Zimbabwe Safari Circuit

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.

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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.

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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…….

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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.

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

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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….

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

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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.

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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.

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Our underground Hide and Tree platform-

Now this is the focal point; with 180-degree views of sunrise and sunset, the sunken hide is positioned
for optimum photography. It is punctuated by 1000 termite mounds and is frequented daily by
resident herds of elephant, buffalo and sable.

Wine, beers and soft drinks are available and accessible all day from the built-in fridge and in cold
winter evenings, this is a wonderful space to sit being warmed by the indoor fireplace
However, If you’re more inclined to enjoy the breeze in your hair, above the Sidule Hide is the
viewing platform, guarded from the sun by leafy teak trees and set with bean bags for longer viewing
opportunities, another favorite space for our photographers. Lying up here the views of the massive
vlei sprawling out in front of you is breathtaking. In the East, looking right you will see the sun and
moon rising. Looking left to the West you will watch the sun setting in all its glory.

We’ve taken the idea of ‘hiding out’ to a level where wildlife approaches you naturally - making this the
place for the nature purist .... in its purest form. We have also constructed habitually blended wood
blinds and viewing decks on the concession where photographers can sit, in a camouflaged space and
wait for that epic shot.

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Sable Valley Underground Hide Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Sable Valley Treetop Platform Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Sable Valley Underground Hide Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Sable Valley Underground Hide Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Walking safaris from your game drive vehicle or from Sable Valley with one of our Professional resident Guides either on our private concession or in The Hwange National Park. Explore the flora and fauna with the expertise of your guide and get up close to some of the big five on foot.

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Walking Safari Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Walking Safari Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Walking Safari Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Walking Safari Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Walking Safari Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Walking Safari Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Early morning game drives set out at the crack of dawn with one of our guides, both into the park or on our 15000acre private concession.

Mornings are usually productive with possible sightings of Hyena, Leopard, Wild Dog and the plains game.

Afternoon drives in the same areas leave at around 3pm and return by spotting torch by night. Animals and birds seen in the afternoon are prolific with sometime close encounters with the famous, majestic herd of Presidential Elephants.

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Game Drive Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

When you travel with Amalinda Safari Collection, you go beyond observing the wild and help us actively protect it. A portion of every booking goes directly to The Mother Africa Trust, funding conservation and community initiatives like anti-poaching patrols, rhino protection, lion-proof bomas, and women-led empowerment projects.

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Lion-Proof Boma Building Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Basket Weaving Project Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Lion-Proof Boma Building Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Lion-Proof Boma Building Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Lion-Proof Boma Building Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Lion-Proof Boma Building Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Lion-Proof Boma Building Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Lion-Proof Boma Building Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Lion-Proof Boma Building Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Anti-Poaching Unit Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Anti-Poaching Unit Credit: Amalinda Safari Collection

Major highlight of Mana Pools is the walking experience in this remote wilderness.

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Explore the Mana Pools on a game viewing vehicle

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Canoe the Zambezi River and explore Mana Pools from a different angle.

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The Victoria Falls waterfall, also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

On your guided walking tour of the falls, you will have the opportunity to discover the many facets of the magnificent Victoria Falls. Explore the rainforest while learning about the history of the Falls, its geological significance and its flora and fauna. You'll have the opportunity to soak up the beautiful vistas, lush surroundings, magical waterfalls, and the spray of the Falls.

*Excludes rainforest entry fees

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The Lookout Café has become a bucket-list experience in a bucket-list destination and a Victoria Falls landmark restaurant. Perched on the edge of the Batoka Gorge above the raging Zambezi Rapids, the Lookout has panoramic views of the Victoria Falls Bridge that hangs in the chasm of the Gorge, connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Though called the Lookout Cafe, the meals are more refined than everyday eats. Enjoying dishes like the grilled lemon and garlic Zambezi bream, with the gentle rumble of the river drifting over the rim of the Gorge, makes the 'place on a plate' sentiment a reality. Every dish gains both place and style when paired with imported wine from South African vineyards. Casual dining has never been more decadent.

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Indulge in a selection of cocktails and canapes on the rim of the Batoka Gorge, where the Zambezi Rapids rage 120 meters below. This hidden gem is the perfect place to enjoy a sundowner and is exclusively for guests staying at The Elephant Camp.

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Travelling is one of the ways we write the story of our lives. It is also one of the best ways to hear stories of other cultures, beliefs and people. The Village Tour digs beneath the surface of Victoria Falls' and celebrates cultural diversity. The Village Chief will take guests around a nearby rural village, explaining the local customs, traditions and lifestyles. The Village Tour empowers the local community to share their heritage with visitors, and the experience gives guests an insightful understanding of the local culture.

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The Canopy Tour is a fantastic family-friendly adventure that consists of a network of slides, trails and rope bridge walkways within the Batoka Gorge. The activity and offers incredible views of Zambezi rapids, Victoria Falls Bridge & the spray of the Falls. Located next to the Wild Horizons Lookout Café, the guided two-hour tour reveals a unique birds-eye view of one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

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The Elephant Camp is surrounded by natural beauty, and we focus on creating a space where guests can form a relationship with and learn about the environment they are in. We do this through our partnership with The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, located in the Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary adjacent to the lodge. The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, a non-profit entity and dedicated vehicle for promoting conservation awareness, education, and community empowerment.
A tour of the Trust is part of our guest experience. Guests will visit the High-Care Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre and Laboratory facilities to learn about innovative conservation initiatives from a team of passionate research and wildlife experts.
Included Activity- this activity is included in our rates but must be scheduled with management on arrival and is subject to availability.

Included Activity- this activity is included in our rates but must be scheduled with management on arrival and is subject to availability.

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Credit: Wild Horizons media

Credit: Wild Horizons media

Credit: Wild Horizons media

Credit: Wild Horizons media

Credit: Wild Horizons media

The Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage was established as a safe haven for orphaned and injured elephants after culling operations in the 1980s. The resident herds roam freely through the wilderness concession, and when guests visit the Sanctuary, they are taken to the elephant, not the other way around. The Elephant Encounter is best described as an experience and not an activity. Our goal is to have visitors spend time connecting with resident herds in the most positive and natural way possible while learning about this keystone species and gaining a deeper understanding of conservation initiatives.

In an open thatch boma on the edge of the Masuwe River in the Sanctuary, guests will listen to a presentation by one of our experienced elephant caretakers. They will learn about the history of the Sanctuary, the elephants, and the rescue-rehabilitate-reintegrate program. Then, guests venture out to where the herd has chosen to spend the afternoon. They are invited to take photographs, observe and immersive themselves in the experience.

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The Zambezi River Sunset Cruise is one of the most popular activities in Victoria Falls. Typically lasting around two hours, the luxury Zambezi Royal cruise explores sections of the upper Zambezi close to the Victoria Falls and further upstream where the Zambezi and Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Parks flank the river. Guests can look forward to 5-star service, hot & cold canapés, creative cocktails and a selection of beverages. The cruise captain will give a brief presentation on the journey of the Zambezi while guests enjoy the stunning scenery on the upper Zambezi River.

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Embarking on a game drive embodies the essence of a safari adventure. As the seasons transition from summer rains to winter chill, the wilderness and animal behavior evolve. Yet amidst this change, one constant remains: the chance to forge a profound and genuine bond with the natural world.

Led by expert, enthusiastic, and well-informed Guides, game drives at The Elephant Camp take place during the early mornings or the late afternoons when wildlife is most active during the day.

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Selected Spa Treatments are available in the privacy of your suite (subject to availability, on request at an additional charge).

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