Camelthorn Lodge

Camelthorn Lodge was built for and by the local Tsholotsho community on communal land within the Imvelo Ngamo Rhino Sanctuary — one of the largest community-based tourism projects in Zimbabwe, anchored by an ancient camelthorn tree. TripAdvisor rates it 5/5, ranking #2 of 10 specialty lodging in Hwange, with reviews consistently praising superb staff, spacious villas, excellent food and knowledgeable guiding.

The lodge has 8 forest villas (king or two double beds), each with a fireplace, a large soaking tub, a walk-in shower and a private canopy-level balcony reached via a spiral stair; 4 of the villas add upper-deck plunge pools. Capacity is capped at 20 guests. Up to 2 children may share a villa with an adult; under-7s need special arrangements such as private dining and a private vehicle. Solar power, WiFi in the main lodge and cell reception are all available on site.

Activities include walking with elephant herds on foot, photography from an underground look-up blind near a waterhole, and Imvelo's rhino conservation programme, including visits to the Sanctuary HQ. Dining ranges from family-style to bush and private-villa settings, with open firepit evenings a nightly feature. The lodge is a 5-minute drive from Imvelo's private Hwange gate, roughly a 1-hour charter flight or 4-hour road transfer from Victoria Falls or Bulawayo, with a rail-car option via Dete.