Luxury Zimbabwe Safari Lodge | Matetsi Victoria Falls

The place

Just over an hour after landing at Victoria Falls’ gleaming white airport, we’ve been whisked away to a more tranquil stretch of the Zambezi River. We’re 45km upstream from ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ and the river here is quite a different animal. Broad and serene, it’s the perfect setting for a luxury Zimbabwean safari lodge, and we immediately sense that we’ll be torn between relaxing here, and indulging in some of the exciting activities on offer at the falls. We gaze across the smooth expanse of water into Zambia. Between us and the neighbouring nation are several wooded islands, and what seem at first glance to be large, round boulders. Only when these exhale do we realise that they’re in fact hippo. The manager of Matetsi Victoria Falls points out their tracks in the sandy beach in front of the lodge, and we smile as we realise that we can also enjoy more wildlife-viewing here. My partner has already spotted several new species of waterbirds, including what could be an African finfoot. Contentment reigns.

Just over an hour after landing at Victoria Falls’ gleaming white airport, we’ve been whisked away to a more tranquil stretch of the Zambezi River. We’re 45km upstream from ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ and the river here is quite a different animal. Broad and serene, it’s the perfect setting for a luxury Zimbabwean safari lodge, and we immediately sense that we’ll be torn between relaxing here, and indulging in some of the exciting activities on offer at the falls.

We gaze across the smooth expanse of water into Zambia. Between us and the neighbouring nation are several wooded islands, and what seem at first glance to be large, round boulders. Only when these exhale do we realise that they’re in fact hippo.

The manager of Matetsi Victoria Falls points out their tracks in the sandy beach in front of the lodge, and we smile as we realise that we can also enjoy more wildlife-viewing here. My partner has already spotted several new species of waterbirds, including what could be an African finfoot. Contentment reigns.

The room

The manager walks us to our river suite, and we’re struck by the pleasing contrast between its angular shapes and the organic forms of the trees leaning over it. I’m entranced by the distinctive artworks – our first taste of Zimbabwe’s rich, contemporary art scene. My partner meanwhile is transfixed by the view of the river through the floor-to-ceiling windows. I can already imagine that relaxing in the king-sized bed will be like floating downstream on a wonderful raft, and then I discover the round bath, from which the Zambezi is again visible. I love the idea of being able to submerge myself in bubbles, right alongside one of Africa’s major rivers. We step outside, and spot a second, alfresco shower. Also our sparkling rim-flow pool, and a private verandah where, we’re assured, we can enjoy sundowners later that afternoon. The perfect spot to discuss all the many activities on offer both here, and at Victoria Falls. Indeed, the only difficulty we anticipate is trying to choose between them.

The manager walks us to our river suite, and we’re struck by the pleasing contrast between its angular shapes and the organic forms of the trees leaning over it. I’m entranced by the distinctive artworks – our first taste of Zimbabwe’s rich, contemporary art scene. My partner meanwhile is transfixed by the view of the river through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

I can already imagine that relaxing in the king-sized bed will be like floating downstream on a wonderful raft, and then I discover the round bath, from which the Zambezi is again visible. I love the idea of being able to submerge myself in bubbles, right alongside one of Africa’s major rivers.

We step outside, and spot a second, alfresco shower. Also our sparkling rim-flow pool, and a private verandah where, we’re assured, we can enjoy sundowners later that afternoon. The perfect spot to discuss all the many activities on offer both here, and at Victoria Falls. Indeed, the only difficulty we anticipate is trying to choose between them.

What sets it apart

Matetsi Victoria Falls offers both safari experiences – including the chance to see large herds of buffalo and elephant in the exclusive wildlife concession – and the opportunity to experience the Zambezi River from almost every conceivable angle. The relaxing riverside setting invites contemplation as the waters glide by, while if the urge to hover above the spray of the falls in a microlight, or even to jump off a bridge through it (with a bungee cord attached, of course) the full array of exciting activities is available in the town of Victoria Falls, just 45km away. Few other properties have the potential to indulge every whim from the most restful to the most exhilarating. If exploring the river is more your style than plunging towards it, you can enjoy a relaxed sunset cruise along the Zambezi, and for anglers, there’s the opportunity to tussle with a tiger.

Matetsi Victoria Falls offers both safari experiences – including the chance to see large herds of buffalo and elephant in the exclusive wildlife concession – and the opportunity to experience the Zambezi River from almost every conceivable angle.

The relaxing riverside setting invites contemplation as the waters glide by, while if the urge to hover above the spray of the falls in a microlight, or even to jump off a bridge through it (with a bungee cord attached, of course) the full array of exciting activities is available in the town of Victoria Falls, just 45km away.

Few other properties have the potential to indulge every whim from the most restful to the most exhilarating. If exploring the river is more your style than plunging towards it, you can enjoy a relaxed sunset cruise along the Zambezi, and for anglers, there’s the opportunity to tussle with a tiger.

At a glance

Luxury safari lodge with exclusive Zambezi River frontage, swimming pool, massage sala and gym. The lodge is split into two camps with nine river suites each (each with rim-flow pool and private verandah), plus there’s the private four-bedroomed Matetsi River House for families or small groups.
Private concession, exclusive river frontage, private dining available, private vehicles available (additional cost), and private butler and chef service in Matetsi River House.
Game drives, walking safaris, sundowner boat cruises, spa treatments (additional costs), gym, swimming, fishing, Victoria Falls tours (additional cost), canoe safaris, scenic flights over the falls (additional cost) and various adrenaline activities at the falls (additional costs).
Children welcome and WILDchild programme in place. Two family suites and Matetsi River House available.

Luxury safari lodge with exclusive Zambezi River frontage, swimming pool, massage sala and gym. The lodge is split into two camps with nine river suites each (each with rim-flow pool and private verandah), plus there’s the private four-bedroomed Matetsi River House for families or small groups.
Private concession, exclusive river frontage, private dining available, private vehicles available (additional cost), and private butler and chef service in Matetsi River House.
Game drives, walking safaris, sundowner boat cruises, spa treatments (additional costs), gym, swimming, fishing, Victoria Falls tours (additional cost), canoe safaris, scenic flights over the falls (additional cost) and various adrenaline activities at the falls (additional costs).
Children welcome and WILDchild programme in place. Two family suites and Matetsi River House available.

Prices

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.