Amalinda Lodge
Situated just 45 kilometres from Bulawayo in the Matobo Hills
Amalinda Lodge is an exclusive, privately owned safari lodge built into the amazing natural granite rock formations of the Matobo Hills. It is a very uniquely designed and environmentally friendly eco lodge which has been very tastefully decorated with a natural African bush feel about it. There are ten very different rooms all offering something special as well as The Home-Stead which is located away from the main lodge but is in easy access.
All lodge rooms are African themed and very well appointed with comfortable beds and plenty of space. Each affords the visitor lots of privacy and the only sounds you hear are those of the plentiful array of birds.
A short walk from the main lodge is the swimming pool and outside bar and entertainment area. The infinity swimming pool is built on natural granite and offers sweeping views over the surrounding countryside.
Camp Amalinda is situated in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the the Matobo Hills which is the oldest National Park in Zimbabwe having been established in 1926 at the bequest of Cecil John Rhodes. The ‘Matopas’ as it is widely known, is a very spiritual place and offers the visitor a wide variety of activities..
The amazing rock formations alone warrant a visit and the Matobo Hills area boasts many impressive examples of San Bushmen paintings which are well worth seeing. Alternatively you can just relax around the amazing infinity pool which it built on natural granite rock and offers great views of the area.
Whilst the camp is ideal for anyone who simply wants to relax, there are many activities on offer which may include swimming, guided bush walks, visits to a local village, game viewing in the national park, birding, or a visit to the magnificent ‘View of the World’ where you can visit Cecil John Rhodes grave and the Shangani Memorial.
The Matopas area has a wide variety of birds with over three hundred and twenty species having been recorded including the famed Black Eagle. Within the park you may well see a good variety of animals including the white Rhino.
The food at Amalinda Lodge is excellent and is not only delicious but beautifully presented. Definitely top quality. The staff are very welcoming and friendly and the guides very knowledgeable and interactive.
It’s uniqueness makes the Matopas and Amalinda Lodge one of the most sought after destinations within Zimbabwe.
At A Glance
Accommodation
Camp Amalinda has ten individually designed lodges which are all very spacious.
All rooms are twin share but additional beds can be provided upon request. The lodges are spaced sufficiently far apart to ensure privacy.
In addition to the lodges there is the Farm-Stead which is a larger offering which comfortably sleeps six but additional beds can be organised. It features a Master bedroom with en suite and private deck, two additional bedrooms with outside decks and separate bathroom, shower and toilet. There is also a large relaxing lounge and dining area.
Airport
Bulawayo Airport (Joshua Nkomo International) is 23 kms from Bulawayo.
There are daily direct flights from Harare and others three times a week from Victoria Falls.
There are also daily direct flights from Johannesburg and other centres. Check with your travel agent.
Transfers
Camp Amalinda is 45 kms from Bulawayo and they can arrange pick up from the airport or from a pre-arranged venue in Bulawayo.
Taxis are also available at the airport.
Transfer fees are applicable.
Facilities
Fully inclusive rates include:
- Accommodation twin share, or single
- All meals and snacks
- Drinks – local drinks including beers, wine, soft drinks and spirits.
- Coffee & tea available throughout the day
- Laundry (guests should be in camp minimum 2 nights)
- Swimming pool
- Relaxing Massage
Location
Camp Amalinda is located in the South West of Zimbabwe in the Matobo Hills and is situated very close to the National Park.
The lodge is 45 kms, approximately 40 minutes from Bulawayo. The road is tarred right up to the turn off to Camp Amalinda and the last kilometre to the lodge is dirt road. Part of the road is a bit rough but a 4WD is not necessary.
Road Distances:
Bulawayo – Beitbridge 320 kms (200 miles)
Bulawayo – Gweru 164 kms (102 miles)
Bulawayo – Hwange 337 kms (210.63 miles)
Bulawayo – Harare 440 kms (274 miles)
Bulawayo – Kariba 803 kms (502 miles)
Bulawayo – Masvingo 280 kms (174 miles)
Bulawayo – Matopas 45 kms (28.10 miles)
Bulawayo – Mutare 578 kms (359 miles)
Bulawayo – Nyanga 686 kms (429 miles)
Bulawayo – Victoria Falls 438 kms (274 miles)
Gweru – Masvingo 164 kms (102.5 miles)
Hwange – Victoria Falls 102 kms (63.75 miles)
Activities
There are a number of activities you can participate in whilst staying at Camp Amalinda or you can simply relax.
Activities include:
- Guided tours to see San Bushman paintings
- Visit to Cecil John Rhodes grave and ‘View of the World’ (Matobo Hills)
- Guided tour through the Matobo Hills
- Walking safaris
- Game drives (Matobo Hills (Matopas)National Park)
- Guided tours of Bulawayo
- Railway Museum
- Natural History Museum
- Art Gallery
- Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre
- Visit to Khami Ruins (guide recommended)
- Birding
- Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre
- Tshabalala Game Sanctuary (approx 35 kms from Camp Amalinda on the Bulawayo road)
- Sunset sundowners in the National Park
- Swimming
- Day Trip to Great Zimbabwe – Rates apply.
- Rates exclude museum and monument fees
Nearby Attractions
- Matobo Hills National Park
- Cecil John Rhodes grave and ‘View of the World’
- Bulawayo (40 mins) – Natural History Museum, Art Gallery, Railway Museum, and Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre
- Tshabalala Game Sanctuary (35 kms from Camp Amalinda on the Matopas road towards Bulawayo)
- Khami Ruins (22 kms from Bulawayo on Old Khami Road)
- Maleme Dam
Weather
Monthly Averages:
- January 29°C
- February 29°C
- March 29°C
- April 27°C
- May 26°C
- June 23°C
- July 23°C
- August 26°C
- September 29°C
- October 31°C
- November 30°C
- December 29°C
Summer highs can reach 38° to 40°c
Winter lows can reach 5° to 8°c
