Access & Location
The lodge is situated in shady acacia woodlands on the edge of the Ngamo Plains, in the south-east of Hwange National Park.
Camelthorn Lodge
Authentic and stylish lodge in the south-eastern region of Hwange
Sumptuous lounge, dining and bar areas, outdoor dining, fire-pit
Eight luxurious forest villas
Excellent game drives, walking safaris, underground blind, local visits
Our Yellow Zebra Opinion
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Great value for quality
Zimbabwean hospitality at its finest! Camelthorn is the flagship offering of Imvelo Lodges, a company at the top of its game when it comes to authentic safaris, even within this less traditional safari-lodge style. Camelthorn offers many comforts, making it an excellent offering year round.
Activities
There is plenty to do at Camelthorn.
Game drives
Night drives
Walking safaris
Photographic opportunities
Pump Run
Village visits
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Game drives in Hwange and the lodge estate take place during the morning and afternoon. Hwange is rich in wildlife, with all Big Five animals (though please note it is very rare to see rhino) and over 100 other species too! There are also almost 400 species of bird.
Night drives are possible within the lodge estate and guests often spot hyena, mongoose, pangolin, porcupine.
Walking safaris are usually conducted during the morning and present great opportunities for taking photos of game!
And keen photographers relish Camelthorn’s underground blind, a 6-meter hide disguised as an antheap and well placed to offer amazing views of sunsets and passing elephants.
Another popular activity is the ‘Pump Run’, where guests head out with a guide to visit the eight waterholes in Hwange that are operated by Imvelo. These visits involve dropping off fuel and oil for the motors and supplies for the pump attendants, then having a picnic lunch near one of the waterholes.
And last but not least, Camelthorn is happy to arrange village visits and school tours – this is a great way for guests to learn about local life.
*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.
Make an EnquiryMake an EnquiryFacilities
The lodge derives its name from the impressive ancient camelthorn tree at its center, which spans a patio approximately 35 metres in length! This patio contains plenty of chairs and tables for outdoor dining.
The main building, a U-shaped stone structure with a thatched roof, extends around the camelthorn tree with two wings either side of a reception area. One wing houses a dining room with three fireplaces, while the other has a comfortable lounge and bar. The walls are decorated with local photography, including pictures of elephants and trains – the railway line from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls is not far from camp. The main area also has teak decking and an outdoor fire-pit.
Make an EnquiryAmenities
Accommodation at Camelthorn consists of eight forest villas, each made of concrete with a corrugated iron roof.
These are nestled into the trees and positioned well apart from each other. All boast a spacious bedroom, with beds arranged as one king or twins. There is also a lounge area and an en-suite with toilet, double basin, shower, and bath with views from a picture window! Other features are a ceiling fan, fireplace, mini bar, tea/coffee tray, electronic safe and complimentary robes. All interiors are stylishly decorated – dark teak furniture and colourful floors. Outside each villa, there is a patio for private dining, a hammock, and a spiral staircase leading up to a balconied area with a daybed, perfect for relaxing in between activities!
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Talk to someone who’s been there
Real expertise doesn’t come from a few trips to Africa. All our specialists have either been guides, run the camps, or grown up and lived in Africa. That’s over 600 years of genuine safari experience.As Seen In
