Ultimate Zimbabwe

The Matobo Hills is one of the last bastions of both black and white rhino in Africa. The most unforgettable safari experience will be an approach up to this endangered species. This encounter is offered within the skills and knowledge of our experienced guides. Please note: For rhino tracking on foot, guests will need to hire national parks scouts - rates available upon request.

Explore the hills where mysterious nomads once held their sacred ceremonies. The rocky granite topography boasts more than 2000 sites of the San (Bushman) tribes and is probably the richest source of San rock art known. This area, and several famous rocks here – known to the Ndebele people – hold spiritual significance of bygone rituals. Here, you can learn about their trials and tribulations, hopes and aspirations.

Drive through the granite hills in the footsteps of Cecil John Rhodes. Visit his world famous tomb known as “View of the World”, it’s an historical experience not to be forgotten. Leander Starr Jameson is also buried here and together with the spirits of of soldiers killed in battle by Matabele warriors, they gather around at sunset, there is a definite spiritual presence . This “dwala” is known as “the dwelling place of spirits” or rather “Amalindidzimu”, the view will leave you breathless…….

Take a tour to an African homestead and get down to earth with the local Matabele people. Enjoy their gracious hospitality as they show you around their “pole and dagga” huts. Use this opportunity to get an insight into the way of life for the local people and to experience their culture. We offer a chance to visit a clinic, traditional healer and local primary school where one begins to understand no matter what adversity children face, one of their basic wants is to learn. Many projects at the school, clinic and orphanage have been completed, and some are ongoing, through our social responsibility program, The Mother Africa Trust.

Take in the aura and beauty of the Matobo Hills while relaxing beside our specially designed infinity rock swimming pool.

Walking on our property is entirely safe – you could bump into warthog, zebra, klipspringer, kudu, impala, wildebeest, reedbuck, duiker, steenbok, hyrax and a vast variety of bird life. Watch out for the elusive leopard, although he’ll see you first….

Indulge yourself in a full body massage, manicure or pedicure in our Safari Spa set amongst the boulders in the sunset lounge.

FOR BOOKINGS AND DETAILS CONTACT - resman@amalindacollection.co.zw

Rock Art Sites:
The Matobo Hills World Heritage Site s home to one of the greatest densities of prehistoric rock art sites in the world. More than 3000 sites are known in the area, although only a handful are open to the general public for reasons of preservation. In general, the paintings are more than 1500 years old and were created by the hunter-gatherer ancestors of present-day Bushmen. The paintings, although beautiful are not merely a record of daily life or "art for arts sake". They form part of the spiritual practices of these hunter-gatherers and guests will have an opportunity to hear more about the fascinating and mystifying beliefs and rituals behind their creation.
Most sites are located on the edges of the granite kopjes (hills) and some walking over uneven ground is required. Some of the better preserved caves require a long hike and are best done early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day. If guests are unable to walk very far, alternative arrangements to visit small, easily accessible sites can be made.

View of the World (Rhodes' Grave):
This iconic hill is known to local people as Malindidzimu - the dwelling place of benevolent spirits. Revered by local Matabele and Kalanga people long before arch-imperialist Cecil John Rhodes ever laid his eyes on it, the dwala is renowned as the final resting place of the founders of Rhodesia. Cecil Rhodes, Leander Starr Jameson and Charles Coghlan are buried within the living rock and a large mausoleum containing the earthly remains of Allan Wilson's 34 brave soldiers who died in an attempt to capture the last Matabele King is nearby. The scenery from atop the hill is amazing while the privilege of admiring the exquisite sunsets with a drink in hand, swapping stories, is one of the true highlights of any visit to Zimbabwe.
A visit here can be combined with a trip to see a rock art site.

Umvukela! Battlefields of the Anglo Matabele War, 1896:
The Matobo Hills are the most sacred place in Zimbabwe. Such spiritual splendour has been scarred by eons of conflict, most violently in 1896. With this tour, I aim to give visitors an insider's view of the 1896 civil war (called Chimurenga I or the Umvukela) as it was fought in the Matobo Hills World Heritage Site, arguably its most critical phase. By the end of the tour the guests should have an in-depth understanding and appreciation of the difficulties and opportunities facing the opposing forces. The ebb and flow in the fortunes of war will be realised on the ground, brought to life in a walking tour of the sites of struggle in the hills. Guests will also be exposed to the grandeur and beauty of the Matobo area, its history and inhabitants. This experience is complemented by the additional tours "All Rhodes Lead to Matopos" and "The Mzilikazi Footprint".

