Matetsi Water Lodge, located in Zimbabwe's Matetsi Private Game Reserve, is a fusion of teak, slate and thatch reflecting the spirit of ancient Zimbabwe and the legendary Zambezi River itself.

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

In the shade of tall mangosteen and waterberry trees, three intimate camps of only six suites each overlook the calm waters of one of Africa's greatest rivers. Following the contours of the river bank, each suite offers privacy and solitude in an idyllic setting. The mighty Zambezi is a constant partner on your African adventure, whether splashing quietly through the waters on a canoe excursion, watching the sun sink beneath the waves on a riverboat cruise or simply idling away the hours contemplating the silent waters rolling by.

Private plunge pools offer a cool perspective on an afternoon's game viewing, and the open-sided guest area beckons with its comfortable sofas and large fireplace.

Make the waters a quiet spectator to succulent meals served on dining decks along the river's side. Elegant dining and sitting areas open up onto the Zambezi banks, with a welcoming fireplace providing a cosy focal point for evening conversation.

The fourth largest river in Africa, the Zambezi provides a permanent lifeline for the reserve, attracting large herds of elephant, buffalo and other large mammals in the dry winter months. Just 38 km (24 miles) above Victoria Falls, the Zambezi at Matetsi is broad and dotted with small islands. Nile crocodile and Cape clawless otter frolic in the river's waters, taking full advantage of the more than 80 species of fish found in the Zambezi, while immense hippo venture out onto the river's banks to graze at night. Birds are abundant on the floodplains, as are waterbuck and herds of elephant and buffalo.

With a number of small, seasonal rivers running into the Zambezi, the many river valleys with their easy access to water are among the most rewarding areas for game viewing. Nutritious grasses fed by underground water and abundant acacias attract both browsers and grazers. Kudu, impala, warthog, buffalo and elephant are frequently encountered, as well as lion, spotted hyena, leopard, cheetah and African wild dog. Numerous birds, ranging from brightly coloured hornbills and barbets to more modest doves and francolins, can be seen. Large trees along the river banks provide nesting sites for all types of eagles and hawks, as well as vultures and other raptors.

Large parts of Matetsi are covered in Kalahari woodland, a flat or gently undulating landscape dominated by deciduous trees. During the dry winter months, these woodlands can become sparse and barren, with animals staying away in favour of the perennial river banks. By November, during the rainy season, the woodlands are transformed into a verdant, leafy forest. Sparse grass cover supports zebra, the rare roan and sable antelope, as well as the nocturnal aardvark and aardwolf. The southern parts of Matetsi are covered with a dramatically different type of vegetation, the dense mopane woodland, which attracts herds of elephant, buffalo, kudu, roan and eland.

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.

Included:

• Accommodation
• Three meals daily
• Teas and coffees
• Refreshments on game drives
• Laundry
• Scheduled safari activities
• Complimentary daily transfers to the Victoria Falls (scheduled times only)
• Emergency medical evacuation insurance
• VAT.

Please note:

Conservancy & park entrance fees are not included in the above mentioned rates where applicable - these are charged per 24-hour period.
We regret that, due to currency restrictions, we are unable to accept credit cards at Matetsi Water Lodge. The Lodge is only able to accept payments made in US dollars.

All pricing is indicative and subject to exchange rate fluctuations.