Amalinda Lodge
Amalinda Lodge is located on a private 300 acre concession bordering the Matobo Hills National Park, one hour’s drive south of Bulawayo.
The long-established family-owned property is set in and around granite boulders which are typical of Matobo Hills National Park and this gives the property a feel that is pretty unique and full of character. The accommodation is an interesting mix of luxury and adventure, with many rooms having interior rock walls just metres away from luxurious four poster beds. However, we would certainly not recommend this lodge to anyone seeking conventional five star accommodation, as the entire build has a very outdoor and ‘close to nature’ feel. There are also quite a few steps to some rooms. Rock hyrax and klipspringer are found amongst the boulders, whilst birdlife flitters through the tree canopy. The management of the lodge is efficient and friendly, whilst food is of a good standard and activities are well guided. All in all, Amalinda is a great place to stay if visiting Matobo Hills and the most upmarket lodge in the area.
Rooms
Accommodation is provided in nine thatched rooms, including three family rooms (each has two double beds) and three suites. Each room is very individual, built into and around the granite boulders on a hillside. One has a swing bridge to a private sala, another has a loo with a view, while another has San rock art on one of its boulder walls. Each room is comfortably furnished with a sitting area and verandah, fans and en suite facilities some of which include outdoor baths or showers.
Around 500 meters from the main lodge is The Homestead which is ideal for families travelling together. This private house can comfortably accommodate up to six guests in one en suite master bedroom which has its own private deck and two further guest bedrooms which share a bathroom with shower and toilet. Communal areas centre round an open plan dining room and sunken lounge which leads out to wooden deck. The home comes with a private chef and kitchen, although guests can dine at the main lodge should they prefer.
Central Areas
There is a reasonably steep climb up to the main area which is tucked away into a bushman shelter with views over the woodland and hills. The central areas include a thatched elevated dining area, a library, a lounge and two bars. The large swimming pool is quite a feature, built into the granite rock formation with an infinity edge, overlooking a waterhole. There is also a spa.
Facilities
Wi-Fi – Yes
Power for Charging – Yes
Swimming Pool – Yes
Habitat & Wildlife
Matobo (formerly known as Matopos) Hills National Park has a varied terrain, with the rocky granite hills interspersed with deep valleys in which many Bushman/San paintings and other rock art (over 2000 sites have been recorded) can be seen. The park is split into two sections, the recreational section and the game park. Most of the rock art is located in the recreational section whilst game-viewing takes place in the game park.
The park, steeped in local Ndebele folklore and the revered spiritual resting place of thousands of Matabele warriors, is also the burial place of Cecil John Rhodes and Leander Starr Jameson, both of whom had an immense influence on the development of the area in colonial times. Rhodes’s grave at ‘View of the World’ has impressive views! The park has a rich and varied wildlife with over 80 species of animals and over 300 species of birds. A noted ornithologist’s delight are the breeding grounds of the black eagle, which are the largest in the world.
Activities
Activities from Amalinda are very varied and flexible. They include scenic nature drives and hikes into the recreational area of the National Park to view the many San rock art sites in the area or visit Rhodes’ grave and memorial site, bush walks on the concession and game viewing drives into the designated wildlife area of the park. Rhino tracking on foot is one of the wildlife highlights of a stay in the area It is also possible to take a planned cycle ride through the local Ndebele villages, where the homesteads are built by hand and beautifully decorated, and you can have authentic community interactions.
Seasons
Amalinda Lodge can be enjoyed year round, although rhino tracking will be best between June and October and there is more rain between November and March.
Amalinda Lodge accepts children of all ages and can accommodate families either in spacious family rooms at the main lodge, or in The Homestead which sleeps up to six guests under one roof. With the range of activities available and flexible accommodation options, Amalinda makes a good family destination.
The Amalinda Safari Collection is a partner of the Mother Africa Trust which is a non profit organisation that operates various community and conservation projects in Zimbabwe, focusing on areas such as The Matobo Hills and Hwange National Park. When staying at any of The Amalinda Safari Collection properties, a nightly charge (the Mother Africa Trust Conservation & Community Levy) will be added to your stay to help fund these projects.
In order to support community upliftment, Mother Africa Trust’s mission is to establish effective and sustainable projects that will improve the living conditions and the economic status of disadvantaged communities in Zimbabwe. Through eco-tourism and fundraising from guests who stay at Amalinda Safari Collection Lodges, the Trust has contributed to improved health, nutrition and sustainability of children’s homes, old people’s homes, and also building opportunities for better education in local communities. The Mother Africa Trust has worked with Ethandweni Children’s Home for a number of years, helping to source funding, food and medication for the children being raised at this home. The Trust has introduced many volunteers who have impacted positively in the development of the home. The Trust also provides sustainable support to Dete Old Age Home, the only place in the wider Hwange area for elderly without family and unable to look after themselves. Support has included the establishment of a vegetable garden, and provision of clothing, medication, food and technical expertise. Other projects include collecting and distributing shoes for children and needy members of rural communities, gifting goats to families in need and establishing an academic scholarship programme.
Conservation initiatives include research projects, teaching young people to treasure their natural resources, supporting anti-poaching efforts and prevention of wildlife-human conflict. In the Hwange area, the Mother Africa Trust is building lion-proof cattle bomas to ease human-wildlife conflict.
In addition to the conservation and community levy, for those who would like to help in a more hands on way, guests can engage in more specific purpose driven safaris, volunteering and visiting the above projects.