Reviews of Amalinda Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
37 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Amalinda Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa

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"Amalinda Lodge review"
The team at Amalinda are a credit to themselves.
Lovely stay." See all these reviews: 9n in Zimbabwe

Giraffe
4 sightings

Hippo
1 sighting

White Rhino
2 sightings

Zebra
6 sightings
"Amalinda Lodge review"
We had a massive beautifully appointed room, food and catering was brilliant.
Really enjoyed drinks by the pool and exploring the grounds. We even saw the legendary zonkey…
It isn’t really a game lodge in the traditional sense, the Matopos felt to us to be more about history, culture and a good break between 2 game heavy areas with one caveat. We tracked white rhino on foot with the help of our guide Paul and the local game rangers and that was wonderful. They found an adult female with a male calf and adolescent daughter, such a privilege to get so close." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe

White Rhino
1 sighting

Zebra
1 sighting
"Amalinda Lodge review"
Our guide Paul was outstanding in his knowledge, entertainment and excitement, making the activities in the mountain terrain another life time experience that should not be missed. The life story of Cecil Rhodes to the 10,000 year old cave paintings were explained in Technicolor detail by Paul who also managed to get us up close with a family of Rhinos, absolutely stunning experience. Thanks to Billy and Paul for making such an effort to look after and entertain us." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe

White Rhino
3 sightings

Zebra
1 sighting
"Amalinda Lodge review"
Again our guide was extremely knowledgeable and our driver took us on a tour of the historic area of Bulawayo on the way to the airport" See all these reviews: 6n in Zimbabwe

Eland
1 sighting

Giraffe
1 sighting

Hippo
1 sighting

Sable antelope
1 sighting

White Rhino
Multiple sightings

Wildebeest
Multiple sightings

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Amalinda Lodge review"
It is peaceful and extremely comfortable, with huge rooms and bathrooms, excellent food, great service, knowledgeable guides and some fantastic activities. We tracked white rhino on foot, visited Rhodes grave with a couple of G&Ts and a stunning African sunset and hiked over the rocky terrain past amazing butterflies and antelope before reaching ancient cave paintings.
Evenings around the fire before and after a 3 course dinner were a real treat, our guide joining us sometimes too, giving us an opportunity to get to know him and the Zimbabwean culture a little more. The infinity pool, set apart from the lodges, was stunning, the freezing cold water offering welcome relief from the hot sun. There was even a chameleon nestled in the plant by the bar to provide us with entertainment.
All in all, a very special place." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

White Rhino
Multiple sightings

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Amazing architecture in striking envirnoment"
The pool is a stunning pool in a natural, granite bowl, looking out over the Motobos. The poolside bar has a sunset lounge where you can drink you sundowners if not out on a drive or on the high rocks above the lodge.
The staff were friendly and knowledgeable and Melissa, the new lodge manager, was on top of her job after only 10 days in post. The food was excellent and service impeccable.
Our guide Kevin was a very switched on guy, with an in-depth knowledge of nature from the smallest plant and insect, up to the rhinos, along with detailed knowledge of the history and culture of Zimbabwe (ancient cave paintings included). Kevin took us to see the cave paintings, walking with rhinos and to a memorable sundowner at the View of the World burial site of Cecil Rhodes, high in the Motobos. he was great company in every respect.
I would highly recommend a stay at Amalinda for the stunning lodge on its own merits, but particularly for a stay focussing on the geology, culture and history of Zimbabwe and the Motobos. You won't see the range of wildlife seen at the Zim lodges, but you do get the chance to track rhinos on foot with the guide and Park Rangers - a real privilege.
Disabled access might be an issue for many areas of the lodge, with steep and narrow access through gaps in the boulders." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe

Giraffe
2 sightings

Sable antelope
1 sighting

White Rhino
2 sightings

Zebra
2 sightings
"Great Zimbabwe and rock art from Amalinda Lod"
The main dining area felt slightly cramped with insufficient room for everyone to comfortably gather and mingle before meals and the mix of one large table and two small tables seemed awkward. However, the whole lodge felt friendly and well run and it was a superb base for exploring the Motopos area. The work done by Amalinda to protect the local habitat and wildlife is laudable.
We had the pleasure of two days with Paul Hubbard, a local archaeologist. We had a 4 hour drive to Great Zimbabwe where we spent 5 hours exploring the fascinating medieval ruins. Paul's knowledge of the beautiful sight was inspiring.
The following day we had another full day out with Paul, firstly tracking a group of 6 White Rhino, then exploring a number of sites with stunning rock paintings. The quality and state of preservation of the paintings was staggering and again Paul's knowledge made for a fascinating day." See all these reviews: 12n in Zimbabwe

Sable antelope
1 sighting

White Rhino
1 sighting
"Lovely setting"
Seeing rhino is dependant on finding the rangers who know where they are.
We wasted time while the guide disappeared looking for them to no avail - this was not atypical of having a well meaning guide, but who did not listen properly to our wishes." See all these reviews: 13n in Zimbabwe
"Just a wonderful place - highly recommended!"
Although the game drives are quite benign compared to elsewhere in the country, but scenery is stunning and the close encounters with the white rhino are an amazing experience we will never forget.
Our day being guided by Paul Hubbard was also a real highlight, with Paul really bringing the history and rock art to life.
We didn't want to leave this very special place." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe; 3n in Botswana

Giraffe
1 sighting

Sable antelope
1 sighting

White Rhino
1 sighting

Wildebeest
1 sighting

Zebra
1 sighting
"Fantastic location, amazing rooms in rocks"
We had our first sight of a white rhino due to the persistence in searching by "Bones" our guide, with the help of a couple of park rangers, unfortunately the rhino had been dehorned, supposedly to prevent it from being poached.
Great views from Cecil Rhodes grave.
The highly polished concrete floors in the rooms mean that it's very easy to slip and fall - which my wife did!!!" See all these reviews: 17n in Kenya; 9n in Zimbabwe; 6n in Tanzania; 5n in Botswana; 5n in Zambia

White Rhino
1 sighting
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