War of Warriors: Mzilikazi's Footprints:
For the first time ever in Zimbabwe, a chance to trace the mighty footsteps of one of the greatest warriors of all time, King Mzilikazi, ruler of the Matabele. If you want to be propelled back in time to the heady days of the late 1800’s, then allow us to bring to you the smells, sights and the rhythm of pre-colonial homes and the colonial battlefields of Matabeleland. The ebb and flow in the fortunes of war will be realised on the ground, brought to life in a walking tour of the sites of struggle in and around the hills. Guests will immersed in the grandeur and beauty of the Matobo Hills World Heritage Site, its history and inhabitants.
Three and five day tours led by Paul Hubbard, a professional archaeologist whose stories take you back in time with a vibrancy beyond compare. Hosted at the famous Camp Amalinda.

Bulawayo

Bulawayo of Yesteryear - City Centre Tour:
For such a young settlement, Zimbabwe's second city of Bulawayo has an exciting melange of architecture and history crammed into its 126 block radius. War and siege, boom and bust, development and demolition - Bulawayo has weathered political and economic storms for more than a century. Amazingly it has somehow managed to combine the character of a city and a village, a town that embodies the qualities of Africa and the West. It is a proud and independent town. Focusing on the architecture and history, this walking tour will immerse the visitor into the life of a developed African town and provides a unique viewpoint on urban history in the context of a developing country in Africa.

Railway Museum:
The National Railway Museum in Bulawayo is one of the largest museums of its kind in Africa. One of nearly every locomotive, waggon and carriage ever used by the National Railways of Rhodesia and Zimbabwe is on display. Several other objects relating to the history of Zimbabwe’s railways are on display ranging from models and original tickets to place settings from Royal Trains and Cecil Rhodes' personal carriage. Visitors are encouraged to climb inside the engines and imagine the heady days of steam travel in an excellent museum.

Natural History Museum:
National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe owes its origins to a small group of men (and much later, women!) in Bulawayo who dedicated their lives to creating one of the largest museums on the African continent. The National Museum, as it was then known, grew from a single room in the back of the Public Library to an immense building, housing collections from nearly every branch of the natural sciences. Today the Natural History Museum houses the fourth largest collection of bird specimens in the world, eighth largest collection of mammals and our collections of herpetofauna, fish, insects, invertebrates and arachnids rank highly in Africa for their scope and sheer number of specimens. In addition to wandering through the superb galleries, my tour traces the creation and growth of this museum and reveals many fun and fascinating stories behind the objects and specimens on display. The museum is a national treasure and I always enjoy sharing some of this excitement with guests.

Empire of Monomotapa: The Zimbabwe Culture Ruined Cities

Land of Strangers: Khami World Heritage Site:
Located a short driving distance from Bulawayo, Khami World Heritage Site is the second largest stone-built city in Zimbabwe. Built at the end of Great Zimbabwe’s reign, Khami ruled western Zimbabwe and eastern Zimbabwe for decades before being destroyed in a civil war in the late 1600s. At its peak, it was home to at least 8000 people, who controlled the local gold, metals and ivory industries and traded with the outside world. The site is extensive, with impressive terraces and platforms built along the Khami River. Full and half day tours are offered.

Spirits and Stones: Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site:
Built and inhabited in medieval times, this is the largest stone-built city in southern Africa. At its peak, Great Zimbabwe was home to at least 18,000 people ruled by a king aided by an aristocracy. Through their dominance of trading networks, agricultural production and a complex and fascinating religion, the rulers of Great Zimbabwe created an empire that stretched across most of modern Zimbabwe. Trading in gold, ivory, cattle and iron, the people at Great Zimbabwe were part of a global trade network that rewarded these rulers with rare luxury goods. As the capital of over 250 similar but smaller sites as well as untold villages, Great Zimbabwe’s immense stone walls and rich archaeological discoveries have excited the imaginations of visitors and researchers alike. Studied by archaeologists and historians for over 120 years, the site has also been the epicentres of many unfounded controversies over who built it, when and for what purposes. Thanks to the work done by competent archaeologists since 1905 it is known without a doubt that Great Zimbabwe was built by the ancestors of the local Shona people between 1250 and 1500 AD. At least a full day - preferably two - is recommended to explore all that this site has to offer. The prime source of Zimbabwe’s pride in its past - the country takes its name from this site and Great Zimbabwe is a site that should not be missed by any visitor to Zimbabwe.

From “Strangers" to "The Destroyers": The Rozvi Ruins of DhloDhlo, Naletale, Zinjanja and Bila:
The four ruins are the best known of scores located in the area between Shangani and Gweru. Each tells a fascinating story of the rise and fall of the rulers of this era during the 17th and 18th centuries. The Rozvi people, known as the Destroyers because of their military power, controlled this area for over a century. Their power was only broken with the arrival of Mzilikazi's Ndebele in the 1830s. These ancient stone cities are an integral part of the story of modern Zimbabwe. Located in an area of stunning scenery, little visited by tourists, this tour is an essential entree for those interested in Zimbabwe’s past.

No matter where one is in the world, home is where the heart is. It is where dreams are made and where children are born and grow. The walls of a home emanate familiar smells of the mother, favourite meals and fathers pipe. These walls have seen laughter, sadness and tears, reunions and farewells, birth and loss. Home is a safe haven, a security and comfort and that is why so much love, care and attention is given to it. Each home has a personal stamp of love and pride that makes it individual and unique

The Homesteads of Africa are some of the most extraordinary in the world. They are made entirely by hand, usually a family affair, using only what nature provides. Wooden poles cut from indigenous trees, supporting sweet smelling African earthen brickwork, fired and baked in homemade ovens. Intricate grass thatching provides a tightly woven roof that separates the lovingly polished floors and the stars. Rich mud walls smoothed by hand are painted and decorated in styles and colours associated with the resident family. Diligently swept yards are home to contently clucking chickens and usually one arrogant and formidable looking rooster. A central shady tree is the meeting place during the heat of the day where women shuck corn and men talk about the rains and their precious cattle.

MBH17A well-plotted and carefully planned cycle route through these villages and rural homes in the Matopos is a once in a lifetime experience. It is a bucket list opportunity to touch the very essence of rural life and feel the warm heart and soul of Zimbabwe. A chance to pedal your way through the pulse of Africa. Every home is different. Authentic and uncontrived, with no planning permission needed. There is no duplication or carbon copy. Every home is complete. This is a livelihood where less is certainly more. An overdose of life in all its simplicity – yet this is where you will see the widest smiles and hear the most genuine laughter.

Family values are the very core of The Amalinda Collection. A family run company that knows the importance of the comfort and the security of home. “My Beautiful Home” is a personal celebration of the preciousness of the family herd and they are thrilled to offer you this unimaginable heart-warming opportunity. There is no other like it in Zimbabwe. Matopos is home to the some of the most incredible rural homesteads and their proud residents are excited to share their warm hospitality and their home fires with you.

Please contact The Amalinda Collection for more details and allow us to introduce you to “My Beautiful Home Cycle Tour.

Lead by one of our experienced guides, you’ll see magnificent wildlife indigenous to the area. Your guide will show you the hidden spots best for game viewing and give you an insider’s knowledge. With years of experience our African Bush Camps guides are known for being some of the best in the business.

Awaken your senses and discover all that the bush has to offer on a walking safari. Accompanied by one of our experienced walking guides, explore the wild for one to two hours. For a full day walking safari, a private walking guide will need to be pre-booked with us.

Hwange National Park offers some of Zimbabwe’s best birding. Delight in the call of the racket-tailed roller or the kori bustard, and photograph the majestic Martial eagle. Or simply sit back and enjoy their beautiful songs.

Working together with the communities located in the areas surrounding where we operate gives locals an opportunity to be self-sustainable. By sharing knowledge there has been a decrease in the human-wildlife conflict. Take the opportunity to visit the locals and become accustomed to their way of life.

Matetsi Private Game Reserve offers the most exclusive game viewing experience in the Victoria Falls area. Here, surrounded by flourishing wilderness, phenomenal highlights include sightings such as massive herds of elephant and buffalo as well as the rare and majestic sable antelope. The reserve is also home to lion, spotted hyena, African wild dog and leopard.

Twice-daily game drives in the privacy of the concession are conducted in custom-fitted, luxury open-air safari vehicles in the early morning and late afternoon, accompanied by a knowledgeable, conservation-minded ranger and a tracker.

Game drives are a seminal safari moment in the bush. Whether you’re heading out at dawn or sunset, prepare to recalibrate your senses to the sounds, sights and spectacles of the bush. It may be that you get up close and personal to a pride of lion as they devour the remnants of their night’s kill or watch in awe as an early morning posse of elephant make their way down to the nearest watering hole amidst a chorus birdsong, grunts and scuffling dust. Chances are you’ll come with us as we track one of Matetsi’s established pack of wild dogs and experience their high-pitched keening as they hit the scent of prey. All this and more awaits you at Matetsi Victoria Falls.

At Matetsi Victoria Falls, you will have the opportunity to experience an exclusive riverboat cruise and canoeing excursion along our private 15 km stretch of the Zambezi River.

