You arrive to see rugged hills giving way to golden floodplains that spill into vast Lake Kariba. Elephants wade through the shallows, hippos surface nearby, and ghostly tree skeletons glow in the fiery sunset. From your lakeside lodge, each day is an adventure; morning game drives, boat cruises, fishing trips, and guided walks with expert guides. Remote and little-visited, Matusadona offers you rare wildlife, spectacular scenery, and the feeling of Africa all to yourself.
Rugged hills flatten out onto grassy, bird-covered floodplains as they meet Lake Kariba, a vast, flooded valley teeming with water-life. The Matusadona National Park is one of Zimbabwe’s classic big game reserves but its relatively remote nature means it is little-visited, making a Matusadona safari ideal for safari travellers looking to stray a little off the beaten-path.
Such a wild and well-watered landscape makes Matusadona an excellent destination for wildlife viewing. Long known for its concentrations of elephant, buffalo and lion, the park is home to leopard and cheetah as well as rarities such as African wild dog, sable antelope and both black and white rhino. There are aquatic animals to see – hippo and crocodile – as well as savannah ones: giraffe, zebra, warthog and many types of antelope. The scenery is spectacular – ghostly tree skeletons in the lake, distant shimmering mountain ranges – and Kariba sunsets are famously extravagant.
There are several safari lodges set in Matusadona, overlooking Lake Kariba and offering not just morning and afternoon game drives but boat cruises, fishing trips and guided nature walks too. You’ll find family-friendly camps as well as idyllic honeymoon suites and there’s always a private bathroom, comfortable facilities and somewhere to recharge your camera batteries. The standard of guiding is very high and you can arrange for specialist birding or fishing guides.
The best time to go on a Matusadona safari is during the May to October dry season; wildlife concentrations at the lake increase steadily as the months wear on and you’ll enjoy mild sunny days and cool nights from May to August but hot and humid weather in September and October. Once the rains have set in – usually by early January, Matusadona is mostly inaccessible.
Recommended for adventurers, wildlife photographers and discerning safari travellers, a Matusadona safari is usually part of a wider itinerary, taking in destinations like Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and the Chobe National Park in Botswana to give you almost unparalleled opportunities to see big concentrations of Africa’s biggest wildlife. View our recommended itineraries or simply contact Safari Online for a tour based on your requirements and budget.
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October, when wildlife concentrates around the lake and waterholes, making game spotting easier. Days are generally warm and sunny, while nights can be cool. May to August offers mild temperatures, ideal for boat cruises and walking safaris, whereas September to October is hotter and more humid, but wildlife viewing remains excellent.
The green season (November to March) brings lush landscapes, dramatic skies, and spectacular birdlife, but heavy rains can make parts of Matusadona difficult to access, so travel is more challenging.
Lake Kariba and the Matusadona National Park offer a unique blend of water-based adventure and classic safari stays. Along Kariba’s shoreline, you’ll find a range of lodges and houseboats; perfect for combining relaxation, fishing, and game viewing against a backdrop of dramatic sunsets. Out on the water, luxury houseboats provide a floating safari experience, complete with spacious decks, private cabins, and panoramic views.
In Matusadona, safari lodges and tented camps sit on the lake’s edge or tucked into the park’s rugged hills, offering intimate access to game drives, walking safaris, and boat excursions. Expect excellent guiding, stylish comfort, and encounters with elephants, lion, and rich birdlife. Whether you’re seeking a romantic hideaway, family-friendly lodge, or adventurous houseboat safari, Kariba and Matusadona promise a truly distinctive and unforgettable stay.
Nestled within the secluded hills of northern Zimbabwe, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge offers breathtaking views of the vast and shimmering Lake Kariba – the largest reservoir in the world. Here, embark on an unforgettable safari experience, where refined luxury meets the serenity of one of Africa's most breathtaking remote destinations.
The private Baobab Villa is the perfect family retreat or friends’ getaway - featuring two large suites, a living room, and an outdoor and indoor dining area. The Villa also comes with the personalized services of a butler, a guide, and the exclusive use of a safari vehicle - ensuring every aspect of your experience is tailored to perfection.
Fothergill island comprises two separate but linked camps, consisting of 10 spacious and luxurious tented suites that are unique and contemporary in design. Each of the suites has been furnished using natural hues and materials that complement the charismatic scenery.
Adding Lake Kariba and Matusadona to your safari itinerary brings a unique mix of adventure, wildlife, and tranquillity. Spend your days cruising the shimmering waters of Kariba, spotting elephants, hippos, and an array of waterbirds, or explore the rugged terrain of Matusadona on guided game drives and walking safaris. With lakeside lodges and boat excursions, this destination offers a serene, off-the-beaten-path experience that perfectly complements classic Zimbabwean safaris.
Our team of destination experts will design a holiday to meet your budget and interests. Let’s start planning your tailor-made African safari today!
After experiencing the serene waters and untamed beauty of Lake Kariba and Matusadona, your journey naturally flows to Zimbabwe’s premier wildlife and adventure destinations. Head north to Hwange National Park, where vast savannahs and abundant elephant herds await, complemented by luxury lodges and expert-guided game drives. Or continue to the iconic Victoria Falls, where the dramatic spray and thrilling experiences; helicopter flips, private river cruises, and indulgent lodges, offer the perfect contrast to lakeside tranquillity. For a truly elevated safari circuit, you can even extend into Botswana’s Chobe National Park, renowned for its massive elephant concentrations along the Chobe River, creating an unparalleled combination of wilderness, wildlife, and world-class comfort.
