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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

Located in the heart of Zululand this small private game reserve in Northern KwaZulu-Natal is just an hour from the coast, set in around 3500 acres of bush with excellent wildlife including elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino. There is abundant birdlife too which makes this award-winning lodge a must visit place. You'll find a spa, plunge pool and deck as well as a restaurant, lounge and deck overlooking the waterhole. Game drives are included as well as a few other activities including game walks, photographic safaris and children's activities. The nine rooms are spacious and attractively furnished with air conditioning. Activities included are twice daily game drives with expert guides and trackers and bush walks. 

Children of all ages are welcome and are cared for via Thanda's Bucks & Bugs Club, the Junior Rangers Course. As the resort is 99% Malaria Free, it is reat for family travel. 

Thanda Safari Lodge

near Hluhluwe

Thanda means love in the language of the Zulu people and this very romantic camp will make you fall in love with it. Located in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, it is set in over 3,500 acres and offers excellent wildlife including elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards and rhino. 

With just a small number of tents, this malaria-free reserve gives you a real sense of adventure in the African bush. You'll find a central living area, swimming pool, and a boma where you can sit around the fire at night. This evocative wilderness environment is complemented at night by the flickering of lanterns and light from the fire. 

Each tent has its own bathroom and sun terrace and it is truly back to basics here with no Wi-Fi or hairdryer - but the outdoor shower is the perfect way to start the day.

Ideal for families as there are specific activities for children. Activities include twice daily game drives with expert guides and trackers and Bush walks. Children of all ages are welcome and are cared for via Thanda's Bucks & Bugs Club, the Junior Rangers Course. Thanda is 99% Malaria Free and therefore is great for families.

Thanda Tented Camp

near Hluhluwe

Set in two acres of pretty gardens in the residential suburb of Melrose, The Peech is a true boutique hotel offering just 32 well-appointed rooms. This is a true oasis in the city and the ideal place to base yourself for exploring Johannesburg. You're close to shops restaurants, cafes of Melrose as well as some of the city's main attractions such as the Apartheid Museum. The hotel has two excellent restaurants, with locally sourced, sustainable and organic ingredients featured wherever possible. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. There's a gym close by and two outdoor swimming pools. Rooms bright, spacious and all have air conditioning, television, coffee maker and an outside balcony or terrace and are scattered through the gardens.

The Peech

Johannesburg

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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