Zimbabwe History and Wildlife: Matabo/Bulawayo, Hwange and Vic Falls 9 Days

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.

EXPERIENCE

• Visit the sanctuary headquarters and home of the Cobras – hear a short talk on the CRCI project, rhino security, and future plans.
• Walking tour to join the rhino and the Cobras guarding them; lots of photo opportunities and time to appreciate Thuza and Kusasa in their new home (how close visitors will be able to get to the rhino is subject to conditions on the ground).

Please note:
Subject to availability and terms and conditions apply.

Experience our one-of-a-kind unique Elephant express rail car which is an
exceptional activity and a definite highlight of a stay at Camelthorn Lodge!

The Elephant Express was introduced in 2015; it is a unique railcar, ingeniously designed and built to offer an unforgettable activity to and between our camps in Southern Hwange National Park.The Elephant Express makes daily return trips as necessary between Ngamo Siding, near Camelthorn to Dete Railway station. It is a 2.5hr ride and a great game viewing opportunity. It is at an additional cost, please contact reservations on prices and how to use it to transfer guest in and out of camp.

• Accommodating up to 22 passengers, the railcar has a safari design with open sides, an engine at the front and back and specially trained drivers. It offers individual coach seating at teak tables and a chemical loo on-board.
• Soft drinks, beers, wine and snacks are provided and lunch is served whilst the railcar is stationary before the return trip.
• The railcar is spacious with large aisles to allow your guests to walk around within and spot wildlife.
• There is a highly experienced knowledgeable guide is on board to answer all your questions and help make the trip as enjoyable as possible.

•Traditional open safari vehicles driven by licensed experienced guides

•Morning drives with tea, coffee and biscuits and afternoon drives with drinks and cooked snacks

•Land Cruisers seat up to 9 guests and Land Rovers seat up to 7 guests

•Conducted by a fully licensed and highly experienced professional guide

•Usually undertaken in the mornings

•Ideal for photography of big game on foot

•Night drives within the lodge’s private concession to view the array of wildlife, particularly nocturnal

creatures.

•Usually undertaken upon return from the afternoon activity or alternatively after supper, particularly

when lion are heard calling nearby.

•We have a spacious 20 ft game viewing hide at one of our waterholes ideal for

wildlife photography. There is a flush loo available.

•Imvelo Safari Lodges operate 18 pumping stations for the wildlife in this region of the National Park, the furthest of which is 55 km away. A popular activity is to take an all day trip into the Park to visit the waterholes to drop off fuel and oil for the motors as well as rations and supplies for the pump attendants

•A picnic lunch is then enjoyed near one of the waterholes followed by a leisurely game drive back to lodge in the afternoon.

•Fifteen minutes drive from the lodge our guests have the opportunity to enjoy a real life look at

village life in rural Matabeleland. A fascinating experience of a variety of typical daily village

activities is followed by a tour of one of the nearby schools conducted by the Headmaster where

guests are given the opportunity to hear traditional songs sung by the children and enjoy a ‘class

interaction’.

Nehimba is situated on its own private concession in the Northern area of the national park where many of Hwange’s wild residents enjoy wandering freely through the area. You may choose to relax on your private balcony with an early morning cup of coffee, or whittle away the last of the daylight hours on the main lodge deck with sundowners, where the animals amble by and pause at the nearby waterhole to quench their thirst. We highly recommend one day having an arm chair safari

Elephants drinking from the pool Credit: Imvelo Safari Lodges

Aerial view of Nehimba Lodge and its waterholes Credit: Imvelo Safari Lodges

Elephants drinking from the pool Credit: Imvelo Safari Lodges

Around the campfire with elephants Credit: Imvelo Safari Lodges

Elephants bathing at Nehimba Lodge Credit: Imvelo Safari Lodges

Dinner with the elephants at Nehimba Credit: Imvelo Safari Lodges

Credit: Imvelo Safari Lodges

Dinner with the elephants at Nehimba Credit: Imvelo Safari Lodges

Nehimba is situated right on the edge of the mopane woodlands of northern Hwange and the kalahari sandveld of the west, and so offers the full spectrum and diversity of fauna that Hwange has to offer. The elephant hunting Lions of this area are famous. The area is well watered so is host to large numbers of animals throughout the year but particularly during the dry season. Game drives are conducted in specially modified Land rovers designed to provide wildlife enthusiasts with ideal opportunities for photography. During drives, our expert guides enjoy sharing their extensive knowledge with you - be it while watching the African bush come to life as the sun starts to rise, or whilst marvelling at a large elephant herd drinking at a waterhole as the sun slips behind the horizon.

For an entirely different perspective, join one of our armed professional guides and get close to nature. During a game walk you can experience the thrill of approaching wildlife on foot. Your guide will also teach you the basics of how to track wildlife from the ground as well as interesting facts about the surrounding vegetation and ecology.

For those who would like to view Hwange in a different 'light', we offer our guests the opportunity to accompany one of our guides on a night drive through our concession. Filtered spotlights are used to pick out the various nocturnal species that can be found such as hyena, porcupines, civets, genet cats, and if you're lucky, perhaps even a leopard on hunt!

This special designated conservation area is one of the only year-round, naturally occurring water supplies in the massive Hwange National Park. The seep is an ancient source of surface water that was once used by the San Bushmen. Today the area is frequented by elephant, who can be found digging for minerals as well as enjoying the water.

Situated in a scenic hilly spot only 15-kilometres from Sinamatella Camp, the Mandavu Dam is a wonderful location for both bird watching and game viewing. Take a leisurely morning drive to the dam before joining a variety of wildlife for a picturesque picnic brunch at the water’s edge.

Cuan Rush - Imvelo Safari Lodges Credit: Cuan Rush - Imvelo Safari Lodges

Elephants drinking Credit: Imvelo Safari Lodges

Crocodile and birds Credit: Imvelo Safari Lodges

Hippo wallowing Credit: Imvelo Safari Lodges

Cuan Rush - Imvelo Safari Lodges Credit: Cuan Rush - Imvelo Safari Lodges