Location:- Bordering the Zambezi River, Matetsi Game Reserve extends over 50,000 hectares in northwestern Zimbabwe, just 40 kilometres west of Victoria Falls and en route to the Kazangula border post in Botswana. Matetsi is the largest private game reserve in Zimbabwe. Matetsi Water Lodge is a luxurious safari lodge With 15 kilometres of private Zambezi River frontage, Matetsi offers an unrivalled river experience and forms part of a huge wildlife paradise straddling two countries - Botswana and Zimbabwe. There are no fences to prevent animals moving between Chobe National Park and Matetsi. Although estimates vary, it is thought that between 30,000 and 50,000 Elephants live in this region. With its private Zambezi River frontage, Matetsi offers an unrivalled river experience. Matetsi Water Lodge is owned by CC Africa.

At a glance:

• Accommodation - Capacity - 36 guests
• Three separate, intimate safari camps
• Each with just six air-conditioned suites
• En suite bathrooms; indoor and outdoor showers
• Private plunge pools
• Breathtaking river views
• Elegant dining and sitting areas
• Near the magnificent Victoria Falls
• African gift shop

Accommodation:-
Matetsi Water Lodge’s three romantic camps – West Water, North Water and East Water – are set on the riverbank under a canopy of lush, riverine trees. Each camp comprises six private suites with vast teak doors that swing open to plunge pools and decks with magnificent river views.

The layout of each camp ensures privacy and intimacy in an idyllic setting. Open sided, thatched guest areas consist of an elegant dining and sitting area with large fireplace. Delicious Pan-African cuisine is served on the intimate riverside dining decks or in a surprise setting in Matetsi’s pristine wilderness.

Activities:-
Matetsi’s location in a pristine wilderness area next to the great Zambezi River and its proximity to the Victoria Falls – one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a World Heritage Site – makes it the perfect gateway to a world of African adventure.

Twice-daily game-drives:-
Experienced rangers and trackers will lead you on interpretive game-drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles. Matetsi is one of the very few areas in Zimbabwe where night game-drives are permitted, revealing a host of interesting nocturnal animals. Sole use of a Land Rover may be requested for private game viewing.

Interpretive bush walks
Explore Matetsi’s pristine wilderness on foot led by an experienced ranger or expert tracker steeped in knowledge of the local fauna and flora. Interpretive wilderness walks bring you face-to-face with wild Africa at its best.

Riverboat cruises
Enjoy leisurely morning and/or afternoon riverboat cruises on Matetsi’s private stretch along the mighty Zambezi River, captained by a knowledgeable river guide. Each riverboat seats just 12 guests, and offers the perfect opportunity to spot Matetsi’s incredible birdlife, hippos and elephants while watching a glorious sunrise or sunset.

Canoeing
Guided canoe excursions are an exciting way to experience the Zambezi River and to get up close to elephants drinking from the riverbanks. Five sturdy canoes are able to take a maximum of ten guests.

Other Adventures (at an additional cost)
Situated just 40 kilometres from Matetsi, the magnificent Victoria Falls offer a range of adventures for adrenalin enthusiasts – from heart-pounding white-water rafting to bungi jumping off the bridge spanning the gorge below. You may also walk in the rain forest on the lip of the Falls or enjoy breathtaking views by light aircraft, helicopter or microlight. A complimentary daily shuttle departs Matetsi at 11h00 for Victoria Falls, and returns at 14h00.

Wildlife:-
The broad Zambezi River is home to a variety of aquatic plants and wildlife. The river is flanked by riverine woodland with impressive sausage, leadwood and waterberry trees. Seasonal floodplains and marshes attract abundant waterfowl. Acacia trees and productive grasses dominate nutrient-rich drainage lines which are the most productive habitats for many large herbivores. Tall woodland grows on deep Kalahari sands, with Zambezi teak, msasa and manketti trees prominent. A number of small forested islands exist in the broad river.

Mammals at Matetsi Game Lodges:
Great herds of elephant and buffalo quench their thirst in the Zambezi River during the dry season (May to October). Stately sable and rare roan antelope favour the fringes of woodlands. Lion, leopard and spotted hyena are most often encountered on night drives. Matetsi is one of very few areas in Zimbabwe where night game drives are permitted. Endangered African wild dog occasionally set up dens during the winter months. Large rafts of hippo and Cape clawless otter are at home in the Zambezi River. Fruit bats and lesser bushbabies are active after dark.

Birds at Matetsi Game Lodges:
There are 366 species recorded at Matetsi. African fish eagle patrol the Zambezi River, where African finfoot and rock pratincole also breed. Large numbers of ducks, geese, storks and herons visit seasonal marshes. Secretive Pel’s fishing owl and flamboyant Schalow’s turaco inhabit riparian forest and wooded islands. The Kori bustard (the world’s heaviest flying bird) is commonly seen in open woodland. White-breasted cuckooshrike, racket-tailed roller, Bradfield’s hornbill and Arnot’s chat are typical of tall woodland.

Other African Wildlife:
Impressive Nile crocodile can be seen basking along the Zambezi River. Tigerfish, red-breasted tilapia and nembwe are abundant. African rock python, flap-necked chameleon and tropical house gecko are other interesting reptiles. Seasonal wetlands echo with the sound of breeding frogs after the first summer rains. Dung beetles are among the most abundant and interesting insects, while a huge variety of butterflies, dragonflies and moths are also conspicuous.

Access:-
Matetsi is easily accessible by air and road transfer.
Scheduled flights to Victoria Falls Airport, followed by a 45-minute road transfer.
Scheduled flights into Kasane, Botswana, followed by a 40-minute road transfer to Matetsi.
Numerous daily flights from Johannesburg in South Africa to Victoria Falls Airport.

Child Policy:-
Children under 11 are warmly welcome at Matetsi Water Lodge. Recommended age for children on safari is six years and older.
An extra bed can be arranged for a child under 11 years sharing their parents’ suite. Only one triple room at any one time can be accommodated in each camp.

Activities available for children depend entirely on the age of the children and may include the following:
Special family game-drives (at the discretion of the lodge manager and subject to availability)
Special one-hour children's bush walks within the camp perimeter
Planet Manager activity books
Special programmes can be compiled such as tracking for children and birding
Children’s meals and menus available

Babysitting services are offered, Matetsi’s housekeepers are available for babysitting at an additional cost.

Power supply:- There is 24 hour electricity to all rooms (220v) and hairdryers are available in all rooms.