Amalinda Lodge (Camp Amalinda), Matobo Hills, Zimbabwe

Amalinda Lodge, formerly Camp Amalinda, is a privately owned, owner-run safari lodge on a private concession inside Matobo Hills National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in south-western Zimbabwe. It was the first property in the Amalinda Safari Collection, which also runs three sister properties in Hwange National Park: Ivory Lodge, Khulu Bush Camp and Khulu's Retreat. Hwange Main Camp is about four hours away by road, so many guests pair the two parks on one trip.

The lodge is built into the granite boulders of the Matobo Hills. Its nine thatched chalets and suites, two of them honeymoon suites, stand on their own between the rocks. Each has a private balcony looking out over the kopjes. The lodge takes in an old San (bushman) rock shelter, and one chalet has a real San rock painting. The main area is on several levels. In the lounge and bar, granite boulders form three of the walls. There is a library, a wine cave and an infinity pool set into a natural granite 'whaleback'.

Most activities are on foot. Armed National Parks scouts lead rhino tracking for white and black rhino, and guided walks go to San rock art sites, Cecil Rhodes' grave at World's View and nearby Matabele villages. Evenings are spent together. Dinner is three courses at a communal table made from railway sleepers, the guides often eat with guests, and the night ends at the campfire.