Matusadona National Park
Why Visit Matusadona
This remarkable park offers experiences unlike anywhere else in Zimbabwe:- Water-based safaris combining game viewing with boating on Lake Kariba
- Premier rhino sanctuary being restored as Zimbabwe’s top rhino conservation area
- Spectacular lakeside setting with dramatic views across the world’s largest man-made lake
- Diverse activities from traditional game drives to water skiing and fishing
- Island retreats including famous Spurwing and Fothergill islands
- Unique wildlife behavior with animals adapted to lakeside living
- Legendary sunsets where sky and water merge in spectacular displays
- Rich birdlife with over 240 water bird species
Conservation Success Story
Matusadona National Park is experiencing a remarkable conservation renaissance through a pioneering partnership between Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority and African Parks. This 20-year collaboration, marking the park’s 50th anniversary, focuses on:Species Reintroduction:
- Black rhino populations being carefully rebuilt
- Cheetah reintroduction program underway
- Zimbabwe’s first pangolin research and monitoring project
- Local communities engaged in natural heritage protection
- Tourism investment benefiting surrounding areas
- Sustainable development initiatives
- Cutting-edge wildlife monitoring systems
- Endangered species protection protocols
- Ecosystem restoration projects
Wildlife Experience
Lakeside Wildlife
Elephants & Buffalo
Massive herds of up to 1,000 buffalo graze on torpedo grass along the shoreline, while elephants wade into the lake to feed and cool off:
- Daily wildlife spectacles at water’s edge
- Close viewing opportunities from boats
- Unique swimming and feeding behaviors
- Excellent photography opportunities
- Seasonal concentrations during dry months
Rhinos & Big Cats
Matusadona’s restoration includes reintroduction of key species:
- Black rhino carefully monitored and protected
- Lion and leopard populations on open grasslands
- Cheetah reintroduction expanding predator diversity
- Enhanced anti-poaching efforts ensuring species protection
Birdlife Paradise
Lake Kariba’s ecosystem supports exceptional birdlife diversity:Water Birds (240+ species):
- Fish eagles with distinctive calls perched on “sentinel” trees
- Egrets, grey herons, and goliath herons fishing in shallows
- Great white herons and reed cormorants
- Saddleback storks and rare red-winged pratincoles
- Darters and bee-eater colonies in sandstone banks
- Expert birding guides available
- Specialized birding tours and walks
- Photography hides for serious bird photographers
- Seasonal migration information and timing
- Early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) for feeding activity
- Late afternoon for roosting congregations
- November-March for migratory species
- Year-round for resident water birds
Activities and Experiences
Water-Based Safaris
Unique wildlife viewing from Lake Kariba:
- Boat game drives: Close approaches to drinking wildlife
- Sunset cruises: Spectacular viewing while animals come to water
- Island hopping: Visits to wildlife-rich islands and inlets
- River exploration: Guided tours up scenic tributary rivers
- Photography boats: Specialized vessels for serious photographers
- Different perspective on wildlife behavior
- Access to areas unreachable by vehicle
- Comfort during hot weather
- Unique photographic opportunities
- Less intrusive wildlife viewing
Traditional Game Drives
Land-based exploration of diverse habitats:
- Kariba floodplain drives: Open grasslands perfect for big game
- Escarpment routes: Rugged terrain with spectacular views
- Walking safaris: Guided walks with armed rangers
- Night drives: Spotlighting for nocturnal species
- Cultural visits: Local community interactions
- Open grasslands for large herbivore herds
- Woodland areas for browsers and predators
- Rocky escarpment for specialized species
- Seasonal wetlands attracting diverse wildlife
Water Sports & Recreation
Recreational activities on Africa’s largest lake:
- Fishing expeditions: Tiger fish and bream in productive waters
- Water skiing: Calm morning waters perfect for water sports
- Swimming: Designated safe areas away from hippos and crocodiles
- Kayaking: Quiet exploration of bays and inlets
- Sailing: Seasonal wind conditions for sailing enthusiasts
- Professional guides for all water activities
- Safety equipment provided and mandatory
- Hippo and crocodile awareness briefings
- Weather monitoring for safe conditions
Specialized Experiences
Unique opportunities in Matusadona:
- Sanyati Gorge tours: Breathtaking climbs up steep-sided gorge
- Pangolin research visits: World’s first pangolin monitoring project
- Conservation education: Behind-the-scenes conservation work
- Houseboat holidays: Multi-day floating accommodation
- Fishing competitions: Organized angling events
- Wildlife research participation
- Conservation volunteer opportunities
- Specialized photography workshops
- Scientific expedition support
Where to Stay
Lakeside Accommodation
Luxury Lakeside
Premium accommodation with spectacular lake views:
- Bumi Hills Safari Lodge: Clifftop luxury with spa and infinity pool
- Spurwing Island Lodge: Exclusive island retreat with electric fence protection
- Changa Safari Camp: Elegant tented experience on lake shore
- Direct lake access for water activities
- Guided tours and professional safari services
- Gourmet dining with lake views
- Spa services and wellness facilities
Mid-Range Options
Comfortable lakeside properties:
- Tiger Bay Resort: Charming thatched complex among indigenous trees
- Fothergill Island: No-frills island safari for fishing groups
- Tashinga Camp: Zimbabwe Parks accommodation with basic facilities
- Good value with essential amenities
- Access to water and land activities
- Local cuisine and hospitality
- Fishing and boat rental facilities
Houseboat Experience
Floating accommodation on Lake Kariba:
- Luxury houseboats: Fully-crewed vessels with multiple cabins
- Mid-range houseboats: Comfortable but simpler accommodations
- Fishing houseboats: Specialized for angling enthusiasts
- Move to different locations daily
- Wildlife viewing from your accommodation
- Sunset and sunrise from the water
- Swimming and fishing directly from boat
National Parks Accommodation
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority operates several facilities:Tashinga Camp:
- Basic chalets and camping sites
- Spectacular lake views from elevated position
- Self-catering facilities available
- Communal ablution blocks
- Boat launching facilities
- Price: $30-80 per person per night
- Remote camping location
- Spectacular gorge views
- Basic facilities only
- Ideal for adventurous travelers
- Boat access recommended
- Price: $15-30 per person per night
- Reserve through Zimbabwe Parks head office
- Advance booking essential, especially dry season
- Bring all supplies as no shops in park
- Fuel available at some camps but unreliable
Lake Kariba Features
Understanding the unique environment of the world’s largest man-made lake:The Sentinels:
- Ghostly trees still standing 60+ years after lake formation
- Iconic symbols of Lake Kariba
- Perfect perches for fish eagles and cormorants
- Dramatic silhouettes for sunset photography
- Navigate landmarks for boaters
- Tiger fish: Aggressive game fish providing sport fishing
- Bream: Excellent eating fish abundant in lake
- Kapenta: Small sardine-like fish supporting commercial fishing
- Vundu: Large catfish in deeper waters
- Professional fishing guides available
- 350+ animal and bird species supported
- Torpedo grass creating unique lakeside ecosystem
- Seasonal water level changes affecting wildlife patterns
- Intricate food chain from plankton to large predators
- Ongoing ecological research and monitoring
- Mystical creature of Shona folklore
- Mermaid head with serpent body
- Traditional keeper of Zambezi River and Lake Kariba
- Cultural significance to local Tonga people
- Symbolic connection between traditional beliefs and modern conservation
When to Visit
Matusadona offers year-round experiences with distinct seasonal advantages:Dry Season (May-October)
- Weather: Pleasant days (20-28°C), cool nights, minimal rainfall
- Wildlife: Concentrated around permanent water sources
- Lake conditions: Lower water levels, calmer conditions
- Activities: Optimal for all activities including water sports
- Considerations: Peak season with higher rates and more visitors
- Recommended for: First-time visitors, wildlife enthusiasts, water sports
- Weather: Hot, humid with afternoon thunderstorms
- Wildlife: More dispersed but excellent for baby animals
- Lake conditions: Higher water levels, occasional rough conditions
- Activities: Excellent birding, lush scenery, dramatic storm photography
- Considerations: Lower rates, fewer visitors, some activity limitations
- Recommended for: Bird watchers, photographers, budget travelers
- Tiger Fish Season: September-December (peak: October-November)
- Bream Fishing: Year-round (best: December-March)
- Kapenta Season: April-August for commercial fishing
Island Getaways
Spurwing Island
Luxury accommodation on private island:
- Location: Just offshore, accessible by boat or charter flight
- Accommodation: Luxury chalets with scenic lake views
- Facilities: Shady garden oasis with discrete electric fencing
- Activities: Guided Sanyati Gorge tours, walking safaris, boat excursions
- Atmosphere: Exclusive island paradise feeling
- Best for: Romantic getaways, luxury safari experience
- Sanyati Gorge breathtaking guided climbs
- Professional wildlife photography opportunities
- Swimming in designated safe areas
- Sunset viewing from private island perspectives
Fothergill Island
Fisherman’s favorite retreat:
- Location: Easy boat access from mainland
- Accommodation: No-frills but comfortable fishing lodge
- Facilities: Specialized for fishing groups and enthusiasts
- Activities: Tiger fishing, boat excursions, relaxation
- Atmosphere: Laid-back fishing camp environment
- Best for: Serious anglers, fishing groups, value-conscious travelers
- Professional fishing guides and equipment
- Prime tiger fish locations
- Boat facilities and launching
- Fish cleaning and preparation services
Practical Information
How Much Time to Spend