Take in the marvels of this spectacular wilderness sanctuary complete with resident hippos, crocodiles and nearly 700 species of fish, not to mention many species of water birds. This is your chance to make the most of some excellent photographic opportunities too, from the vantage point of the water where you will see large herds of elephant, buck, wildebeest (gnu) and buffalo come down to drink.

An interpretive bush walk, led by a professional ranger, is an absolute must for those looking to get even closer to the incredible wilderness of the reserve. This adventure-filled activity allows guests to learn more about the intricacies of the African bush, with the thrilling opportunity to get up-close-and-personal to its inhabitants, from small to large. A walking safari is truly a feast for the senses!

Victoria Falls Area Excursions
Bespoke excursions including helicopter flights, guided cultural tours, adrenaline activities and many more activities are available. All transport arrangements and services are managed and monitored by Matetsi Victoria Falls to maintain premium standards.

Description
•Tour of the Falls*
•Helicoper flights over the Falls
•High Tea overlooking the Falls
•Whitewater rafting
•Bungee jumping
•Gorge swing
•Zipline
•Canopy Tour
•Microlight Flight
•Horseback safaris
•Community excursions
•Curio shopping

*Complimentary scheduled guided tour of Victoria Falls is offered to Matetsi Victoria Falls guests.

External activities can be pre-booked through our reservations office.

Spoil your guests with an unforgettable helicopter flip over the Victoria Falls. The legendary "Flight of Angels" provides spectacular photographic opportunities that also incorporates a spot of game viewing.

Departure is from the Victoria Falls Day Activity Centre and between 08h00 and 18h00.
Guests must be at the Helipad 30 minutes before their booked departure time.
Alternatively guests can experience this activity with a direct helicopter transfer from Matetsi Private Game Reserve.

Guests will have the opportunity to discover the many facets of the magnificent Victoria Falls, the biggest falling curtain of water in the world on this exceptional excursion. They can explore the surrounding rain forest in the company of a guide who is intimately acquainted with the history of the Falls, as well as its flora, fauna, bird and wildlife.

A unique blend of aromatherapy and plant oils chosen specifically by you, combining deep tissue massage techniques to bring relaxation to tired, aching muscles allowing the body and soul to return to perfect equilibrium. Choose from a blend of aromatherapy oils to either destress, hydrate, relax or detox. A full Spa Massage Menu is available for download

In-house activities and amenities

Here, every day is tailored to you, whether you’re seeking adventure or a restorative retreat. At Matetsi Victoria Falls, our superb five-star services are rivalled only by the spectacular natural wonders that surround us. And our highly trained, knowledgeable guides are on hand to accompany you as you explore Matetsi Private Game Reserve’s 55,000 hectares of protected and unspoilt wilderness.

Whatever your preference, be it on foot, game vehicle, boat or helicopter, you will be amazed and rewarded by the abundance and diversity of this wilderness frontier. Ask about our night game drives, canoeing trips, sunset cruises and fishing expeditions on the mighty Zambezi.

For those less energetically inclined, a massage in our outdoor spa or a visit to the owner’s well-stocked private wine cellar where you can view his personal collection of vintage toy train, car and army collections will not disappoint.

Description:
•Zambezi River Boat Cruises
•Morning and evening game drives
•Night game drives
•Full day game drives
•Birdwatching
•Walking safaris
•Amateur fishing
•Professional fishing•
•Children’s activities and childminders*
•Massages•

•Activities at an additional cost

Enjoy a game drive, early in the morning or late afternoon, in an area renowned for its large numbers of elephant, buffalo, hippo and eland; along with lion, leopard and wild dog. Take in a coffee break or a sundowner at a scenic spot while your knowledgeable guide regales you with tales of safari bushlore.

Mana Pools National Park is a remote, beautiful place that is best experienced on foot, led by a professional guide. One of the best parts of a walking safari is going slowly enough to appreciate the little things you may miss from a vehicle. Nothing gets you closer to the landscape than a guided walk through the wilderness for an intimate look at nature.

This exciting experience will see you fit in some 'breath-taking' exercise as you observe the river at hippo eye-level.

* Water levels permitting.

A cruise down this magnificent stretch of the Zambezi River takes in the life in, on, and around this iconic river. Watch birds, hippo, elephant, and perhaps even a colourful carmine colony against the spectacular backdrop of an African sunset.

* Water levels permitting.

Bream (tilapia), and barbel (catfish) are some of the more common fish found at Mana Pools. Fishing is on a catch and release basis, with keen fishermen encouraged to bring their own equipment as we only carry basic fishing tackle. Try your hand at hooking a tigerfish as you drift down the Zambezi.

