Matetsi

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Overview

Running along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, this elegant safari lodge offers contemporary African décor to provide a memorable wildlife experience.

Key Features

  • Two camps of nine suites each with private plunge pools, plus a 4-bedroom private villa
  • Facilities include a wellness sala, lap pool, fitness studio, library and boardroom as well as a shopping boutique and wine cellar
  • Activities include game drives, bush walks, horseback safari, fishing and canoeing, sunset river cruises, and trips to Victoria Falls

As its name would suggest, Matetsi Victoria Falls is close to Africa’s famous falls. Set within the Matetsi Private Game Reserve along an exclusive stretch of the river, this property marries luxury safari with adventure.

Matesi is comprised of two camps running along the riverfront with just nine suites each, including two family suites. Made up of stone, wood, bamboo and copper, paired with handmade contemporary African furnishings, stools and tables made from the trunks of local trees and art by a renowned Zimbabwean artist. Rooms are extremely spacious with four poster beds, ensuite bathrooms with deep bathtubs overlooking the Zambezi, and a private veranda with a plunge pool and peaceful sitting area.

For groups or those looking for extra privacy, Matetsi River House is an exclusive-use four-bedroom villa with a whole host of top tier extras including its own ranger-led private safari and four-wheel drive, butler, chef and pool, along with plenty of indoor and outdoor living space.

At the heart of each camp is a communal area with dining spaces, a kitchen, convivial bar area and al fresco areas. There’s also a large central pool, massage sala (indulge in Africology rituals against the bush’s natural soundtrack), fitness center and wine cellar.

When it comes to dining, there isn’t a set restaurant as Matetsi offers meals wherever you wish: be it private dining in your suite, a table in one of the communal areas, alongside fellow guests during the regular boma (barbeque) nights, or stops during your safari drives. But wherever you choose to dine, rest assured that the food is excellent (think local dishes such as bream from the Zambezi River, venison, and crocodile ceviche plus vegetarian options).

Sustainability

Matetsi Private Game Reserve helps Zimbabwe to support the second-largest elephant population in the world through pioneering initiatives to eliminate poaching. As well as this, the 55,000-hectare reserve has 16 solar-powered boreholes acting as a water supply to the wildlife neighbors to come and drink from.

Matetsi's construction was run by a local team and the camps were set up within original campsite footprints. Materials were re-used or locally sourced where possible which includes art and furnishings from local artisans.

Why we love it

Matetsi Victoria Falls perfectly combines safari, river, the famous falls, and relaxation all in one incredible property. From sunrise safari drives to sunset boat cruises, there is so much to do. And, with no fence around the enclosure, the safari doesn’t stop when you arrive back at base so keep your eyes peeled for monkeys and elephants wandering in and out of the grounds.

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