fantastic!
If you’re looking for someone to help you plan the trip of a lifetime, look no further than Keith Chideme. Keith has been nothing short of extraordinary in helping me create a month-long dream trip to South Africa for myself and 11 family members. His patience, kindness, and thoughtfulness throughout the entire process have been remarkable. Keith went above and beyond, engaging in countless conversations to make sure every detail of our six-destination itinerary was just right. He worked tirelessly to balance my budget with my desire for an unforgettable experience, finding deals and creative solutions that I would never have managed on my own. His dedication and expertise gave me complete confidence that this trip will be everything I’ve dreamed of and more. One of my favorite aspects of working with Keith was the personal touch he brought to every interaction. Whether through voice messages, phone calls, or texts, he was always patient, thorough, and thoughtful in explaining every aspect of the itinerary. I never once felt rushed or overlooked—he truly cared about making this trip perfect for us. I can’t imagine planning this trip without Keith. Knowing he has my back has been such a comfort, and I feel completely at ease knowing we are in such capable hands. My entire family is incredibly excited about this incredible adventure, and I know I’ll be contacting Keith for all my future travel plans. He is an absolute gem and a true professional. Thank you, Keith, for everything!
Nov 7, 2024
Mel was incredible
Mel was incredible, she found great options and was quick to always aim for our comfort, I was very satisfied!!!!
Nov 6, 2024
Lindi Weeks - Safari.com. A Pleasure to Work With.
I recently had the pleasure of working with Lindi Weeks of Safari.com to plan our dream safari, and I couldn't be happier with the experience! From start to finish, she was incredibly patient, answering every question I had and addressing all my concerns. Her knowledge of safari destinations, wildlife, and logistics is truly impressive – it’s clear she’s a seasoned expert in the field! Beyond being well-informed, Lindi is an all-around wonderful person to work with. She was understanding of our budget and needs, and she crafted an itinerary that perfectly balanced adventure, relaxation, and unique wildlife encounters. At every step, I felt like I was in great hands, knowing Lindi had thought of every detail to make our trip as memorable as possible. If you're considering a safari adventure and want someone who is knowledgeable, patient, and truly cares about making your experience unforgettable, I highly recommend Lindi
Nov 5, 2024
This is the second time this year we…
This is the second time this year we have used Shann Shaw at Safari.com. She is outstanding in her role and is always so flexible and helpful. She literally goes beyond expectations and nothing is ever to much for her and there is never any frustrations when plans have to be re-started if flights arriving later than expected. She also comes up with wonderful ideas for trips and not just limited to Safari's but for hotels in South Africa as well. i don't normally write reviews but Shann deserves every accolade that comes her way. thank you so much - Bryan & Jo
Nov 5, 2024
was really go service and will always…
was really go service and will always use her for future bookings when visiting the park
Nov 5, 2024
The booking team is very helpful and…
The booking team is very helpful and always on top
Nov 2, 2024
We can't thank Shann enough!!!
We can't thank Shann enough for her exceptional help in planning our trip! She went above and beyond to ensure every detail was perfect, from booking our flights and safari to arranging seamless transportation. Shann was incredibly responsive, always available to answer our questions and offer guidance. Her dedication and attention to detail truly made our trip stress-free and enjoyable. We *highly recommend* her to anyone looking for top-notch service and a worry-free travel experience!
Nov 2, 2024
Excellent customer service and quality safarisOur customer service rep was prompt and…
Our customer service rep was prompt and polite in responding to our query. She automatically included transportation to and from the safari lodge, which saved us so much time and effort and worry! Other safari companies did not provide this service. From a few questions asked she chose 3 fantastic options for us, exactly what we were looking for. She was also very patient in answering our questions about each lodge and was knowledgeable in her responses. I would highly recommend this company and am excited to go on the safari that she helped us choose!
Nov 1, 2024
Lindi is the best!
Lindi has been an amazing travel agent. We were a large party (7) and she was able to accommodate for everyone. She is so knowledgeable and made the process easy!