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Amalinda Lodge

Amalinda Lodge

Matapos Hills

This lodge is an architectural gem, tucked away in an ancient Bushman shelter, in the mysterious Matobo Hills.

Surrounded by an impressive granite wilderness, this luxury camp, crafted into the side of a hill, spills out over a number of different levels. 9 secluded rock suites are uniquely designed with natural stone and thatch and feature comfortable furnishings. The suites are open to the surrounding wilderness, but offering full privacy, and are suitable for couples and families. Central areas imaginatively reflect the Matobo Hills UNESCO World Heritage Site and the spa and infinity pool overlook a scenic waterhole. 

Amalinda Lodge offers not only a safari experience but also nature drives, rhino tracking by vehicle and on foot, visit Cecil John Rhodes grave, bicycle rides, cultural and village tours, walks and hikes around the lodge and exploring rock art sites. Much of the granite topography retains the remnants of bygone rituals; San Rock paintings and archaeological sites are proof of the passage of time, and a snapshot into a long-forgotten past. 

Matobo Hills is the final resting place of Mzilikazi Khumalo, the first Ndebele king, as well Cecil John Rhodes. A varied habitat with mixed vegetation, the reserve is home to the rare leopard, raptors and excellent birdlife. Matobo Hills is a rhino breeding zone and on foot rhino tracking is a thrilling optional activity.

*Amalinda Lodge has a number of steps and is not suitable for those with mobility challenges.

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Amenities

Activities, Game Drives, Swimming Pool, Spa

Inclusions

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Our Offers

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Other Options

Nsefu Camp, the first photographic safari camp in Zambia, offers charm, history, exclusivity and comfort in what is without a doubt the best location in the South Luangwa National Park. The camp was the first camp to be built and is both unique and steeped in history. It enjoys an excellent location in the Nsefu sector on a magnificent meander of the Luangwa River where elephants frequently cross.

With just six chalets it’s small and intimate and they have kept the old-world charm whilst embracing modern convenience with en suite bathrooms each room has views of the river from the terrace and offers understated elegance for your stay in the bush. 

South Luangwa is a paradise for wildlife lovers, with game species including elephants, buffalo, hippos, giraffes, leopards, and lions and over 450 species of birds. Several antelope species are found in large numbers, especially the puku and impala. Also, to be found in huge herds are buffalo and elephants.

Activities include game drives, walking safaris, seasonal boating and village tours. All meals and local drinks are included in the nightly price.

For a truly exceptional safari experience, stay at Nsefu Camp and take a walking safari and overnight (1-2 nights) at Luangwa Bush Camping. 

Nsefu Camp

South Luangwa National Park

This experience can only be compined with staying in either Nsefu or Tena Tena Camps. 

First of all, what is “bush camping”? …walking with the best of guides, dipping deeper into the bush from the fixed camps by camping out for a night, dinner and stories around the fire, simple but delicious food… 

This is simple camping but with that extra touch of comfort. There are stand up tents, mattresses on the ground, sheets and blankets, a wash basin, a shared 60L bucket shower, a bush loo, a full bar and food service, fully serviced camp (except laundry). The walking is in one of the most lagoon rich areas of the Luangwa and hence the game is superb.

When staying at Tena Tena and Nsefu you can walk between the two for two or three days, camping on the way. 

Luangwa Bush Camping

South Luangwa National Park

Luangwa River Camp sits nestled under an ebony grove on the banks of the Luangwa River, Zambia in a game-rich area. The South Luangwa National Park marks the end of the Great Rift Valley, one of the last remaining unspoilt wilderness areas and possibly the finest wildlife sanctuary in Africa.

It is through this that the great meandering Luangwa River runs, with its ox bow lagoons, riverine-supported woodlands and large plains, all of which play host to huge concentrations of game including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo and over 450 species of birds. Luangwa River Camp sits nestled under an ancient ebony grove on the banks of the Luangwa River overlooking an area known as the Luangwa Wafwa, which is extremely popular with wildlife.

This small and intimate camp with just five bush suites, along with its setting and location creates a real “wow” factor and a romantic feeling simply flows through the camp. Activities include game drives, walking safaris, seasonal boating and village tours. All meals and local drinks are included in the nightly price.

Luangwa River Camp

South Luangwa National Park

How our Tent Ratings work

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These are based on our personal experience of the hotel, camp or lodge and should not be compared against ratings you find elsewhere. We intend to guide you and don’t be put off by a low tent rating as some of our favourites fall into the 2 and 3-tent categories.​

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It is also important to bear in mind that standards vary from country to country and a 4-tent hotel in South Africa cannot be compared with a 4-tent hotel in another part of the world. 

To summarise our grading system, we have considered the following.

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High in both quality and luxury of experience, and property must have ‘wowed’ us on many levels.

This is our benchmark for excellent service and experience, location and /or activities. 

Good relative value, excellent location and/or experience, and offering an ideal base for exploring the area.

Budget-focused stopover property, sometimes it’s the ideal location on a driving itinerary.

Don’t be put off, these stays are comfortable and a perfect pit stop on a journey where the choices may be limited. 

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Your Adventure, Your Way

All good things start with a conversation and planning your holiday shouldn't be like flicking through a catalogue. Email us, book a free consultation, or give us a call, to get your next bespoke adventure underway.

Phone:

+44 (0)7516 766404

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