How Much Time to Spend
- Minimum: 2-3 days for basic experience
- Recommended: 4-5 days to enjoy both water and land activities
- Extended: 7+ days for comprehensive exploration including islands
- Days 1-2: Lakeside accommodation with water and land game viewing
- Days 3-4: Island experience or houseboat safari
- Days 5-7: Specialized activities (fishing, Sanyati Gorge, conservation visits)
Getting There
Getting There
By Air (Recommended):
- Charter flights to Tashinga airstrip (6 minutes from Kariba town)
- Scheduled flights from Harare to Kariba Airport (45 minutes)
- Direct charter flights from Victoria Falls or other destinations
- From Kariba town: 30km (45-minute drive)
- From Harare: 365km (4-5 hour drive via Kariba)
- From Bulawayo: 675km (8 hour drive)
- Ferry services from various Lake Kariba points
- Private boat transfers arranged by accommodations
- Houseboat pickup directly from park waters
Packing Essentials
Packing Essentials
Clothing:
- Light, breathable clothing for hot days
- Warmer layers for cool evenings (especially May-August)
- Swimwear and quick-dry clothing
- Sun hat with securing strap (windy lake conditions)
- Non-slip shoes for boat activities
- High SPF sunscreen (water reflection intensifies UV)
- Quality sunglasses with strap
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing and birdwatching
- Camera with zoom lens for wildlife photography
- Insect repellent (mosquitoes active at dawn/dusk)
- Personal flotation device if bringing own water sports equipment
- Fishing equipment (quality gear available for rent)
- Underwater camera for swimming areas
- Portable phone charger (power can be intermittent)
Health & Safety
Health & Safety
Health Considerations:
- Malaria prevention essential (consult travel doctor)
- Bilharzia risk in some lake areas - confirm safe swimming zones
- Heat-related precautions during hot season
- Medical facilities limited (basic clinic in Kariba town)
- Medical evacuation insurance strongly recommended
- Hippos and crocodiles present significant danger
- Never swim except in designated safe areas
- Always use life jackets on boats
- Follow guide instructions regarding water activities
- Weather can change rapidly on large lake
- Animals move freely through accommodation areas
- Follow accommodation safety briefings
- Never approach wildlife on foot without armed guide
- Elephant and buffalo especially dangerous near water
Best Experiences by Season
Dry Season Highlights (May-October):
- Peak wildlife viewing with animals concentrated at water
- Calm lake conditions perfect for water sports
- Clear skies for spectacular sunset photography
- Comfortable temperatures for all activities
- Best fishing conditions for tiger fish
- Lush landscapes with dramatic storm photography
- Baby animals throughout the park
- Exceptional birdwatching with migrants present
- Fuller waterfalls and flowing streams
- Lower visitor numbers for exclusive experiences
- Spectacular sunsets over Lake Kariba
- Fish eagle sightings on sentinel trees
- Cultural interactions with local communities
- Conservation project visits and education
- Houseboat safaris (weather permitting)
Conservation and Community
Matusadona’s conservation success depends on community involvement:African Parks Partnership:
- 20-year management agreement with Zimbabwe Parks
- International expertise with local knowledge
- Sustainable financing for long-term conservation
- Scientific research and monitoring programs
- Employment opportunities in tourism and conservation
- Revenue sharing from park activities
- Education and healthcare support
- Sustainable resource use programs
- Cultural preservation initiatives
- Park fees directly support conservation
- Lodge partnerships fund community projects
- Responsible tourism practices
- Support for local crafts and products
- Volunteer opportunities for longer-term visitors
- Pangolin monitoring (first in Zimbabwe)
- Rhino population recovery tracking
- Ecosystem restoration studies
- Climate change adaptation planning
- Community-based conservation evaluation
Photography Opportunities
Iconic Shots
Must-capture images at Matusadona:
- Kariba sunsets: Sky and water merging in spectacular colors
- Sentinel trees: Fish eagles perched on drowned tree branches
- Elephant herds: Drinking and bathing at lake’s edge
- Sanyati Gorge: Dramatic cliff faces and flowing water
- Wildlife silhouettes: Animals against sunset backdrop
- Golden hour lighting 6:00-7:00 AM and 5:30-6:30 PM
- Polarizing filter essential for water glare reduction
- Telephoto lens recommended for wildlife (200-400mm)
- Waterproof camera bag for boat activities
Specialized Photography
Advanced photography opportunities:
- Underwater photography: In designated safe swimming areas
- Bird photography: Using hides and specialized blinds
- Conservation documentation: Research and monitoring activities
- Cultural photography: Local community interactions
- Aerial photography: From charter flights (with permits)
- Photography guides with technical expertise
- Specialized photography boats with stabilizers
- Hide rentals for serious bird photographers
- Post-processing workshops at some lodges