Zimbabwe : Matobo National Park

The Matobo Hills are an astonishing area of scenic beauty with some of the oldest and most extraordinary granite rock formations in the world. These hills were once inhabited by the San bushmen and there are magnificent examples of rock art in and amongst the caves, many of which you can walk up to and study. There is a wildlife sanctuary here with amongst other wildlife a large population of white and black rhino. There are endless opportunities for walking, horse riding and even elephant riding.

Camp Amalinda

Tucked away in an ancient bushman shelter lies the luxurious Camp Amalinda. The camp consists of 8 individually thatched rooms including 2 honeymoon suites, which are carved into the huge boulders. Each suite has a private bathroom and is individually decorated creating rooms of unique character. The bar and sitting areas are tucked in to the rocks with panoramic views over the Matobo Hills, there is also a library and a chess room located amongst the treetops to guarantee peace and tranquillity. Below the camp is a large swimming pool with a bar. Activities include game viewing on foot or on horseback, by vehicle and even on elephant back. Walks and visits to bushman caves and Worlds View where Cecil Rhodes is buried can also be arranged.

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the bar bedroom cave paintings
horse riding the pool

Big Cave Camp

Built on top of an enormous granite rock with stunning views of Matobo National Park, Big Cave is a rustic and natural lodge. The thatched A frame lodges with en suite bathroom and private balcony provide comfortable accommodation for up to 16 guests. There is a natural rock swimming pool and game-viewing activities can be arranged on horseback, on foot or by car and you can visit the bushman caves and Worlds View.

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honeymoon suite breakfast outside dining room
rhino aerial view swimming pool

Barberton Lodge

Barberton Lodge is set amongst the huge boulders of a spectacular granite hill overlooking the vast wilderness of the Bubiana Conservancy, primarily a Rhino conservancy south east of Matobo National Park. There are 4 simple stone and thatch chalets all with beautiful views and the honeymoon suite has a double bath built into the rock. With a choice of activities from game drives and walks, horse riding, rhino tracking, boating and fishing on the river, trips can also be organised to visit archaeological sites, a local village and an emerald mine. 350 species of birds have been recorded and with the reintroduction of elephant, rhino, buffalo, sable and hippo along side the existing leopard, cheetah, hyena and antelope there is game to be seen in this beautiful and remote area.

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bathtime view