Camelthorn Lodge offers a gateway to the south-eastern region of Hwange. This is a diverse region of savannah plains, camelthorn woodland, and marshland in and around the Ngamo Plain. This diversity makes for excellent game viewing, with all the "Big 5" found in the area – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino (though rhino numbers are sadly very low). The region attracts numerous predators including the elusive wild dog, cheetah, hyena, honey badger, civet, serval and African wildcat. Grazers and browsers include giraffe, wildebeest, sable, roan and impala. The woodlands around Camelthorn Lodge are dotted with water baths that attract some of the smaller woodland creatures, such as bushbuck, mongoose, squirrel, as well as an abundance of interesting and colourful birdlife, which can be observed on guided walking safaris.
Game-viewing activities at Camelthorn Lodge include day and night game drives, guided walks, and horse-riding safaris (at additional cost). In the downtime between activities, guests at Camelthorn can enjoy access to a sunken hide overlooking a waterhole approx. 1km from the lodge. The hide has been constructed from an old shipping container, which has been modified to allow its inhabitants to quietly observe the wildlife around the waterhole.
Accommodation
Camelthorn Lodge accommodates its guests in eight stone villas, which are spaced well apart and located on the edge of the forest. The villas are generously sized and furnished with handmade teak furniture, plush rugs, and king-size beds. Each villa also features a cosy fireplace with comfy armchairs for those chilly winter evenings. En-suite bathrooms feature separate bath and shower, double sinks, bathrobes and toiletries. An outdoor staircase leads to a terrace with day bed and hammock for observing wildlife and for relaxing between game activities.
Dining
Meals at Camelthorn Lodge are served in the open-air dining area, or outdoors under the shade of a magnificent camelthorn tree - the focal point of the lodge. Meals are typically enjoyed with other guests around a shared dining table.
Facilities
Sunken hide (located within Hwange National Park approx. 1km from the lodge)
Solar electricity
Wi-fi in reception area
In-house spa treatments available (at additional cost)
Activities
4x4 game drives in open vehicles
Night game drives to track leopards (at camp manager’s discretion)
Walking safaris
Optional full day horse riding safari – additional cost
Photographic safaris – must be pre-booked
Ride on the Elephant Express train (optional for arrivals and departures and at an additional cost)
Child Policy
Children of all ages are accommodated at Camelthorn. However, the lodge is unfenced and, in our view, best suited to families travelling with older children.
