Camp Amalinda
CAMP AMALINDA
- MATOBO NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE
Camp Amalinda is situated 45 kilometres southwest
from Bulawayo in the Matobo Hills. Tucked away into an ancient bushman's
shelter, Camp Amalinda's charm will leave an indelible impression on every
visitor. Some of the most majestic granite scenery in the world is found
in the Matobo Hills. It is here that the hopes, trials and tribulations
of the San Bushmen are recorded in the ancient rock art.
Accommodation
 
  Camp
Amalinda consists of 10 individually thatched rooms including a romantic honeymoon
suite, set into the huge granite boulders. Each have en-suite facilities. The
lounge and entertainment area is tucked away into a bushman shelter with a panoramic
view of the Matobo Hills. Delicious meals are served on a massive teak table
in the open air dining room. A cozy library contains some of the old "African
Classics", whilst a secluded chess room, located amongst the tree tops guarantees
peace and tranquility. For the wine connoisseur, we recommend a visit to Amalinda's
natural cave wine cellar. Sundowners can be enjoyed around a warm fire in the
enclosed "boma" area.
At the base of the camp is a large
swimming pool with comfortable loungers and a bar, all overlooking
a waterhole. A thatched health centre includes a fully equipped gymnasium
with a sauna. A resident Beauty Therapist is available for massage,
manicure and pedicure. This is the perfect place to relax and absorb
the setting.
Activities & Wildlife
  Mammal
and bird species are prolific and include the highest concentration
of Leopard and Black Eagle in the world. Activities at Amalinda
include game viewing by vehicle and foot, bird watching, as well
as visits to the numerous Bushmen caves and and their Bushman cave
paintings.
Track Black and White Rhinos with experienced trackers. Visits to Cecil John
Rhodes' grave - the View of the World, a nearby African village and school, as
well as walking and rock climbing in the Matobo Hills are other optional activities.
Horse riding and elephant back riding are also available at extra cost. Many
people visit Amalinda to interact with the resident elephants.
The Resident Elephants
  In
1985 a severe drought in Gonarezhou, Zimbabwe's second largest National
Park, had an extreme impact on the wildlife. Fortunately
2 young orphaned elephants were rescued and translocated to our private
ranch, where they were cared for and bottle-fed back to health. Twelve
years later these orphans have built an incredible relationship with
man. So much so that they revel in the pleasure of carrying people on
their
strong backs.
The Elephants are extremely social animals, and love and
physical contact is an important part of their daily routine. Guests
are encouraged to
spend a good deal of time interacting with the elephants. During the
full moon phase, a moonlight elephant back ride is a truly magical experience.
These gentle creatures are extremely intelligent and all training has
been implemented using a reward system. At no time have they been subjected
to any form of physical punishment.
The Elephants have quite distinctive
characters. The biggest is "Tusker".
He has always been the adventurous one, and you can be sure that when
mischief is brewing, Tusker will be at the centre of it! "Duma" is
Mr Cool, calm, collected and very laid back. Nothing much gets him excited.
This intangible bonding between human and elephant is probably
one of the most touching and memorable wildlife experience you are likely
to experience.
The
Owners - Sharon and Phil Stead
Camp Amalinda is owned by Sharon
and Phil Stead who were the camp managers for over 7 years.
 
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