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Camelthorne Lodge

Camelthorne Lodge

Hwange

An ancient Camelthorn tree, the property’s namesake, is the centrepiece, with the main lodge and eight villas sitting around it. Set in a forest adjacent to Hwange National Park’s famous Ngamo Plains, the lodge is unique in style and design and was built for and by the community whose land it calls home. 

The villas are all attractively furnished, spacious and have a balcony. Four villas have a plunge pool. This lodge is ideal for families as up to two children over 7 can be accommodated in the room with their parents.  Rooms have ceiling fans, fireplaces, and tea and coffee-making facilities and are safe.

Meals are served either family style with other guests or privately at your villa. The evening always ends around the fire.

Activities include game drives and walking safaris, along with community activities. 

Enjoy al fresco dining, sip your morning coffee in front of a roaring fire, track herds of elephants by foot, enjoy rewarding game drives, where wonderful birdlife, woodland animals and possibly even rhinos may be seen. ... all at the pace you desire to experience this remarkable place. 

The Elephant Express is a unique railcar that offers you the chance to travel between lodges (Bomani & Camelthorne) in comfort while enjoying the sights en route.

Please note this camp may be closed between December and April, depending on the weather. Please check with us for availability during these months. Additionally, please be aware that the Elephant Express service does not run between January and April.

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Amenities

Activities, Game Drives, Walking & Trekking

Inclusions

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Our Offers

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Other Options

The original hotel dates back to the 1930s when flying boats en route from Durban to London used to make a stop on the lake for refuelling and refreshment. Sitting on 55 acres and just a little over an hour from Nairobi is located on the lakeside. There’s plenty to do with nature walks, bird watching as well as trips to Cresent Island which is a haven for zebra, wildebeest and giraffe. Lake Naivasha is famous for its large population of hippos and flamingos and with over 1,500 hippos in the area, you are almost guaranteed to see one. The lodge has all the space needed to relax and unwind, and there is a swimming pool, restaurant, bar and spa. The comfortable rooms all have Wi-Fi, a minibar, tea and coffee-making facilities, a safe and a patio. If time permits several excursions can be arranged from cruises on the lake to bird watching and nature walks. This is a great place to unwind from your travels before your safari adventures begin.

Lake Naivasha Country Club

Rift Valley

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Located just 90 minutes from Nairobi airport the lodge is in a wonderful setting for enjoying the area which is home to over 400 species of birds. There are walks around the lake and boat trips to Crescent Island. From the comfort of your balcony, you can relax and spot an abundance of wildlife. There is a swimming pool if you fancy a refreshing dip, spa, fitness centre and tennis courts. There’s also a bar, restaurant and gift shop. The comfortable and bright rooms have ceiling fans, television, small sitting area and a private bathroom. Lake Naivasha is famous for its large population of hippos and flamingos and, with over 1,500 hippos in the area, you are almost guaranteed to see one. An interesting historical fact is that in the 1930’s flying boats en route from Durban to London used to make a stop on the lake for refuelling and refreshment, but we are not sure what the ancestors of today's hippos and flamingos made of their flying visit! The evenings can be cool here so do take a sweatshirt or light fleece.

Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge

Rift Valley

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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.

Amalinda Lodge

Matapos Hills

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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

Email:

enquiries@briggatetravel.com

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