‘Houses of Stones’ and “fast jetting” to the “Hills” where leopards reside.
The Great Plains Collective issue 9 shares stories of our Third Party Collective partners in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
As a child, I spent several happy holidays in Zimbabwe, both just prior to and after Independence. My childhood love for the country remains to this day. I have returned many times for the wildness of Mana Pools, the serenity of Kariba, the excellent birding in the Matobo Hills and the adrenalin-spiking activities of Victoria Falls. In this, the Great Plains Collective issue 9, we invite you to explore a few Zimbabwean gems and some lovely insights into the greater Kruger National Park, all linked together by a new Vic Falls to Kruger service on Fast Jet.
Amalinda Lodge & Khulu Bush Camp,
Zimbabwe
The romance for Africa has never been so powerfully alluring.
For three generations, the family owned Amalinda Safari Collection have not only committed to the livelihoods of their staff and communities but also in the protection of their wildlife and landscapes where their lodges are situated throughout Zimbabwe.
Amalinda Lodge nestles deep in the heart of the Matobo Hills – a UNESCO World Heritage site, an epicentre of cultures and nature, is one of Africa’s most under-exploredsafari destinations. Rhinos, rock art and Rhodes Grave are some of the contrasting opportunities to discover at Camp.
On the shoulder of Hwange National Park, is Khulu Bush Camp. Named by the local Matabele people, Khulu (meaning grandfather) is a respectful tribute to the family. This intimate tent under thatch camp has a strong foot-hold in the preservation of a protected area on the flank of Hwange National Park. Guests who choose to enjoy their safari here, contribute to the sustainability of wildlife protection as a cushion between the community and the Park.
Did you know?
That when staying at Amalinda Lodge there is an opportunity to experience the greatest and most diverse raptors in the world, with nearly a third of the world’s eagle species found here.
Fast Jet has recently launched flights from Victoria Falls to Mbombela Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in South Africa.
The new scheduled service route will operate three (3) times a week on a Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Providing a boost for tourism between the two countries, the new direct flight will be a seamless connection for travellers on the safari circuit, effectivelylinking the Lowveld lodges in and around the Kruger National Park, directly with Victoria Falls, another of Southern Africa’s greatest tourism attractions.
Did you know?
Fastjet is a multi-award-winning African airline that began flight operations in 2012. Fastjet now connects Victoria Falls with flights from Harare, Johannesburg, Kruger Mpumalanga and Maun
Leopard Hills is one of the most romantic lodges in the Sabi Sands. With its glass-fronted, air-conditioned suites, each with private plunge pool it makes for the perfectsafari “honeymoon pod!” Situated on top of a rocky outcrop, Leopard Hills offers spectacular views over the African bush and the natural waterhole on the plains below the main lodge. Sensational game viewing and a wide variety of activities, along with outstanding fine dining, attended to by professional and friendly staff, Leopard Hills ticks all the boxes for a honeymoon experience of a lifetime.
Did you know?
Leopard Hills got its name, when during construction of the Lodge, a female Leopard gave birth to her cubs in a cave next to the main dining area. Three years later, one of those cubs returned and gave birth to her own cubs in the same cave. The Legend lives on!!!
“I have recently heard quite a bit about the newly opened Kruger Shalati – Train on the Bridge, which is near Skukuza Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park. Fortunately, I managed to stay there for an evening with my family in early April. Not knowing what to expect, the experience from start to finish impressed me. Continuously. The staff are super professional and courteous. The finishes and décor used throughout the property are world-class. One can immediately see that care and attention to detail have been placed into the entire experience. Food, delicious. The train itself sits on the bridge that spans the river offering sweeping views across the Kruger National Park. Your suite is an entire carriage, with a customised floor to ceiling glass window in front of your bed, a walk-in shower, private WC, and a bath with an endless view window. Kruger Shalati offers open vehicle game drives into the Kruger, which depart early each morning and late afternoon. Kruger Shalati fills a void in the desires I think some international guests have, where they would like to spend a night or two inside the world-famous national park before extending their safari at either one of the private concessions inside the park or the nearby Sabi Sands—after that, connecting directly with Victoria Falls to stay at Mpala Jena, extending their Zimbabwean safari at Tembo Plains or going to our camps in Botswana. Seamless all the way and certainly a memorable stay guaranteed. A one-night stay is possibly not long enough, however…” – Hilton Walker – Great Plains Conservation’s Chief Marketing Officer.
Please contact our Safari Designers for any information on our preferred partners featured in this The Great Plains Collective issue 9.
Keeping the dream alive,
Eluisa Di Benedetto | Product Manager
