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This flag ship lodge is nestled in a patch of pristine woodland just west of Ngamo on the edge of the South Eastern corner of Hwange National Park. The lodge is unique in its style and design and has as its centre piece a huge ancient Camelthorn tree. The lodge is a true partnership with the surrounding community and was built on their land and almost everyone that works for us there comes from the local community nearby.
On the edge of the Ngamo Plain, and strategically placed to explore the remote and unspoilt south eastern portion of the park, Camelthorn will also provide a spectacular wilderness experience. Less than a kilometre away from the lodge we have built an underground blind in front of a beautifully located waterhole in the park. Camouflaged as a termite heap and buried under an ancient Mitswiri tree - the photographic opportunities from it are dramatic. Elephants can be photographed from toe level silhouetted against the sky at a distance of 25 feet - and such close proximity to Hwange's huge bulls is honestly breath-taking.
Camelthorn Virtual Tour
Large bedroom with overhead fans and fireplace, large glass sliding doors, mini bar and en-suite lounge, with a king-sized bed, en-suite bathroom with bath in front of picture window, shower, double basin and toilet, outdoor maisonette via spiral stairway provides an outdoor deck/roof with hammocks ideal for a siesta, private dining or a night ‘under the stars’
*some of the tents have upstairs small plunge pools - please request more info from reservations.
Large bedroom with overhead fans and fireplace, large glass sliding doors, mini bar and en-suite lounge, 2 double beds, en-suite bathroom with bath in front of picture window, shower, double basin and toilet, outdoor maisonette via spiral stairway provides an outdoor deck/roof with hammocks ideal for a siesta, private dining or a night ‘under the stars’
*some of the tents have upstairs small plunge pools - please request more info from reservations.
Property Facilities
Bar, Barbeque Facilities, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mobile Connectivity, Private Vehicle (Available), Secure Parking, Spa
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Plunge Pool, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Available)
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Viewing Hide, Game Walks, Massages, Night Drives, Rhino Tracking, Safaris, Sleep Outs, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Animal Encounters, Big 5, Bird Watching, Cultural Tours, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Massages, Rhino Tracking, Safaris
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 game 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
•A feature of Camelthorn is the 6m long underground blind with en-suite flush toilet
•Strategically positioned in the shade of a Leadwood tree, disguised as an antheap and aligned to
take advantage of both the sunsets and the evening light at elephant toe level - this blind will have
novices taking National Geographic pictures!
•Night drives within the lodge estate to view the array of wildlife particularly nocturnal creatures is
very popular
•Usually undertaken upon return from the afternoon activity or alternatively after supper, particularly
when lion are heard calling nearby
•Imvelo Safari Lodges operates 18 pumping stations for the wildlife within this area of the park, the furthest of which is 55 km into the Park
•A popular activity is to take an all day trip into the park to visit the waterholes and drop fuel and oil
for the motors, and rations and supplies for the pump attendants.
• A picnic lunch is then enjoyed near one of the waterholes before taking an afternoon game drive
back to the lodge
•Within the neighboring villages of Tsholothso 15 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’.
Imvelo’s ethos is to enrich the lives of those who live around us as well as our guests. As such, we have a strong link with communities around the lodges and our spa treatments fall in line with our proud tradition of empowering the community through providing jobs in tourism as our beauty therapists have been hand-picked from the surrounding community area.
Our therapists were then trained locally to provide you authentic Zimbabwean treatments in the most spectacular settings! We encourage you to enjoy one of these treatments during your stay with us, as you will not only experience some true pampering in the African bush, but you will also be further giving back to our local community.
Spa treatments are available at your private villa on the maisonette level, overlooking the unspoilt acacia woodlands or a destination treatment can be arranged in the Camelthorn concession, close to the lodge, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.
(Destinations available will vary, depending on seasonality, amount of guests in camp and time of day the treatment is requested.
Please discuss this with management the day before the treatment is requested and they will do their best to ensure something special is arranged.)
Spa Menu
"Imvelo's Ikhanda Massage"
Head Massage
A rejuvenating head massage in the tranquil surroundings of the African bush relieving your mind of stress in Natures Company.
20 minutes - RACK $20
"Imvelo's Unyawo Massage"
Foot massage
Put your feet up and relax with a picturesque view as you get treated to a foot massage with the sights and sounds of nature at your feet.
30 minutes - RACK $30
"Imvelo's Ihlombe & Intamo Massage"
Shoulder & neck massage
Focused on your areas of stress, unwind and close your eyes as nature treats you to a relaxing shoulder and neck massage.
30 minutes - RACK $30
"Imvelo's Ubuhle Manicure or Pedicure"
Basic manicure or pedicure
With beauty in mind pamper and treat yourself with the sounds of nature in the backgrounds as you unwind on your holiday in Zimbabwe.
40 minutes - RACK $30.
