Matusadona National Park is a place of remarkable beauty where scenic landscapes range from flat plains to rugged mountains. Lion, leopard, hyena and other predators occur in good numbers throughout the year. Other frequently encountered wildlife includes elephant and hippo, as well as waterbuck, sable and roan antelope. The reserve is also rich in birdlife, with many species of herons, storks, plovers, bee-eaters and geese, as well as the ubiquitous fish eagle, inhabiting the river banks.
Remote and isolated. Matusadona NP really provides an exclusive game viewing experience. Well known for its large herds of buffalo, they frequently congregate along the shoreline in the dry season.
The park is one of several protected wildlife areas on the Southern shores of the Lake Kariba and is bounded on the west by the Ume River and on the east by the Senyati River. Relatively poor accessibility by road and extremely harsh internal network of roads keep the crowds and traffic low. It can be reached more easily by boat from Kariba and by light aircraft.
It’s just a magical area and a perfect spot for stargazing. It’s one of Zimbabwe’s less visited parks but definitely listed in Twende’s top 3 favourite spots.
Matusadona NP is an excellent spot for walking and boat safaris which allow visitors to get up close to wildlife. One of the real highlights of any visit is the chance to take a boat safari on the lake, giving you a wonderful viewpoint from which to enjoy the wildlife and especially the prolific bird life. And of course one of the best places for legendary African sunset.
Matusadona NP is an ideal place to get out of your open game vehicle. You will find your senses heightened as you explore nearby riverine areas on foot. Walk through Mopane forests and skirt the thick belts of Jesse Bush. Guided walks could be tracking nocturnal visitors with the hopes of catching a glimpse of lion or leopard, elephant or buffalo on foot. Or a more personalised experience getting to know more about this spectacularly beautiful lakeshore area. Walking in the bush with your personal ranger is just something else. An experience for life and a great opportunity here in Matusadona NP.
We highly recommend to stay some nights in Rhino Safari Camp, www.rhinosafaricamp.com
Rhino Safari Camp is an intimate, traditional bushcamp nestled within dense “jesse” bushveld along the shoreline of Lake Kariba in the Matusadona National Park. The camp is unfenced and wildlife moves freely between the chalets along well used game trails. Be prepared for a truly wild experience. Your completely safe, elevated, chalet makes the perfect hide from which to enjoy close up, eye-level encounters with passing elephants, or marvel at the diverse birdlife in the surrounding bush.
