Camelthorn Lodge

Camelthorn Lodge is situated on a private concession bordering the South Eastern corner of Hwange National Park at the edge of Ngamo’s famous Plains. The open grasslands and forest groves of the Ngamo Plains are among the most scenic areas of Hwange, as well as being home to a variety of wildlife, big and small. The landscape changes dramatically between the cooler dry winters and warm humid summers.

Whatever time of the year you are here, you will be treated to a truly memorable safari experience, in pure comfort and style. Enjoy day and night game drives on the private concession, conducted by licensed guides in specialised Land Rovers that seat 6 guests in 3 rows, as well as full day game drives into Hwange National Park. Walking safaris can be arranged, and are usually undertaken in the mornings. 

This special scenery is ideal for horse-riding and several activity options have been designed for riders of different experience levels. All rides are led by experienced, qualified guides and trackers.

A camouflaged underground hide by a waterhole less than a kilometer away from the lodge is ideal for close up photography, and elephants can be photographed from toe level. Being at such close proximity to these giants is truly breathtaking!

Accommodation consists of 8 forest villas. Each villa features a fireplace, private ground level deck, upstairs outdoor maisonette with hammock, and a day bed. The en-suite bathrooms overlook the surrounding woodland with a bath and shower. The woodlands surrounding the villas are dotted with small water baths attracting woodland creatures such as bushbuck, mongooses and an abundance of interesting and colourful birdlife.

The main lodge is a magnificent stone structure under a thatch room built in an open U around the lodge's splendid namesake - a massive Camelthorn Tree. An open patio area is ideal for enjoying leisurely brunches and candellit dinners under the stars on warm evenings.

Rates Include

Park entry fees per paying night; all meals; soft drinks, beers, wines and local spirits; airstrip transfers; guided walks; day/night game drives; all day excursions; hide sits; visits to the local village; tours of the village school (not available during school holidays); and a laundry service are included.

Children Policy

Children aged 7 years and older are welcome. Rates available on request. Children under 16 years of age are not permitted on horse rides, however children 7 years and above are permitted on the Beginner Bush Experience.

General Information For Guests

The forest villas each have an en-suite bathroom with a bath, shower, double basin and W/C. They also have large bedrooms with overhead fans, a fireplace, large glass sliding doors, a mini bar, lounge and tea/coffee making facilities. In addition, there is an outdoor maisonette via a spiral stairway that has an outdoor deck/roof with hammocks.

The lodge is built around a large Camelthorn tree, and has a dining room, lounge area, reception, open fronted bar and a raised deck. Free Wi-Fi is available in the main lodge area and there is cell/mobile phone reception.

Activities that are available include day and night game drives, game walks, village visits, school tours (not available in April, August and December during school holidays), and excursions to the game viewing hide.

A popular activity is to take an all day trip into the park to visit the waterholes and drop fuel and oil for the motors, rations and supplies for the pump attendants. The lodge helps to operate 8 waterholes for the wildlife within this area of the park. A picnic lunch is then enjoyed near one of the waterholes before taking an afternoon game drive back to the lodge

Daily horse rides can be arranged and there is a weight restriction of 90 kg (additional cost).

In-house spa treatments are available at an additional charge.

A laundry service is included.

Popular Alternatives to Camelthorn Lodge

These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Camelthorn Lodge, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Camelthorn Lodge was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.

If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.