Reviews of safaris to Matusadona National Park

"We waited a long time to do this trip and it turned out to be very nearly as good as we hoped.

As in life in general, there were ups and downs - Bumi Hills was a massive surprise in a good way and Nyamatusi/ Mana Pools was a disappointment.

Overall we enjoyed it hugely and it was really nice to be back in Africa again." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zimbabwe safari

"Everything went perfectly and we appreciated that Little Vundu especially knew what we wanted as photographers before we arrived so we got the best guiding experience ever.

We did ask the staff of Little Vundu to please stop using one way plastic bottles and use refillable bottles." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zimbabwe safari

"My biggest fear of going on safari was not acquiring COVID but having testing for one or all of our 5 party members significantly impacting the trip.

I put my faith in Expert Africa, and everything went seamlessly. From pick up and testing at JNB airport for our initial tests for Zimbabwe to all the planes and vehicles along the way, there were conscientious staff on time waiting to assist us.

While it was a leap of faith, we were rewarded with camps with few other travelers giving us undivided attention and spectacular game viewing.


Here a few things I felt were important in making my trip such a success so that you might consider duplicating them for future clients.

First, I feel the order of the camps is crucial. Somalisa Acacia in Hwange national park was a good place to start. The camp itself is luxurious and beautiful, and the game viewing is very good. If guests can request a guide, I highly recommend Calvit. He made the experience. This camp, however, is about 10° colder than the others. I think going from cold to warm is much easier to adapt to than the other way around.

Steve Edward’s camp at Lake Kariba is significantly different than the other two camps. It is largely water-based which offers a different experience from typical game drives. I think it was a nice way to break up the land based parks. While I felt the game viewing wasn’t as good as the other two locations, the ability to go to the fishing village and see how a large portion of Zimbabwe lives was the most interesting thing I experienced on the trip. An opportunity not to be missed by any of your clients. Also fishing was tremendously fun for my boys.

Finally, I cannot praise the final camp at Mana Pools enough. Its location along the Zambezi river with an expansive view and extraordinary game was by far the highlight of the trip. No camp will surpass it and by having it last, the vacation ends with a crescendo. Also, we found Mash to be an excellent guide again to be recommended if possible.

The Armadale Lodge was very pleasant with large private grounds if a day in Harare is required. My wish is that others may have our experience.

Once in a life time experience!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari

"Our fourth trip to Africa with Expert Africa was another memorable adventure.

Expert Africa has always done an excellent job putting together workable itineraries that meet our (sometimes particular) travel goals. For this trip they had to deal with the vicissitudes of COVID testing requirements as well. The result was a wonderful sequence of adventures across beautiful Zimbabwe and Tanzania and was everything we hoped it would be.

Many thanks to our friends at Expert Africa.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No suggestions" Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari

"Great. The only issue was SAA.

Everything else was superb." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari

"Returning to the country after 6 years, we hoped that it had changed and there was certainly evidence of more tourism. The camps have invested in staff and premises and the safari trade there (hopefully) looks to have a bright future

Excellent game and bird viewing. Hospitable and professional camps. Would return in a heartbeat...." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Zimbabwe safari

"The combination of Mana Pools, Lake Kariba and Hwange gave us a varied and interesting view of Zimbabwe safaris - it felt like 3 different safaris rolled into one! We thoroughly enjoyed the trip which went totally without hiccup from start to finish.

We were a little surprised that the dining arrangements at the Wilderness camps were not automatically communal - indeed the default was separate tables (although Ruckomechi did ask our preference on arrival). But this was quickly changed when the camp managers realised that the majority of their guests welcomed dining with their fellow travellers. We totally understand that some may not wish to share a table but in our experience this is part of the overall safari experience." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zimbabwe safari

"From the early booking stage our trip was superbly managed by Expert Africa and the service and organisation on the ground in Zimbabwe was generally very good.

The excellent hospitality and superb guiding, together with the warm welcome extended by the local people, made this an unforgettable experience and we would not hesitate to return to Zimbabwe. Of the 3 camps we stayed in, the 2 run by Wilderness Safaris provided a good level of overall comfort, despite their somewhat corporate feel, and still retained a genuine bush feel.

Rhino Safari Camp was somewhat disappointing and seemed to reflect the current run down situation in Matusadona.

We were approached several times, by fellow travellers, concerning the matter of "tips" and as we have found on previous safaris this remains a contentious issue. What is too much and what is too little?? Your guidelines suggest one thing and the camps have their own suggestions........

Overall we felt that we had a good value holiday." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zimbabwe safari

"Overall we had a great time in Zimbabwe. Hwange National Park and Mana Pools were especially good safari destinations. Somalisa and Zambezi Life Styles were both fantastic and their staff are to be commended.

We were a little disappointed with Matusadona simply from the point of view of the wildlife that we saw. The wildlife here seems to have suffered quite badly from the falling water levels in Lake Kariba. This, combined with trophy hunting, has seen the Lion population in the Park crash. The Black Rhino have also suffered at the hands of poachers (as they have everywhere). Having said this, I must say that Rhino Camp and it`s staff were very good and we did see Elephant, Impala, Hippos & Crocs, and the Bird life is good.

All the Guides at all the camps were excellent. Lovemore at ZLS is a great guide and a real character, and Calvet at Somalisa is superb.

Thanks for a great trip." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zimbabwe safari

"We were a little surprised at how few outlets took credit cards. So it is best to bring a lot of dollars or face having to go to ATMs which might well limit you to small withdrawals.

Wherever we went in Zimbabwe the people, of whatever colour or origin, were unfailingly friendly and helpful. And at no time did we ever feel other than safe! All in all we had a splendid trip, such that it is in our minds to return to Zimbabwe at some time in the future.

So, many thanks to Nick Hobbs and all the team at Expert Africa for all your work. We will certainly use your services again in the future." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari