Camelthorn Lodge

Location

Close to Ngamo Gate, Hwange National Park, Matabeleland. Less than 4 hour road transfer from Victoria Falls or Bulawayo; or 1 hour in a light aircraft.

Camelthorn Lodge

 Accommodation at Camelthorn Lodge

• 10 forest villas: 82 m² with flat roof and stone walls
• Outdoor maisonette with hammocks – ideal for a siesta or a night ‘under the stars’. Accessed via a spiral stairway
• Large bedroom and lounge area; overhead fans and fireplace
• En-suite bathroom with bath in front of a picture window, shower and double basin

 The Facilities of Camelthorn Lodge

The main lodge is a magnificent stone structure with thatch roof built in an open ‘U’ around the lodge’s splendid namesake – The Camelthorn Acacia. The west wing is a closed-in dining room protected from the elements with 3 fireplaces. Reception is open-fronted as is the bar area in the east wing with adjoining teak deck, idea for sundowners.

Camelthorn Lodge bedroom

Activities while at Camelthorn Lodge

Hwange National Park is 14,500 Km² making it one of Africa’s greatest conservation areas. Traditional open-sided safari vehicles, driven by licensed, experienced guides are the main activity and elephants are what this part of Hwange is particularly noted for. The lodge is built on communal land and the relationship with local communities is very good. Indeed, many of the drivers, guides and rangers are recruited locally.

Game walks can be arranged with a fully licensed and experienced professional guide; usually undertaken in the morning which is the ideal time to see big game and the light is perfect for photos.

A unique feature of Camelthorn is the 6m long underground hide which is strategically positioned in the shade of a Leadwood tree, disguised as a termite mound and aligned to take advantage of both the sunsets and the evening light at elephant toe level – this hide will have novices taking National Geographic standard pictures!

Night Drives: driving at night within the lodge’s extensive estate is permitted and the array of nocturnal creatures is excellent. Night drives are usually arranged upon return from an afternoon drive and are particularly good when lion are heard calling nearby.

Camelthorn Lodge bathroom

Pump runs

There are 8 wildlife waterholes in this part of the park, the furthest of which is 55 km into the Park. It’s an excellent experience to join the engineers and take an all-day trip into the park to visit the waterholes and deliver fuel, oil and rations to the pump attendants. A picnic lunch can be taken with you before taking an afternoon game drive back to the lodge.

School and village visits

Guests are welcome to visit the neighbouring village of Tsholothso (15 minutes’ drive from the lodge) and experience the charm of rural Matabeleland. The headmaster of the school is always keen to introduce guests to the school to say a few words (English Lang!) about their home country (geography!) and their wildlife experiences (Biology!). In return you can hear traditional songs sung by the children, which is a moving experience.

In a nutshell

• Luxury accommodation.
• At least two activities per day
• Laundry service
• 3 meals daily
• local beverages
• Transfers to/ from the lodge airstrip or Halfway House Hotel on the Victoria Falls road

Rates exclude

• Imported wines and spirits
• National park entry fees (2015 $20 per person per day)
• Tips