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
