Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Camelthorn Lodge
Wild luxury in a truly unspoilt corner of Hwange
Set on the wonderfully remote edge of the National Park and the Tsholotsho community concession, Camelthorn Lodge is a large stone and thatched property surrounded among a shady grove of camelthorn and ebony trees.
This U-shaped lodge offers exclusive accommodation in the form of twelve spacious villas. Boasting large glass sliding doors, these comfortable rooms open out onto a private outdoor balcony where hammocks are provided for siestas in the sun, or sleeping under the stars.
Witness the renowned huge amounts of Elephants of this well-protected part of Hwange on bush walks and exciting game drives in traditional open safari vehicles driven by licensed experienced guides – and then smaller species such as bushbuck and colourful birds from the comfort of the lodge’s open-fronted bar.
Exclusive to Camelthorn Lodge is an exciting underground blind strategically positioned in the shade of a Leadwood tree and disguised as an antheap. It’s aligned to take advantage of both the sunset and the evening light at elephant toe level and features an en-suite flush toilet.
When you’re not encountering the neighbouring animals, cool off in the plunge pool, relax in front of cosy fireplaces and enjoy tasty meals served up by friendly and personal staff.
Highlights
Morning and night game drives
Walking trails in the plains
Bird watching
Visits to local communities, villages and schools
Outstanding photography opportunities
Waterhole visits
Twelve villas
Dining and sitting room
Open-fronted bar and lounge
Small plunge pool
Fireplace
Includes:
Three meals daily and local beverages
National park entry fees
Two activities per day with refreshments
Laundry services
Trip Inspiration
Plan your trip to Zimbabwe
Whatever you want from your adventure in Zimbabwe, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Places to combine Camelthorn Lodge with
Mozambique
Azura Marlin Beach is located on the shores of Benguerra Island in Mozambique. The resort’s ten beautifully designed villas blend local craftsmanship with contemporary elegance, creating a seamless harmony between nature and comfort. Choose from beach villas and beach villa grandes or indulge in the exclusivity of villa vista, a spacious private sanctuary featuring two separate suites, a large pool and an expansive entertainment area, ideal for families or friends travelling together. Each villa is curated for both seclusion and connection, with open-air living spaces. The soft ocean breeze drifts through private terraces, while personal plunge pools offer a secluded oasis to bask in the sun.
Thoughtfully designed public areas maximise sweeping views over the Indian Ocean, providing tranquil spaces to relax, dine and take in the beauty of the island. Mornings begin with freshly prepared breakfasts overlooking the water, followed by leisurely afternoons spent poolside, where the sun-drenched deck invites deep relaxation. Evenings unfold with elegant candlelit dinners beneath the starry night, the soft glow of lanterns illuminating the beachfront setting. For a taste of Mozambican tradition, the lively weekly beach bbq is a guest favourite, offering an immersive experience of grilled seafood, local specialties and storytelling under the open sky.
Two Mile Reef, one of the region’s most pristine snorkelling and diving sites, reveals an underwater world of breathtaking colour and movement, where manta rays sweep gracefully through the depths and rare marine species make their home among the corals. PADI 5-Star certified scuba diving excursions, led by expert instructors, offer a deeper glimpse into this extraordinary ecosystem, while deep-sea fishing expeditions provide the thrilling opportunity to seek out the legendary black marlin that the Bazaruto Archipelago is renowned for.
The resort’s open-air treehouse spa provides a haven of rejuvenation, where skilled therapists use traditional African oils and balms to melt away tension.
Rwanda
Wilderness Magashi Peninsula is the sister property of Wilderness Magashi Camp, an exclusive retreat in the heart of Akagera National Park in Rwanda that offers an immersive safari experience. Set within a private concession on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga, with the Mutumba Mountains rising in the distance, this eight-bed camp is designed for those seeking unparalleled privacy and connection to nature. Here, the vast landscapes of open plains, acacia woodlands, shimmering lakes and rolling grasslands form the backdrop to extraordinary wildlife encounters. Akagera is a conservation success story, home to one of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems. Over 500 bird species fill the air with their calls, while elephants wade in the lake and hippos bask along its banks.
The camp comprises a stunning four-bed villa and two twin suites, each elevated to maximise the panoramic views over the lake. Private plunge pools invite moments of quiet reflection and the villa’s multi-purpose room is adaptable as a gym, office or family space. Personalised in-villa dining and a dedicated private guide transform each stay into a deeply personal journey, allowing you to explore the wilderness at your own pace. Embark on a morning game drive, glide silently through the waterways on a boating safari or set out on a guided nature walk.
Rooted in sustainability and inspired by Rwanda’s rich culinary heritage, the menu features fresh, local ingredients. Start the day with a signature ‘rolex’ breakfast wrap, a beloved Rwandan street food specialty, and end it with a Kugisha dinner, a communal feast accompanied by traditional storytelling and song.
As with all Wilderness camps, conservation and community engagement are at the heart of Magashi Peninsula. In partnership with the Akagera Management Company, Wilderness supports vital initiatives such as predator monitoring, invasive plant management and educational programs designed to inspire the next generation of conservationists. Magashi Peninsula builds upon this legacy, ensuring that both wildlife and local communities thrive side by side.
