Matetsi River Lodge

A beautiful wildlife reserve of the doorstep of Victoria Falls, being one of only a few lodges that can offer this level of safari within an easy 45 minute drive of Victoria Falls

Introduction

Matetsi River lodge is situated on a massive 50 000-hectare private game concession just 40kms from the Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe. The concession includes 15kms of prime Zambezi River frontage and the camp is perfectly laid out to ensure each room maximises its own private view of the river.

Matetsi offers the luxury traveller an opportunity to combine a wildlife safari and the magnificent Victoria Falls. It's one of only a few lodges that can currently offer this level of safari experience within a 45-minute comfortable drive of the Victoria Falls, making day visits an easy option.

The beautiful Matetsi game concession offers some diverse terrain from lush riverine vegetation to open savannahs and is home to a variety of wildlife. Strong concentrations of game species such as elephant, buffalo, sable, zebra, giraffe, kudu, waterbuck and impala litter the plains, whilst predators like hyena and lion are commonly seen. Many other species can also be spotted including the more elusive animals like leopard and wild dog.

Activities available at Matetsi River Lodge include game drives, night drives, boat cruises, walking safaris, canoe trips, fishing, bird-watching, WILDchild activities and day trips to Victoria Falls. The diversity of land and water activities is a huge advantage and for birdwatchers this guarantees a greater number of species seen.

Considerable money has been spent on sinking waterholes and opening up roads to inaccessible areas, thereby preserving this concession. Poaching has been controlled and the wildlife is responding wonderfully. It really is a lovely wildlife park on the doorstep of Victoria Falls. The Matetsi game vehicles are amongst the best you will find with nice touches such as camera mounts and charge points.

In a luxury lodge of this standard you would expect certain luxury amenities but Matetsi has surpassed expectations with a massage sala, fitness centre, safari shop, 20m swimming pool and a spectacular wine cellar boasting some extraordinary wines and decorated with some of the owners intriguing personal collections.

This large lodge with 18 suites is divided into two camps each with its own central area. In each suite the attention to detail is quite something with just about every imaginable convenience you can think of (please refer to full details below). Large comfortable bedrooms with sumptuous beds, a comfortable lounge and spacious bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers and a pretentious bath. Each suite has its own private plunge pool and a comfortable patio that you never want to leave.

Finally, for small groups or families looking for complete exclusivity there is the Matetsi River House, a stylish 4 bedroomed private luxury villa. With its own kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a veranda overlooking the Zambezi and a sparkling pool. It also comes with a complement of staff, including a dedicated guide, private vehicle, chef and butler, ensuring a tailor-made safari unlike any other.

Our Opinion

This luxury safari option is on a huge private concession accessible only to Matetsi Lodge guest, with awesome views of the Zambezi River. This is a laid back safari option for those wanting to stay near the Victoria Falls and still enjoy an up-market bush experience.

I totally love this private game concession, it has a great variety of game and excellent bird-watching (we saw an Allen's Gallinule on our last visit, very rare and exciting in these parts). The open plains and acacia woodland are quintessential Africa. Its location close to Victoria Falls, makes it an ideal place to base oneself, in magnificent surroundings, just outside the Falls whilst enjoying an excellent safari.

This large lodge is ultimate luxury and there is nothing more that one could really want for, from the private plunge pools to the delicious meals, Matetsi River Lodge has it all. Ideal for high-end travellers wanting a beautiful lodge within easy striking distance of Victoria Falls, to unwind, indulge be pampered and enjoy the wildlife of Africa.

Summary

• Situated on a 50 000-hectare private game concession just 40kms from Victoria Falls
• Luxury lodge with 18 suites, 2 central areas and a private river house.
• 15kms Zambezi river frontage, each suite with its own private view and plunge pool.
• Ideal safari accommodation within easy striking distance of Victoria Falls
• Good game viewing and bird-watching via land and water based activities
• Exceptional amenities in both the central areas and the rooms

Accommodation at Matetsi River Lodge

• 18 luxury safari suites divided into 2 camps - all river-facing
• 2 inter-leading Family suites with a maximum of 2 adults and 2 children each
• A private family villa with 4 bedrooms is available at Matetsi River House

All rooms have:
• Overhead fan
• Mosquito netting
• Tea/coffee making facilities
• Bath, indoor and outdoor showers,
• Private plunge pool
• Veranda with private view of the Zambezi River and comfortable outdoor seating
• Safe
• Mini-bar
• Telephone
• Hair dryer
• Air con
• Family suites have a private outdoor lounge area

Advantages

• Easy access and close proximity to Victoria Falls
• Beautiful position right on the Zambezi River
• Enormous private game concession (only accessible to Matetsi River lodge guests)
• Exceptional amenities in central areas and the rooms
• Top quality game viewing vehicles
• Land and water based activities

Dining

• Both sides of the lodge have their own guest areas with dining rooms, bar and al fresco dining table
• Private dining by the river's banks on arrangement

Facilities and Services

• 220V electricity supply
• Massage sala
• Gym/fitness centre
• Main guest area with lounge, dining area, library and bar
• Private plunge pool for each guest suite
• Villa pool at Matetsi River House
• Childminding
• Laundry service included in the rates
• Wheelchair access
• Wi-Fi in guest suites at the river lodge, and throughout the villa at the river house
• Curio shop
• Wine cellar
• Activities: Game drives; Walking safaris; Bird-watching; Canoeing; Sunrise or sunset boat cruises; Fishing; Guided tour of the Victoria Falls; children's activities

Rates Include

• Accommodation in a spacious and private suite with exclusive views of the Zambezi River
• Meals, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, tea and coffee, and meals during excursions
• Safari activities (listed above)
• Laundry
• Transfers to and from lodge activities

Rates Exclude

• Premium brand drinks
• Airport transfers and others not stated above
• Telephone calls
• Safari shop and other curio purchases
• Other Victoria Falls activities
• All items of a personal nature
• Spa treatments

Children

• Children are welcome at Matetsi River Lodge
• Family suites and the Matetsi River House are ideal for families with children
• Children six to twelve are only permitted on game drives at the discretion of the lodge manager, otherwise children 12 years and over are welcome on game drives
• Children 16 and older are permitted on walking safaris
• Children younger than 6 can only participate in young adventurer's activities at the lodge

How to Get to Matetsi River Lodge

• Airport transfers to and from Matetsi River lodge can be arranged from Kasane, Victoria Falls or Livingstone Airports

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