A peaceful, luxurious and unique safari lodge built into the rocks of the spectacular Matobo Hills of southern Zimbabwe.

Visitors to the Matobo Hills in southern Zimbabwe invariably end up tongue-twisted in awe of the gentle magic of this ancient landscape. Amalinda Lodge adds to the effect.

Woven into the giant granite boulders that make this 44,000-hectare game reserve unique, Amalinda Lodge combines luxury with a genuine connection to the surrounding landscape. Rooms are cavernous palaces - built into, around, above and below the rocks - that are decorated and furnished with a rustic charm belying their comforts: large showers, enormous beds; outdoor showers; private decks and achingly beautiful views.

The main lodge winds through the rocks with a delightful bar cave, a dining deck that juts out into the trees, an open-air fireside lounge, a reading lounge and, the central focus, a large natural rock pool and gazebo.

Service is homegrown friendliness combined with regimented polish; the food is gourmet bush fare, complete with twirly reductions, piled up roulades and homemade breads. And with just a handful of rooms the atmosphere is as quiet as the rocks and the full-time wellness therapist is on hand to enhance that feeling.

Priscilla takes great care of all your needs in an efficient unimposing manner and Billy is an accomplished and highly entertaining guide with a love for his country that is most refreshing. He will take you on a gentle interpretive bush walk up the nearest kopjie (say \"copy\" and he'll be impressed) and guided game drives and scenic tours of the Matopos National Park.