Reviews of Amalinda Lodge

"Spectacular location and accommodation but very many steep steps to be negotiated (difficult particularly at night).

Lovely swimming pool." See all these reviews: 13n in Zimbabwe

"We had a very comfortable stay at Amalinda for the end of our trip. The room (10) was amazing and the design of the whole camp is incredible

They organised fascinating trip out to Great Zimbabwe ruins for us, albeit a long day with helpful explanation from our guide Howard.

The cave paintings are well worth seeing and the rock formations create an incredible landscape.

Amalinda organised our travel from Hwange and back to Vic Falls. The journey was comfortable and smooth. Packed lunches on our travels were great.

Well worth visiting for a relaxing time after safari." See all these reviews: 15n in Zimbabwe

"An amazing place set in the granite hills of the Matopos Hills The views are incredible. Our guide, Kevin, showed us the Bushman drawings in some of the caves in the area. We also saw a Zonkie!!, which was explained to us as a cross with a Donkey and Zebra. We also got to see the White Rhino and were able to get quite close to these magnificent animals.

The food was amazing and the room very comfortable.

our only fault was the lack of places to hang our clothes." See all these reviews: 9n in Zimbabwe

"It's hard to find words to describe Amalinda - the rooms and amenities and food and service are right out of deluxe travel magazines, but the environment in which it all takes place is pure and untainted bushveld, and the animals and birds are so close they can touch you.

Our "room" was palatial, beautifully designed and equipped, spotlessly maintained (even the odd lizard in the shower was freshly laundered), and a fine place to sleep peacefully after each day's adventures, but the minute one was in the bush, on foot, tracking a guide who was tracking a rhino, civilisation slipped away and one's world consisted of the grass and the trees and the animals. There was nothing contrived or artificial about the game experiences, except I suppose for the protection of the rangers and guides, and that was not something I would have traded.

Game drives were a constant source of pleasure, and the rhinos were co-operative in the main, despite the distress of the removals a few days before. The visit to the children's home and the village were most interesting. I appreciated the chance to speak with local residents and hear their thoughts about various things. Our fellow guests were a fascinating selection from several countries and cultures. Dinner conversation was most absorbing. I also particularly liked a collection of old books in the open air library with a view.

Special mention of our driver, Mr Edward, who was wonderfully knowledgeable, an ace game spotter, always cheerful and helpful, and a very interesting person to talk to. All the staff were competent, friendly and helpful, but Mr Edward was a stand out. Just to add that while we were there, the staff were almost all involved in fighting a serious fire a short distance from Amalinda, and yet still managed to produce superlative meals and keep the atmosphere unruffled. Bravo!" See all these reviews: 16n in Zimbabwe

"The rooms and employees Rock this place." See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe; 3n in Botswana

"Amalinda's unique selling point is how the whole lodge has been set into the landscape. The 'whaleback' boulders of the Matopos have been incorporated into the rooms and public areas. Note that this does mean a lot of steps everywhere, particularly to reach the bar and dining room. Our room was simply enormous with a high thatched roof and two double beds. The bathroom was bigger than most hotel rooms!

Having been guided around Great Zimbabwe by Paul Hubbard, a local historian of note, he was also our guide here for our exploration of the Matopos. I have a great interest in Cecil Rhodes, the founder of Rhodesia, and it was an ambition realised to have Paul take us through the area to sites and buildings associated with him. His knowledge is truly impressive. The highlight was to visit Rhodes' grave at 'View of the World' at sunset and watch the close of the day with a G&T. Amalinda was an excellent base for these activities and the full day we spent exploring Bulawayo.

The Matopos offers spectacular scenery, cave paintings and rhino tracking." See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe; 6n in Botswana; 4n in Namibia

"Nice experiences with Edward on a short sunset hike and seeing rhino the next day.

Not a good experience with the camp itself. A lot of minor issues added up to a mediocre stay. One by itself is no big deal but when there are six or seven it adds up.

Colin and Billy are cheerful enough, but that masks an underlying indifference. There were other people complaining as well. Unique architecture." See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe; 1n in South Africa

"Amalinda is a great start or end to safari it is very relaxing, excellent staff very attentive.

Our guide Kevin was extremely knowledgeable we enjoyed learning about Zimbabwe's History." See all these reviews: 12n in Zimbabwe

"Amalinda was excellent. Rooms built into hillside incorporating rocks. Very hospitable. Great meals.

Visited Khami ruins on way from Bulawayo, which were excellent. Only visitors at site. Recommend the longer walk to get full appreciation of the site.

Day trip to Great Zimbabwe was long - very early start. The site is really worthwhile. Very few visitors.

Matopos is a beautiful National Park. Wildlife somewhat limited, though we did (briefly) see rhino." See all these reviews: 15n in Zimbabwe

"Apart from the better than average likelihood of Rhinos, i think the rock art and Gt Zim are the highlights for Amalinda.

Doing Gt Zim as a day trip is hard, especially for the guide, but for the guests too. That said, staying overnight adds a fair amount of additional expense and (according to Paul Hubbard) in pretty average hotels. But if money isn't a problem, then having more time at Gt Zim and easier travelling over two days would be welcome.

These travellers booked a private guide here, Paul Hubbard, and they commented:

Paul Hubbard is clearly a top guide with excellent knowledge on the archaeology and culture of Zimbabwe and particularly around the Motopos. This undoubtedly enhanced our experience significantly.

Having Paul for the two full days activities was the requirement and was great. I'm not sure that having him for the airport collection and an afternoon walk added quite as much value. Please note - this is not a reflection on Paul, but on how we, and others, might structure their holiday with cost in mind." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe; 6n in South Africa