The Matobo Hills has some of the most breathtaking granite scenery in the world.  Tucked in amongst the imposing boulders is Amalinda Camp, an exclusive, tranquil refuge.

Amalinda’s nine individually thatched units each have a distinctive look and feel. Showers and toilets are built right into the granite rock face.  Shared lounge, dining and library spaces are uniquely designed to capture the feeling of this granite wilderness.

These hills, where the nomads once held sacred ceremonies, are home to a wide array of mammals and birds.  The highest concentration of leopard and black eagle in the world is found here, and there is a healthy population of the endangered black and white rhino.

There is plenty to keep you busy in the Matobo Hills:  go rhino tracking, visit the tomb of Cecil John Rhodes, explore the granite hills and discover the millennia old rock art of the San Bushmen.  But Amalinda is also a special place to relax.  Whether you are lazing in the lounge or library, or treating yourself to a massage at the safari spa, you will be touched by the tranquility and spiritual energy of this place.

Photography and video compliments of Amalinda

The Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve is a 150,000 acre conservation area, established to protect and manage the extraordinary wilderness and wildlife in this part of southeastern Zimbabwe.

The Singita Pamushana Lodge is the ecotourism arm of the reserve, and one of the most magical secrets on the African continent.

The setting is magnificent, with the lodge built amongst forests of Mopane and Baobab trees and overlooking the serene lake formed by the Malilangwe dam.  There are six luxury suites and one five-bedroom villa, each with a private pool and extraordinary views.

Teeming with birds and wildlife, The Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve holds one of the highest concentrations of black rhino in Africa, fourteen different species of eagle, and endangered species such as the roan and sable antelope.

The magnificence of the landscape and the abundance of wildlife can be appreciated from the comfort of the lodge, or head out on a game drive, safari walk, sundowner cruise or mountain bike ride.   Unlike other camps that follow a strict routine, how you plan your day is completely up to you.

If you tire of the views and the wildlife then play tennis on one of the lodge’s two tennis courts, set out on a fishing trip, head to the gym, relax in the spa, visit the 2 millenia old San rock paintings, or experience some local Shangaan culture.

But leave time to enjoy the exquisite food and wines. Pamushana Lodge is one of the continent’s most influential collectors of wines, with a cellar stocked with some of Africa’s most sought after reserves.

Everything is impeccable at Pamushana, but it is possibly its passion and its people that set this lodge above others of its kind.  The level of service is exceptional.  Your every whim is met, often before you’ve even had a chance to articulate it.  And the passion for conserving this special place and developing the local villages gives this magical spot a special heart. Link to Pamushana ibrochure.

Photography and video compliments of Singita

A four to five hour drive or 40 minute charter flight from Victoria Falls, this authentic tented bush camp offers up old world African charm and elegance right in the heart of Hwange National Park.

Six elegantly furnished canvas tents sit along the edge of an ancient seasonal flood plain.  Each is decorated in a bygone, colonial style with ensuite flush toilets and alfresco bush showers.

The dining and lounge areas are nestled under a soaring canopy of acacia trees and offer breathtaking views of the savannah plains and the famous Kennedy Vlei line.

After the first summer rains in November/December the plains are ablaze with seasonal wildflowers, making this the most beautiful spot in the park. The dry season between May and October offers some of the best elephant viewing in Africa, with elephants seen right in the camp.

The passionate and knowledgeable guides offer game drives, guided walks, bird watching and evening night drives.  Expect to see elephant, kudu, sable, the rare and endangered roan antelope, buffalo, white rhino, lion, leopard, and hyena amongst other wildlife species.

Somalisa lets you explore Africa the way you have imagined: up close to nature with the romance of a true safari bush camp.

Photographs and video by Safari Mike

Little Makalolo is one of only a few private camps in Hwange, and guests enjoys exclusive use of an enormous concession area right in the heart of Zimbabwe’s largest game reserve.

The camp itself is intimate, with a sense of remoteness.  There are six traditional canvas tents, each with an ensuite and indoor and outdoor showers.  The shared dining area, living area and plunge pool all overlook the watering hole at the front of the camp, which is a magnet for wildlife.

This area of the park has impressive herds of buffalo and elephant and a high concentration of the rare and beautiful sable and roan antelope.  It is also one of the best places to view the predators with lions, leopards, cheetah and wild dog on the prowl.

The excellent guides offer game drives in 4 x 4 vehicles and guided safari walks.  Or you can get up close and personal from behind the log pile hide overlooking the watering hole.

Little Makalolo is environmentally and socially responsible. Funds from tourism flow directly to the local communities closest to the park through dividends and salaries.  And a portion of each guests fare is allocated to Wilderness Safaris Wildlife Trust which allocates funds to approved conservation projects.

Photos compliments of Wilderness Safaris