Zimbabwe's Best

Matetsi Private Game Reserve offers the most exclusive game viewing experience in the Victoria Falls area. Here, surrounded by flourishing wilderness, phenomenal highlights include sightings such as massive herds of elephant and buffalo as well as the rare and majestic sable antelope. The reserve is also home to lion, spotted hyena, African wild dog and leopard.

Twice-daily game drives in the privacy of the concession are conducted in custom-fitted, luxury open-air safari vehicles in the early morning and late afternoon, accompanied by a knowledgeable, conservation-minded ranger and a tracker.

Game drives are a seminal safari moment in the bush. Whether you’re heading out at dawn or sunset, prepare to recalibrate your senses to the sounds, sights and spectacles of the bush. It may be that you get up close and personal to a pride of lion as they devour the remnants of their night’s kill or watch in awe as an early morning posse of elephant make their way down to the nearest watering hole amidst a chorus birdsong, grunts and scuffling dust. Chances are you’ll come with us as we track one of Matetsi’s established pack of wild dogs and experience their high-pitched keening as they hit the scent of prey. All this and more awaits you at Matetsi Victoria Falls.

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

At Matetsi Victoria Falls, you will have the opportunity to experience an exclusive riverboat cruise and canoeing excursion along our private 15 km stretch of the Zambezi River.

Take in the marvels of this spectacular wilderness sanctuary complete with resident hippos, crocodiles and nearly 700 species of fish, not to mention many species of water birds. This is your chance to make the most of some excellent photographic opportunities too, from the vantage point of the water where you will see large herds of elephant, buck, wildebeest (gnu) and buffalo come down to drink.

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

An interpretive bush walk, led by a professional ranger, is an absolute must for those looking to get even closer to the incredible wilderness of the reserve. This adventure-filled activity allows guests to learn more about the intricacies of the African bush, with the thrilling opportunity to get up-close-and-personal to its inhabitants, from small to large. A walking safari is truly a feast for the senses!

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls Area Excursions
Bespoke excursions including helicopter flights, guided cultural tours, adrenaline activities and many more activities are available. All transport arrangements and services are managed and monitored by Matetsi Victoria Falls to maintain premium standards.

Description
•Tour of the Falls*
•Helicoper flights over the Falls
•High Tea overlooking the Falls
•Whitewater rafting
•Bungee jumping
•Gorge swing
•Zipline
•Canopy Tour
•Microlight Flight
•Horseback safaris
•Community excursions
•Curio shopping

*Complimentary scheduled guided tour of Victoria Falls is offered to Matetsi Victoria Falls guests.

External activities can be pre-booked through our reservations office.

Spoil your guests with an unforgettable helicopter flip over the Victoria Falls. The legendary "Flight of Angels" provides spectacular photographic opportunities that also incorporates a spot of game viewing.

Departure is from the Victoria Falls Day Activity Centre and between 08h00 and 18h00.
Guests must be at the Helipad 30 minutes before their booked departure time.
Alternatively guests can experience this activity with a direct helicopter transfer from Matetsi Private Game Reserve.

Guests will have the opportunity to discover the many facets of the magnificent Victoria Falls, the biggest falling curtain of water in the world on this exceptional excursion. They can explore the surrounding rain forest in the company of a guide who is intimately acquainted with the history of the Falls, as well as its flora, fauna, bird and wildlife.

A unique blend of aromatherapy and plant oils chosen specifically by you, combining deep tissue massage techniques to bring relaxation to tired, aching muscles allowing the body and soul to return to perfect equilibrium. Choose from a blend of aromatherapy oils to either destress, hydrate, relax or detox. A full Spa Massage Menu is available for download

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

Credit: Matetsi Victoria Falls

In-house activities and amenities

Here, every day is tailored to you, whether you’re seeking adventure or a restorative retreat. At Matetsi Victoria Falls, our superb five-star services are rivalled only by the spectacular natural wonders that surround us. And our highly trained, knowledgeable guides are on hand to accompany you as you explore Matetsi Private Game Reserve’s 55,000 hectares of protected and unspoilt wilderness.

Whatever your preference, be it on foot, game vehicle, boat or helicopter, you will be amazed and rewarded by the abundance and diversity of this wilderness frontier. Ask about our night game drives, canoeing trips, sunset cruises and fishing expeditions on the mighty Zambezi.

For those less energetically inclined, a massage in our outdoor spa or a visit to the owner’s well-stocked private wine cellar where you can view his personal collection of vintage toy train, car and army collections will not disappoint.

