Amalinda Lodge

An exclusive, privately owned lodge, located in a private concession on the boundary of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Matobo Hills, uniquely built amongst ancient granite boulders.

Introduction

Matobo Hills is the oldest National Park in Zimbabwe, the granite domes and balancing rock formations echo the essence of tranquillity and it is known by the locals as a very spiritual landmark.

Amalinda Lodge located in a private concession on the boundary of the Matobo Hills, offers a unique and truly special experience, with the rooms and central areas built into huge ancient granite boulders.

Each of the 9 rooms are different and each offers its own little quirky feel – from granite boulders looming up into the room, to wooden bridges crossing to another outcrop, to a sunrise viewing platform. Every room is tastefully and comfortably decorated.

The central area which includes a lounge, small bar and dining deck with a central fire pit, almost seems to cling to the boulders with its different nooks and various levels. Sitting quietly in the lounge with a book or enjoying the campfire stories with the very knowledge guides, on the history of this fascinating area, one can almost feel the breath and songs of the Bushman who lived in these same caves 3000 years ago.

From the central area, the view down and onto the large natural rock infinity pool and bar, with its expanse of granite boulders and natural surroundings is quite magnificent.

Amalinda Lodge offers various activities, including historical and cultural tours, from Bushman Rock Paintings to visiting Cecil John Rhodes Grave. The park is also well known for the white and black rhino population that can be tracked and viewed relatively easily. Of course the natural beauty of the area with its granite boulders and balancing rocks warrants a drive through, enchanting in their timeless way.

Our Opinion

In our opinion – Amalinda Lodge is a fascinating lodge and offers one a truly unique experience, from the rooms to the central area and the entire Matobo Hills landscape, that it is located in. For people that are interested in history and local art of this sacred area, it is certainly a must visit.

The knowledgeable guides and staff were on point and the food delicious.

However, for us it is the quite indescribable feeling of being privileged to spend time in this location, full of fascinating history and landscape.

Definitely one of most unique lodges to be found in Zimbabwe.

Summary

• Located in a private concession on the boundary of the UNESCO site of the Matobo Hills National Park. .
• 20 minutes out of Bulawayo, the second largest city in Zimbabwe
• 40 Minutes from Bulawayo Airport and 6 hours by road from Victoria Falls Airport.
• 9 unique rooms – spacious and comfortable with en suite bathrooms.
• Own vehicles and guides on site – to conduct cultural tours and visits together with rhino tracking.
• Large infinity natural rock swimming pool and outside bar.
• Small and personal bar and lounge in central area with stunning distance views.
• Intimate Dining on raised wooden deck or communal dining.
• Fire Pit nestled into the granite boulders off central area.
• Suggested to combine a stay at Amalinda Lodge, Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls.

Accommodation at Amalinda Lodge

• 9 Unique Rooms all located on the Granite Boulders on this historical area:
• 3 Suites - En-suite bathroom built into granite rock with toilet, shower, outside shower, his & hers rock basins (San, Lobengula and Rhodes)
• 3 Family rooms - En-suite bathroom consists of a shower & bath, toilet and single rock basin
• 2 Double Rooms - En-suite bathroom with toilet, his & hers showers/outside bath, rock basin
• 1 Twin room - En-suite bathroom with toilet, his & hers showers/outside bath, rock basin

All rooms have:
• Bathroom en-suite
• Mosquito-nets
• Standing fans
• Tea and Nespresso coffee stations
• Fan
• Hair dryer
• Wardrobe
• Private veranda with seating
• Safe
• Electric blankets in the winter

Advantages

• Easy access from Bulawayo
• Located near the Matobo Hills National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Good wildlife, including rhino
• Fully inclusive stays
• Privately owned - family run
• Variety of wildlife and cultural activities included

Dining

• Dinner is a 3-course meal.
• Continental and Full English Breakfast.
• Lunches are often served around the infinity plunge pool, near the sunset lounge and spa
• Private/Romantic dining can be arranged with the managers in camp

Facilities and Services

• Thatched main area with dining area and lounge
• Library
• Two bar areas
• Infinity rock pool
• Laundry service
• Borehole water
• Activities: Trek to Rhodes' Grave and Worlds View; Sunset hikes up the dwalas; Walk to historic caves and bushman paintings; Game drives; Bicycle rides; Rhino walks (on request)

Children

• Children are welcome at Amalinda Lodge
• Family rooms are available

How to Get to Amalinda Lodge

• Self drive to Matobo Hills and Amalinda Lodge.
• Fly in to Bulawayo Airport (from Harare, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg), and transfer by road 60kms to Amalinda Lodge.
• Fly in to Kasane Airport, and transfer by road +/-1.5 hours.

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