Matobo Hills, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
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| Camp Amalinda is situated 45 kilometres southwest from Bulawayo in the Matobo Hills. Tucked away into an ancient bushman's shelter, Camp Amalinda's charm will leave an indelible impression on every visitor. Some of the most majestic granite scenery in the world is found in the Matobo Hills. It is here that the hopes, trials and tribulations of the San Bushmen are recorded in the ancient rock art. |
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ACCOMMODATION : Camp Amalinda consists of 10 individually thatched rooms including a romantic honeymoon suite, set into the huge granite boulders. Each have en-suite facilities. The lounge and entertainment area is tucked away into a bushman shelter with a panoramic view of the Matobo Hills. Delicious meals are served on a massive teak table in the open air dining room. A cozy library contains some of the old "African Classics", whilst a secluded chess room, located amongst the tree tops guarantees peace and tranquility. For the wine connoisseur, we recommend a visit to Amalinda's natural cave wine cellar. Sundowners can be enjoyed around a warm fire in the enclosed "boma" area.
At the base of the camp is a large swimming pool with comfortable loungers and a bar, all overlooking a waterhole. A thatched health centre includes a fully equipped gymnasium with a sauna. A resident Beauty Therapist is available for massage, manicure and pedicure. This is the perfect place to relax and absorb the setting. |
ACTIVITIES & WILDLIFE: Mammal and bird species are prolific and include the highest concentration of Leopard and Black Eagle in the world. Activities at Amalinda include game viewing by vehicle and foot, bird watching, as well as visits to the numerous Bushmen caves and and their Bushman cave paintings.
Track Black and White Rhinos with experienced trackers. Visits to Cecil John Rhodes' grave - the View of the World, a nearby African village and school, as well as walking and rock climbing in the Matobo Hills are other optional activities. Horse riding and elephant back riding are also available at extra cost. Many people visit Amalinda to interact with the resident elephants. |
THE RESIDENTS ELEPHANTS : In 1985 a severe drought in Gonarezhou, Zimbabwe's second largest National Park, had an extreme impact on the wildlife. Fortunately 2 young orphaned elephants were rescued and translocated to our private ranch, where they were cared for and bottle-fed back to health. Twelve years later these orphans have built an incredible relationship with man. So much so that they revel in the pleasure of carrying people on their strong backs.
The Elephants are extremely social animals, and love and physical contact is an important part of their daily routine. Guests are encouraged to spend a good deal of time interacting with the elephants. During the full moon phase, a moonlight elephant back ride is a truly magical experience. These gentle creatures are extremely intelligent and all training has been implemented using a reward system. At no time have they been subjected to any form of physical punishment.
The Elephants have quite distinctive characters. The biggest is "Tusker". He has always been the adventurous one, and you can be sure that when mischief is brewing, Tusker will be at the centre of it! "Duma" is Mr Cool, calm, collected and very laid back. Nothing much gets him excited. This intangible bonding between human and elephant is probably one of the most touching and memorable wildlife experience you are likely to experience. |
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