Wednesday 4 May 2016

Discovering Amalinda Camp in Zimbabwe with Sikiliza



Camp Amalinda, Matopos, Zimbabwe

On arrival, one would find it hard to believe that the rocks, indigenous shrubs and trees in this area could be so subtly concealing such a gem!
Cleverly designed and built into the natural rock surrounds, the lodge nestles right into nature and transports the visitor to a time and place surreal and ethereal….
The whitest linen and the most original and tasteful décor greet you in your ‘room’ which has been built into the rocks, with the spectacular views overlooking yet more of these outstanding rock outcrops which make the Matopos famous. Beautifully crafted teak furniture grace the lodges and the open lounge, dining and library areas.
The service is discrete and refined and if you happen to be enjoying the Honeymoon Suite, there is an outside bath and shower where you may soak the day away under the stars…before retiring to enjoy the crisp cotton sheets and plan the day ahead….

Menus are planned around locally sourced fresh foods and expertly prepared by resident chefs to your taste, accompanied by a good selection of fine South African wines.
Declared a World Heritage Site in 2003, it has one of the highest concentrations of ancient rock art in Southern Africa, dating back some 13,000 years. It is also an ancient site of many tribal and ancestral customs and lore which surround the local tribes people.  It is still revered as a sacred area by the local indigenous people of the area.
Also home to a number of white rhino and a large population of Black Eagles, the area boasts of other plains game – giraffe, zebra, impala, kudu, wildebeest as well as the elusive, nocturnal stealthy leopard.
It was in this area, at Worlds View, Matopos, that Cecil John Rhodes decided to have his final resting place and he is buried in the granite rock at this magnificent site.


Once back at the lodge, have a swim in the rock pool with the spirits of the ancients watching over you, and enjoy a sun-downer overlooking this very special area, while the evening sounds start up their serenading orchestra and the stars come out to greet the African night….
Sight-seeing includes the ancient rock paintings, Cecil Rhodes grave, the National Park for the wildlife, or simply taking a guided walk into the rocks to enjoy the very special atmosphere in this renowned area.
Less than 40km from Bulawayo on the Kezi road, the lodge is quickly and easily accessible by road from Bulawayo – The City of Kings.
For more information on the area, please see:- http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/306/

Lin Goncalves - Sikiliza Consultant 04/05/2016