Accommodation Search

Wildlife, Game Drives, Walking, Canoeing, Honeymoon, Photography, Birding, Cuisine
Above is an indication of what is available at or nearby this establishment. Price Range is an indication of accommodation cost per person per day.

The conservation area in which Matesi is set incorporates Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park in the south and Botswana's Chobe wilderness area to the west. It forms the single biggest rangeland for Africa's surviving herds of elephants, and is a rarity in that it is an open wildlife system rather than the more common pockets of fenced-off protected wilderness. An upland plateau of some 1 000 metres above sea level dominates the immediate vicinity. This plateau is bisected by the Zambezi River, which forms the northern boundary of the reserve, and Zimbabwe's border with Zambia. Kudu, impala, warthog, buffalo and African elephant are the most conspicuous mammals. The conservation area in which Matetsi is set forms the single biggest rangeland for Africa's surviving elephants. When the marshes or vleis around Matetsi are dry, they attract a variety of grazing animals such as sable antelope, topi (tsessebe), reedbuck and the ubiquitous African elephant and buffalo. Warthog and baboon are also found here. Large herbivores occurring in the woodlands include the rare roan antelope, sable antelope, Burchell's zebra and the nocturnal aardvark and aardwolf. Lion, spotted hyena, leopard and cheetah, and occasionally wild dog, find conditions along river valleys to their liking. The almost completely nocturnal caracal, serval and African wild cat may be spotted at Matetsi. The Cape clawless otter feed on the abundant fish in the Zambezi. African Fish Eagle, African Darter, Pied Kingfisher and African Finfoot are just some of the fish-eating birds of the Zambezi River. No African waterway is complete without the majestic African Fish Eagle, perched on the tops of tall trees and keeping a watch for fish breaking the water surface. This eagle's well-known and evocative cry is often made in duet by a pair, with the male having a slightly higher-pitched voice. Where shelves of rock interrupt the Zambezi's flow, small rapids exist and these are favoured sites for birds such as Greenbacked Heron, Rock Pratincole and Pied Wagtail. Various small islands in the Zambezi River support Schalow's Lourie and Pel's Fishing Owl. Birds around Matetsi Water Lodge include Bluegrey Flycatcher, Eastern Bearded Robin, Crested Barbet, Blue Waxbill, Blackeyed Bulbul and Yellowbellied Bulbul.

On the edge of an open grassland system and waterhole, Safari Camp's 12 superior cream canvas suites elevate luxury tented safaris to new heights. The tents feature air-conditioning and en suite bathrooms with baths, showers and solid teak structures. Private decks overlook a waterhole, where herds of animals congregate during the dry season (May to October). Guards accompany you to and from your tent at night. Matetsi Safari Camp merges old-world sophistication and antique charm with modern luxury. Situated on the edge of open grassland abounding with wildlife, Safari Camp's teak and canvas décor fits comfortably into the environment of ancient paths used by elephant, buffalo and lion An intimate guest area, shaded by a canopy of teak trees, is located on the edge of the open grassland leading to the waterhole. The shared living spaces consist of a lounge and dining area and a curio shop is located in the reception. The lodge's watering hole is frequented by large numbers of plains game and elephant. You can view passing game at your leisure from the strategically located, large rim-flow swimming pool and spacious tree-shaded deck. The living spaces are kept deliciously cool by a dense canopy of huge teak trees. Matetsi is ideal for honeymooners or for celebrating a special occasion. The lodges are an imaginative choice for incentives, leisure groups and small informal meetings. Our accomplished chefs prepare sumptuous meals with a Pan-African theme and serve them under the giant trees on the intimate dining deck.

Activities at Matetsi include twice daily game viewing drives in open Land Rovers, as well as exciting spotlit night drives. Sole use of a Land Rover may be requested for private game viewing. Bush walks through the private Matetsi Game Reserve are led by armed rangers. At Matetsi Water Lodge, morning and afternoon riverboat cruises and guided canoe excursions are among the many delights that await you. Five canoes are able to take a maximum of ten guests on Water Lodge's private river frontage. For bird-watchers, exploring this region is pure magic. One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the 103 metre Victoria Falls are just 40 kilometres away (about a half hour drive). A complimentary daily shuttle is available to guests. A host of adventure activities - from white-water rafting to walks in the rain forest on the lip of the Falls - can be arranged. (These activities are optional extras) The ever-changing moods of the Zambezi are a siren's call for today's explorers. You can make your way into Victoria Falls for heart-pounding white-water rafting or gentle boat cruises. There are tours of the Falls and surrounding areas, canoeing in the Falls, sky-diving and horse riding. You can listen to a Marimba band and see traditional dancing, or enjoy the breathtaking views of the Victoria Falls ravine by light aircraft, helicopter or microlight. Adrenalin junkies can take the plunge and bungee jump off the bridge spanning the gorge below the Falls.