Matetsi Private Game Reserve

Located a mere 45 minutes from the spectacular Victoria Falls, Matetsi Private Game Reserve forms part of a huge conservation area that extends throughout northwestern Zimbabwe and into Chobe National Park in neighbouring Botswana, with no fences to restrict the natural movement of species.

Renowned for its rich game viewing and particularly high concentration of elephant, this 50 000 hectare (123 600 acre) private game reserve offers a superb variety of wildlife. Massive herds of elephant and buffalo can be encountered along the picturesque banks of the Zambezi River, while rare sable and roan antelope roam the woodlands. The reserve is one of the few in the country to offer night game drives, giving guests an exciting opportunity to view the nocturnal hunting habits of lion, leopard and spotted hyena. Matetsi is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with more than 366 bird species recorded at the reserve.

With 15 km (nine miles) of exclusive Zambezi River frontage, Matetsi offers an unrivalled river experience in addition to spectacular game viewing and birdwatching. Guests delight in afternoon riverboat cruises and guided canoe excursions along the Zambezi River.

Matetsi Water Lodge

Set under ancient trees on the lush banks of the Zambezi River, Matetsi Water Lodge exudes the magic and mystery of African legend.

Echoing the tranquil tones of the mighty river, the cool colours of the lodge soothe and refresh, while warm smiles welcome you to the family.

Bold, spacious suites open up to breathtaking river views and leafy boughs provide shelter for leisurely meals on the river banks. Languid hammocks on the river’s edge entice guests to dream the afternoon away, while the thundering smoke of Victoria Falls murmurs an invitation to a day of adventure only an hour’s drive away.

Matetsi Activities

At Matetsi, it is our passion to share our knowledge and understanding of the bush and its inhabitants with our guests. Our highly trained guides and trackers will do their utmost to delight our guests with a choice of the following adventures:

Twice daily game drives - go in search of massive herds of elephant and buffalo or track the rare sable and roan antelope in open 4x4 safari vehicles in the company of an armed ranger and tracker. Matetsi is one of the few reserves in Zimbabwe to offer night drives, giving guests the opportunity to observe the nocturnal hunting habits of lion, leopard and spotted hyena

Interpretive bush walks - in between game drives get an intimate taste of the sights, smells and sounds of the African bush on a leisurely bush walk in the surroundings of the lodge, accompanied by an armed ranger

Riverboat cruises - watch as huge herds of elephant and buffalo come down to drink, or admire the frolicking hippo and lethargic crocodiles, as well as the many species of birds drawn to the river's edge on morning or afternoon excursions on the mighty Zambezi

Fishing trips can also be arranged at certain times of the year. A complementary daily shuttles take guests to Victoria Falls, where they can enjoy the famous spectacle of the mighty river plunging into the depths of the gorge below. Adventure activities such as helicopter flights, bungee jumping, whitewater rafting and scenic tours of the Falls can be arranged at an additional cost.