This flagship lodge is nestled in a patch of pristine woodland just west of the famous Ngamo Plains 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. On the edge of the Ngamo Plain, and strategically placed to Camelthorn o ers a spectacular wilderness experience. Camelthorn is 4-5 hours road transfer from Victoria Falls or Bulawayo or by the highly recommended Elephant Express Rail Car.
The Accommodation consists of 8 forest villas with flat roof with 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 with large sliding glass doors and overhead fans. Room configuration – one king bed or twin double beds.
Each rooms have Emergency whistles and a air horn, Electric safe, Mosquito Repellent, Mobile LED lamp and Free daily laundry service ( weather dependant ).
Main Lodge is a magnificent stone structure with thatched roof built in a open U round the lodge’s splendid name-sake- the Camelthorn Tree.
The western wing is a closed in dining room protected from the elements with 3 fireplaces.
The eastern wing is a open fronted , a well stocked bar and lounge. The Electricity is run on Generator power and there is Free WIFI in the main areas.
Hwange National Park at 14,500 sq km, is one of Africa’s great Parks and is home to over 100 species of mammals, including nineteen large herbivore and eight large carnivore species, and nearly 400 species of birds. Hwange is elephant country and much of the game viewing relates to magnificent opportunities to view these, the largest land mammals, in a completely wild state.
Activities consist of Morning and afternoon game drives with snacks in traditional open safari vehicles.
All day game drives with a packed lunch and snacks in traditional open safari vehicles.
Land Cruisers seat up to 9 guests and Land Rovers seat up to 7 guests.
Game walks are Conducted by a fully licensed and highly experienced professional guide. Usually undertaken in the mornings and ideal for photography of big game on foot.
Night drives within the lodge’s private concession to view the array of wildlife, particularly nocturnal creatures.
Usually undertaken upon return from the afternoon activity or alternatively after supper.
Guests can also experience Hwange’s giants up close and only a few meters from the watering hole from the safety of this specialized 6m long underground blind with en-suite flush toilet.
Imvelo maintain 15 boreholes in and on the borders of the national park which provide essential water to the wildlife during the dry months of the year. A popular activity is to take an all day trip into the park to visit the waterholes to drop of fuel and oil for the motors as well as rations and supplies for the pump attendants.
A picnic lunch is then enjoyed near one of the waterholes followed by a leisurely game drive back to lodge in the afternoon.
Fifteen minutes drive from the lodge guests have the opportunity to enjoy a look at village life in rural Matabeleland. A fascinating experience of a variety of typical daily village activites, which can be 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’.
* School visits not available in April, August and December during school holidays.
Children under the age of 7 are only allowed by special arrangement and providing parents sign a disclaimer. This is subject to restrictions, particularly to do with private dining options and a separate vehicle for game drives and is at the sole discretion of lodge management. Up to 2 children may share a tent with an adult. 4 children and 2 adults can be accommodated in the Sable Suite.