Description:
•Zambezi River Boat Cruises
•Morning and evening game drives
•Night game drives
•Full day game drives
•Birdwatching
•Walking safaris
•Amateur fishing
•Professional fishing•
•Children’s activities and childminders*
•Massages•

•Activities at an additional cost

Matetsi Private Game Reserve  & Matetsi Victoria Falls - which is made up of Matetsi River Lodge and Matetsi River House Private Villa

•In the development of the lodge, we worked with a female Zimbabwean architectural designer, as well as Zimbabwean artists and artisans and locally based craftsmen In order to support local talent.
•Partners with Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travellers to make a lasting impact In communities by taking supplies for the projects In need, that we support.
•The lodge was built on the footprints of a pre-existing lodge and materials were re-used and re-purposed or sourced locally as far as possible.
•The lodge uses solar-power geysers and the team ensure energy efficient practices throughout.
•We source locally and from our own vegetable garden on property where possible.
•We have always been committed to minimising single-use plastics on property.
•We have installed Natura water bottling plants that produce still and sparkling water that are served In recycled glass bottles, bathroom amenities are In glass bottles rather than disposable plastic, and all waste is separated In-house and recycled.
•Partnered with the Greenline Africa Trust, a small organisation that focuses on working with marginalised and vulnerable communities to develop, implement and support sustainable projects concentrating on livelihoods, health, education and biodiversity management.

For a full overview of our community, sustainability and conservation projects, please visit: https://matetsivictoriafalls.com/conservation-community/

Explore Hwange National Park in an open 4x4 vehicle, driven by your safari guide. Encounter the region's wildlife during early morning and late afternoon drives – the times of day when animals are most active. Learn about the wildlife, their tracks, and the surrounding plants from your expert guide as you experience close-up encounters. On your game drives, enjoy morning coffee, snacks, and evening sundowners set against the beautiful backdrop of a savanna sunset.

Walking safaris in Zimbabwe present a rare opportunity to explore the African wild on foot. By stepping away from the safari vehicle, you can fully immerse in the environment, awakening your senses to the sights and sounds of nature. Our expert walking guides will accompany you through the African bush, offering fascinating insights into wildlife, animal tracks, insects, native plants, and the region’s geology.

Bird lovers will find plenty to enjoy in the area’s rich diversity of avian life, with chances to spot incredible species like the African fish eagle and saddle-billed stork. Listen for the distinctive call of the racket-tailed roller or try to capture a photo of the majestic Martial eagle. Whether you're admiring their beauty or simply soaking in their songs, African birdlife is a marvel to behold.

The African Bush Camps Foundation is committed to empowering rural communities. We partner with communities on the outskirts of wildlife areas to become economically sustainable whilst ensuring that natural resources are protected and cared for. We also support local schools and run education programs for children in communities. We invite guests who stay with us at our camps in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. This helps travelers gain a deeper understanding of the country they are visiting and its people. As extraordinary as a safari is, these tours allows you to engage with Africa and its rich cultural heritage. If you are interested in adding perspective and value to your safari, speak to our reservations team to pre-arrange a village visit whilst on safari.

Explore Zimbabwe in an open 4x4 vehicle, driven by your safari guide. Encounter the region's wildlife during early morning and late afternoon drives – the times of day when animals are most active. Learn about the wildlife, their tracks, and the surrounding plants from your expert guide as you experience close-up encounters. On your game drives, enjoy morning coffee, snacks, and evening sundowners set against the beautiful backdrop of a savanna sunset.

Walking safaris in Mana Pools present a rare opportunity to explore the African wild on foot. By stepping away from the safari vehicle, you can fully immerse in the environment, awakening your senses to the sights and sounds of nature. Our expert walking guides will accompany you through the African bush, offering fascinating insights into wildlife, animal tracks, insects, native plants, and the region’s geology.

Relax on the upper deck lounge under the shade of a mahogany or sit on the deck below near the splash pool and soak in the uninterrupted views of Kanga Pan’s hyperactive watering hole as the animals come to you – the perfect “armchair safari”. The Armchair Safari is best experienced during the dry season when the water levels are low.

Bird lovers will find plenty to enjoy in the area’s rich diversity of avian life, with chances to spot incredible species like the African fish eagle and saddle-billed stork. Listen for the distinctive call of the African skimmer or try to capture a photo of the elusive Southern carmine bee-eater. Whether you're admiring their beauty or simply soaking in their songs, African birdlife is a marvel to behold.

This one-of-a-kind feature within our host of camps attracts an array of wildlife such as elephant, leopard, wild dogs, antelope and bird species. A highlight for photographers, Kanga’s unique hide offers a beautiful way to experience nature from a safe, immersive vantage. Capturing a copper sunset bathed in the soft, amber light of ‘magic hour’ is an experience not to be missed.