Matetsi Game Lodge

Destination

Victoria Falls

The Matetsi Game Lodges are a collection of luxury safari lodges situated on the privately owned Matetsi Game Reserve, a 50 000 hectare wildlife concession in North-western Zimbabwe. The reserve borders on the Zambezi River, affording it 15 kilometres of private river frontage. It is approximately 40km upstream from the Victoria Falls and 30 minutes by car. The reserve is the largest of its kind in the country and lies next to Zimbabwe’s Hwange and Botswana’s Chobe National Parks. There are no fences around Matetsi, allowing for the free movement of large elephant herds, buffalo, lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, kudu, sable antelope and various other animals from as far afield as the Okavango Delta. (It is thought that 30 – 50 000 elephants live in this region - the highest concentration on earth). The surrounds include wild and untouched riverbanks, fringed by thriving riverine forest. The reserve is only a few years old but has been surprisingly successful in its efforts to conserve the natural fauna and flora. The area had been victim to 70 years of exhaustive deforestation (teak logging) and trophy hunting and the owners of Matetsi went to a great deal of trouble to return the environment to its natural order. For this the Matetsi Game Lodges were awarded "The Greatest Contribution to the Development of the Tourism Industry" award by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority in 1997.

Directions To Matetsi Game Lodge

The Matetsi Game Lodges are situated within a 50 000 hectare wildlife concession in North-western Zimbabwe. They are approximately 40km upstream from the Victoria Falls (30 minutes by car). The grounds are easily accessible by road and roughly 45 minutes’ drive from Victoria Falls town and one hour from the Victoria Falls airport. Botswana’s Kasane Airport is 40 minutes away.

Area Attractions

Accomodation at Matetsi Water Lodge Matetsi Water Lodge has three exclusive camps - West Water, North Water and East Water - all sheltered by indigenous waterberry and mangosteen trees on the unspoilt riverbank. Each lodge has six air-conditioned suites with en-suite bathrooms. These are quite big and include a separate W.C., bath and indoor and outdoor shower. The outdoor showers are very refreshing! The décor of the suites is simply beautiful with teak, thatch, slate and fresh blue fabrics – very reminiscent of ancient Zimbabwe. The suites have huge teak doors that swing open onto a private plunge pool and large deck overlooking the river. The views from here are simply beautiful. Each of the three lodges also has its own guest dining and sitting area under an open-sided thatched lapa with a large fireplace. Dining Matetsi has a team of talented chefs who prepare delicious and colourful Pan-African meals which are enjoyed at the thatched central dining area overlooking the Zambezi. Exciting bush breakfasts kick off the day, while outdoor picnics and romantic sundowners can also be arranged - creating a truly romantic African experience. All meals are included in the fare and tea and coffee is served in the afternoons. Amenities at Matetsi Game Lodge • Plunge Pools (Water Lodge) • Telephone at reception • Disabled facilities (with assistance) • Curio shop Room facilities: • Twin beds (convertible to doubles) • Air-conditioning • Mosquito nets • Safes • Personal bar • Hairdryer • Fans • Private plunge pools • Full ensuite bathrooms • Indoor and outdoor showers Activities: • Two scheduled game-drives daily in an open 4 x 4 safari vehicle, accompanied by an experienced ranger and tracker • Interpretative walks • Morning and afternoon riverboat cruises • Guided canoe excursions • Tours to Victoria Falls and surrounding areas • White-water rafting • Walks in the rain forest • Sky-diving • Horse riding • Listen to a Marimba band and see traditional dancing • Light aircraft, helicopter or microlight flights over the falls • Bungee jumping • Exciting spotlit night drives • Fishing