Amalinda Lodge

This is a really unique African experience - don't miss it. The focus is not on the game (though walking so close to white rhinos was rather a thrill) but on the rock art of the San people, and enjoying the lodge and the pool. There was some welcome rain when we were there but it didn't stop us getting out everyday with Howard, who was a fabulous guide - extremely knowledgeable about the rock art, and the politics and history of Rhodesia/Zimbabwe. The food was fantastic - we had some of the best steak we have ever had anywhere in the world - and the infinity pool with zebra and a zonkey grazing nearby was a delight. We also had a very interesting walking tour of Bulawayo with Paul Hubbard - worth trying to arrange if you can. The country is a mess, but the people are delightful and it is very safe.

Great Location and super area for a start into the vacation. The Lodge is build into the area and I had a big rock in my bathroom. Absolutely stunning. Bones and Angel as hosts were great and Kevin was our guide. The view from the pool was amazing. We enjoyed the dinner on the long table together with the other guests and after that the good chats we had at the fireplace.

Amalinda Lodge is very unique and charming. The lodge is actually set right in the granite hills. Our room had a large boulder right in the middle separating the bathroom and bedroom. The room itself was spacious with a comfortable king bed. The staff and service are top notch. This is also true of the delicious food served in the restaurant. My travel agent had told the lodge I had an aversion to onions, and without any prompting from myself, the staff made sure every meal was onion free. It was this attention to detail that made the lodge standout. As for our guide, Kevin, he was very knowledgeable with eyes sharp enough to pick out a small, spotted owl in a tree that gave my wife a great photo. Other than rhinos( which you are almost guaranteed to see in the park), the wildlife is not abundant in this area. However, this is not the main reason to come here. You come to Amalinda Lodge for the spectacular scenery of the granite hills, the history, the culture, and yes, the rhinos. We started our 2 week safari with 3 nights at Amalinda, and it was a great way to be introduced to the culture and history of Zimbabwe( the animals came later). It was also one of the most unique lodges we have ever stayed in. What a treat!

We had an incredible stay here. Our only regret is that we could not be here longer. Billy knew that I had a special interest in rock art, and he was able to give us room 8, which has its own pictograph in the room. The rooms are built into the natural rocks, so every place in the lodge was beautiful. Our guide Edward went beyond the call of duty to make sure we could see a lot in a short period of time. During the first evening he took us to watch an incredible sunset from a rocky hill, and took us to see a granary that had been used during an uprising against colonialism in the 1890s. Both the rock art and the rocks he showed us in the park were incredible, worthy of its world heritage status. There were white rhinos — but I also should mention the zonkey at the lodge. I appreciate that the lodge works with the community through a nonprofit. If you stay here you should expect ti walk up and down steps, but the exercise is great after all the fine meals. The staff were all very attentive and made sure the stay was memorable. .

What an amazing place - all of the staff were so friendly and considerate. The accommodation is stunning, food was amazing ( we had 2 teenagers in tow and they were very happy). Our guide Howard was super cool and really knowledgeable from the history of Matobo, to finding the wildlife (rhino a huge highlight). Nothing was too much trouble and the warmth and hospitality was really first class - we would recommend for a different safari and culture based experience

First Class. A++. This place gets my highest absolute highest rating. Beautiful location. Elegant design in a natural setting. Food was delicious. Staff was friendly and helpful. Safari guides were incredibly professional and knowledgeable. Look no further, this is the best safari lodge in the area.