Camelthorn

Camelthorn is situated on community owned land just outside the south eastern corner of Hwange National Park, hidden away inside a block of beautiful and well preserved woodland. Its name comes from the huge camelthorn tree around which the main lodge has been built.

Accommodation & Facilities

Camelthorn has eight forest villas with an en-suite bathroom with a shower and a bath, a fireplace, a feature window overlooking the woodland and a private verandah. A shaded upstairs outdoor area, reached via a spiral staircase, has a hammock, a day bed, and a shallow splash pool. The rooms have overhead fans, a mini bar, charging points, armchairs and a sofa, and a writing desk. The lodge itself has a large dining room, bar and lounge under a high thatched roof, and plenty of space on the lawns outside where meals are regularly eaten. There’s also a campfire for pre-dinner drinks and early morning coffee.

Wildlife & Activities

Along with day and night drives and walking safaris, Camelthorn has a sunken hide beside a waterhole famous for its elephants, which is a great place for photographers to take pictures of these gentle giants at ground level, from less than 25 feet away. Other activities include the all-day ‘pump runs’, where guests can assist delivering supplies to  outposts in the park managing waterholes. School and village visits are included, and spa treatments can be arranged and paid for locally. Horse riding can also be arranged at an additional cost, for experienced riders only – pre-booking is recommended.