The incredible birdlife, colourful and lively, can turn anyone into a passionate bird-watcher. The multiplicity of avian life in the area includes three-banded courser, western banded snake-eagle, Arnot's chat, green-capped eremomela, African golden oriole, Lilian’s lovebird, Böhm's spinetail and Meve's starling.

Daily game drives with professional guides and trackers provide the perfect opportunity to get up close to Africa’s incredible animals, while late afternoon drives reveal the elusive magic of nocturnal Africa. Our game drives are all conducted in state-of-the-art Land Cruisers, each accommodating a maximum of six guests. During your stay at Singita Pamushana Lodge you are likely to spot a wide variety of wildlife including white and black rhino, Lichtenstein hartebeest, sable, nyala, klipspringer, cheetah, wild dog, lion, leopard, and an abundance of bird life.

Walking safaris are an incredible way to experience the bush up close and personal. Your expert guide and tracker will accompany you as you track animals on foot through the wilderness and explore the magnificent plants and landscapes around you.

Water is a source of life and beauty, and no place is this more apparent than in the remote tranquility of the African bush. Fishing at the dam below the lodge is the ideal way to experience this wonder firsthand. Drop in a lure and see what bounty the day will bring, while your guide and tracker show you how the locals catch fish using plants found in the area. Singita Pamushana boasts excellent game fishing throughout the year including Tiger Fish, Bass, Bream (tilapia), and Catfish.

There is perhaps no more transcendent experience than looking up at a full sky of sparkling stars. Man has had a love affair with the nighttime sky for centuries and with very little pollution and no city lights to detract from the stars, your view of the heavens here will be crystal clear – nothing between you and the vast African sky above.

Experience a game of tennis as you never would have before.

Enjoy your time on court whilst being surrounded by the beauty of the African wilderness. Cool down with rewarding refreshments and a dip in the nearby swimming pool.

Community tours provide guests at Singita with the opportunity to gain insight into community life and the local Shangaan culture. You will be able to witness firsthand the positive impact of the thriving development programmes in place and meet the fascinating people who live in these communities.

The San Bushmen are one of the earth’s oldest continuous cultures on earth, the original hunter-gatherers, their way of life is a mirror into our past. Take an educational tour to view San Bushmen rock art dating back tens of thousands of years and learn about their remarkable way of life.

As one of Africa’s most influential buyers of wine, Singita’s cellars are home to some of the most sought-after private reserves and vintage wines the continent has to offer.

Whether you are a connoisseur or just enjoy the occasional glass of wine, our experienced sommeliers delight in introducing guests to a vast selection of varietals from all over the world.

Through Singita Premier Wine Direct guests may purchase wines from our cellars: either to be taken home at the end of their trip or conveniently delivered to their door. As an addition to cellar purchases, we have secured allocations of highly limited, sought-after wines, including ‘Icons’, ‘Single Vineyard’ and ‘Limited Release’ wines, directly from leading wineries in South Africa.

Stored in temperature-controlled cellars, these wines are unlikely to be available anywhere else.

Offering the luxury of unfiltered time and space, the African wilderness is the ultimate setting for complete unwinding, while the continent’s healing energies are encapsulated in rituals that nourish and nurture.

At Singita, our enduring purpose to restore the land and its wildlife extends to offering healing experiences to our guests at every touchpoint. The dedicated treatments in our massage spaces tap into the profound benefits of indigenous wisdoms and essential oils that relax, replenish and revive. Each tailor-made therapy can be customised and timed to preference, ensuring a completely personalised experience.

The massage menu has been designed to immerse guests into their beautiful surroundings, and all treatments incorporate that peace and vibrant energy to revitalise and nourish the soul.

A fully equipped fitness centre is available for guests’ convenience.

The African sunset is an occasion worth celebrating and the dam below the lodge is the perfect spot to enjoy a gorgeous sunset cruise while sipping refreshing sundowners and to watch the magnificent wildlife as it comes down to sip from the dam.

Guests at Singita Pamushana can enjoy a swim at the swimming pool located at the main lodge area. All of the guest suites also come complete with their own private plunge pools.

Singita Boutique & Gallery in the main lodge area.

You will find a dedicated yoga mat in your suite as well as a card to guide you through a relaxing sequence in the privacy of your room or on your deck. All our lodges also offer Vinyasa and Yin yoga practices with trained practitioners – simply ask our front-of-house staff to check availability, then book and join a session.

Known for seamlessly synchronising movement with breath, Vinyasa is a flowing style of yoga that moves from one posture to the next using muscular engagement. Yin is a meditative practice focusing on passive, long-held poses – often with the support of props like blocks and bolsters. It helps to improve flexibility, reduce stress, quieten the mind and foster mindfulness.