Matetsi River Lodge is one of the finest contemporary properties in Zimbabwe. Superbly situated for exciting wildlife safaris in the reserve and on the river, and for epic sightseeing at Victoria Falls, it ticks every box. Matetsi River Lodge is one of the finest contemporary properties in Zimbabwe. Superbly situated for exciting wildlife safaris in the reserve and on the river, and for epic sightseeing at Victoria Falls, it ticks every box.

Location

The lodge is in Matetsi Private Game Reserve, a magnificent 55,000-hectare area adjoining the Zambezi National Park. Situated 40km west of Victoria Falls and with 15km of glorious Zambezi River frontage, Matetsi River Lodge is perfect for combining water activities, wildlife encounters and visits to the Falls. The area is home to large herds of elephant, buffalo and a range of varied African plains game. Inevitably predators abound, with over 80 lion, good numbers of leopard and spotted hyena, and even wild dog.

Suite Matetsi River Lodge Victoria Falls Zimbabwe

Accommodation

The lodge has 18 stylish, glass fronted suites with a full-length exterior decking area and private plunge pool, all overlooking the Zambezi River. Two of the suites have been specifically designed for families and consist of two bedrooms – one master suite and one twin room – connected by an enclosed passage-way and both with en-suite bathrooms.

For larger families or groups of friends, there’s Matetsi River House, the lodge’s exclusive use villa, tucked into the banks of the Zambezi River. Four sumptuous bedrooms invite the outdoors in with open floor-to-ceiling glass windows and spacious en-suite bathrooms. The villa has its own indoor and outdoor dining areas, and an expansive veranda with a rim-flow swimming pool overlooking the water. The house also comes with a full complement of staff, including a dedicated guide, private vehicle, chef and butler.

The lodge’s design is exceptionally fresh, with imaginative touches from the copper clad bar in the lounge to the deep, round baths and the cow skin rugs in the suites. Natural materials – wood and stone in particular – are a reminder of the natural wilderness that surrounds you.

Relaxation is very much the name of the game here, so be sure to make use of the spa and to read in one of the many scenic riverside spots. The delightfully creative menu changes daily: you might sit at a lantern lit table by the river feasting on unexpectedly delicious crocodile ceviche, accompanied by a glass of crisp South African white wine, or opt for a lavish picnic out in the bush.

The delightfully creative menu changes daily: you might sit at a lantern lit table by the river feasting on unexpectedly delicious crocodile ceviche, accompanied by a glass of crisp South African white wine, or opt for a lavish picnic out in the bush.

Suite Exterior Matetsi River Lodge Victoria Falls Zimbabwe

Bathroom Matetsi River Lodge Victoria Falls Zimbabwe

Pool Matetsi River Lodge Victoria Falls Zimbabwe

Tea Outside Matetsi River Lodge Victoria Falls Zimbabwe

Game Drive Drink Stop Matetsi River Lodge Victoria Falls Zimbabwe

Experiences

Buffalo and elephant do wander through camp to access the river, and there’s always something happening on the water, so you’ll love watching wildlife straight from your deck or your outdoor plunge pool.
Take a guided tour of the falls, exploring the beautiful paths alongside them, and stopping to enjoy numerous photographic opportunities along the way.
Embrace your adventurous side at the falls with white water rafting, canoeing, ziplining or even bungee jumping!
Get closer to the area’s wildlife on game drives and learn more about the intricacies of the bush on a guided walk.
For a bird’s eye view of the magnificent waterfall, try a helicopter fight that takes you soaring above the thundering cascades.

Bicycle Matetsi River Lodge Victoria Falls Zimbabwe

Game Drive Matetsi River Victoria Falls Zimbabwe

Wine Cellar Matetsi River Lodge Victoria Falls Zimbabwe

Positive Impact

We prioritise working with properties that collaborate with local communities and address location-specific needs from education to anti-poaching. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.We prioritise working with properties that collaborate with local communities and address location-specific needs from education to anti-poaching. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.

Environment

As part of Matetsi’s ongoing conservation work, they undertake regular sweeps of islands, one sweep in particular took place on an island favoured by elephants on the upper Zambezi. The idea was to remove snares, nets and anything that polluted or is a threat to the precious ecosystem, such as plastic.

Community

Matetsi supports Greenline Africa Trust and are committed to continuing this support. Greenline Africa Trust runs the Gogo Project, distributing monthly basic essentials to grandmothers (or “Gogos”) in the villages who look after orphaned and vulnerable children. These ladies have very little themselves, and yet they open their homes to these children in need.

Elephant In Mana Zimbabwe Istock 600395358 Credit Jez Bennett

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