who we are

A smiling woman and man sitting on rocks outdoors among trees and large boulders.

Our story

1990 - Amalinda lodge

The journey started, with great excitement, to be the first private lodge in Matopos and to create something so unique, that it would take your breath away.

Four people sitting and standing outdoors in a grassy area, with a river, trees, and a distant herd of animals walking on the grass in the background.

2006 - IVORY LODGE

We extended our footprint into Hwange and added the Ivory Lodge 6000 acre concession to our Collection.

A group of four people, including two adults and two children, relaxing by a natural hot spring with clear blue water, surrounded by rocks and trees, with hills and rocks in the background on a sunny day.

2014 - khulu bush camp

Cedric created his own little piece of heaven, and we named it after him, “Khulu” meaning “grandfather” in our local language, Ndebele. Khulu Bush Camp evolved and we learned to cherish the journey itself.

We picked up the pieces after it burnt down the same year and rebuilt.

2022 - Sable Valley

The birth of Sable Valley carried with it the responsibility to safeguard and uphold the untamed spaces of our country, ensuring that they remain open for everyone, for all time.

And so the journey continues

The Stead family enjoying a riverside moment.

For elephants, the matriarch plays a pivotal role, guiding her family with knowledge of migration routes, water sources and social dynamics. It is her wise experience that ensures the survival of the herd.

Much like the gentle giants that roam the land she calls home, Amalinda Safari Collection’s CEO Sharon Stead stands out as one of few women leaders in the safari industry. As the matriarch of both her family - and her family business, Sharon has channeled her love of Zimbabwe and passion for its wildlife into every aspect of ASC. Joined by her husband Phil, her father Cedric, mother Gay, and her children Savannah and Mitch, Sharon has spearheaded conservation and community initiatives in Zimbabwe for the past 30 years.

As a family owned and operated safari company, Amalinda Safari Collection and the Stead family prides itself on welcoming each and every guest to Zimbabwe as a member of their own extended family. ASC aims to share the stunning beauty of Zimbabwe with the world, from the balancing rock formations of Matopos that date back millions of years to the protected Presidential Herds of elephants that roam the ASC private concession in Hwange.

Accompanied by the calls of lions and stories of the wild by the campfire, memories created with us in Zimbabwe will remain in your soul long after your departure, reminding you of the beauty of the farthest corners of Africa. We go above and beyond to ensure our guests have an unforgettable and magical stay in Zimbabwe

the stead family

Our legacy

Woman dressed in outdoor attire, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, holding a camera with a large telephoto lens, outdoors in a natural setting.

FOUNDER & CEO, PART-TIME LIONESS

A man sitting in the back of an open-air vehicle, smiling, wearing a gray shirt, cap, and sunglasses hanging around his neck, with a natural outdoor background of trees and greenery.

FOUNDER & HEAD OF OPERATIONS, CAPTAIN OF THE DEBATE TEAM

A man holding a can of coke while surrounded by elephants on an African safari.

FOUNDER, EVERYBODY’S GRANDPA

A woman holding a glass of wine by the water.

SALES & MARKETING MANAGER, PEACE KEEPER

OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE, RESIDENT VEHICLE INSPECTOR

Elderly woman smiling in front of a tree.

SHAREHOLDER, AMARULA SOMMELIER

Explore

Our Lodges

With four distinct properties spanning two of Zimbabwe’s most stunning National Parks, Amalinda Safari Collection offers something for everyone.

Whether you’re in search of an authentic bush camp or a luxury experience, our camps provide the opportunity to explore some of Zimbabwe’s most pristine wilderness in comfort and style.

Learn more