Camelthorn Lodge

Hidden Gem

Perfect combination of wild creatures and creature comforts

Camelthorn’s bespoke eight forest villas are nestled in the woodlands on the southern edge of Hwange’s famed Ngamo Plains. Snuggled into a shady forest, the very private villas were designed for coolness in summer and warmth in winter, with a plunge pool high up on each maisonette level and a fire blazing in the hearth on chilly nights. The location of the lodge was chosen by the community, and the intention is that it will help protect one of the last pristine camelthorn forests in the area. One of only three lodges in Zimbabwe built on community land, Camelthorn offers both a spectacular wilderness experience as well as un-choreographed and meaningful cultural encounters in the nearby villages, the lodge’s partners and neighbours.

View more of what makes Camelthorn a gem

Stand Out Experiences

  • Truly immersive community visits from the lodge.
  • Arriving into camp on the one-of-a-kind elephant express rail car.
  • A visit to the Imvelo Community Wildlife Sanctuary to meet our Cobras anti-poaching unit and walk with the first white rhino ever on community land in Zimbabwe.

Unique Media

lions on the tracks in front of the Elephant Express
1.Zimbabwe-hwange-Camelthorn-unique-safari-experiences-africa-hidden-gems (3)
View the Lodge and villa setting in the exquisite forest on the edge of Hwange National Park
17.Zimbabwe-hwange-Camelthorn-unique-safari-experiences-africa-hidden-gems - credit Gemma Catlin
Camelthorn Lodge a true community partnership
CRCI rhinos arrival 1
Imvelo have successfully brought white rhino back to Hwange after 20 years!

Thank You

Thank you to Imvelo Safari Lodges, Mark Butcher, Hauke Dressler, Logan Carter, Duncan Watson, Amy Olivier, Brendan Judge, Will Whitford, Gemma Catlin, Victoria Falls River Lodge, Golden Africa Safaris, David Dugmore for their incredible imagery. For any information on these photographers please contact Africa Hidden Gems.