Matetsi River Lodge: Our full report

Major refurbishments on Matetsi River Lodge have given this classic old Zimbabwean property a new lease of life.

Re-opened in August 2016, the lodge is set within the 500km2 Matetsi Private Game Reserve on the bank of the Zambezi River, offering a safari-style experience just 45km from Victoria Falls.

Matetsi has 18 river-facing suites, but to retain personal levels of service these are divided into east and west, creating two camps of nine suites. Each has its own main area, staff and management, and operates entirely independently. That said, both camps share some central facilities with Matetsi’s sister lodge, Matetsi River House, which is located between the camps and accommodates just one group.

The front of every suite is predominantly of glass, making the most of the river views. Inside, they are spacious and luxuriously adorned, their décor combining traditional materials with modern style: sandy/earthy tones, a cowskin rug, coffee tables made of tree trunks and plenty of wood. Along with a queen-size bed surrounded by a mosquito net, each has a small lounge area with a writing desk, a tea and coffee station, well-stocked mini fridge, wardrobe and electronic safe. All of the suites are air conditioned and come with ceiling fans.

In the en-suite bathroom you’ll find his and hers basins, both indoor and outdoor showers, a deep round bath with views of the river and a separate toilet.

Facing the river outside the suite is a private, covered viewing deck, its shade enhanced by the surrounding trees. Large sofas make this an inviting place to relax with a book or a drink, and if the heat of the day becomes too much you can cool off in your own private plunge pool.

Each of the camps also has a family suite with an additional children’s rooms linked to the main bedroom by a passageway.

A series of winding sandy walkways links Matetsi’s suites to the main area – with a walk of up to 500m from the furthest suites. When we visited in December 2016 we noticed that the outside areas of the suite closest to the main area, including its plunge pool, were easily visible, somewhat compromising its privacy.

The main area itself is an open-sided structure clad in wood but with a modern feel. The style is open plan with the small lounge area, indoor and outdoor dining areas and a gleaming, highly polished, all-copper bar all running seamlessly together.

In addition to this, the two camps and Matetsi River House share perhaps the best-stocked and most impressive wine cellar we have seen in Africa – not to mention one that boasts an unexpected but extensive collection of diecast toys. For special occasions, private dinners can be arranged here.

Guests also share the 25m infinity pool overlooking the river, as well as a fitness centre, an on-site spa and a curio shop.

Activities from Matetsi focus on both the reserve and the river.
The reserve is home to many species, including elephant, buffalo, sable antelope, lion, hyena and leopard. You can take advantage of the resident guiding team at the lodge and search out game either on foot or by 4WD.

On the river, there are options for sundowner cruises, canoeing (over 16s only) and fishing.

And for something a little different guests can take advantage of a guided tour of the Victoria Falls, followed by high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel.

Matetsi can also arrange some of the more extreme/once-in-a-lifetime experiences on offer in Victoria Falls, such as whitewater rafting, bungee jumps or helicopter flights, but these will be charged separately.

Our view

From the vantage point of its own private reserve, Matetsi River Lodge allows guests to combine the tranquillity of the Zambezi River with relatively easy access to Victoria Falls. The game viewing here isn’t as prolific as in Zimbabwe’s larger national parks, but for those looking to combine luxury, safari and the Falls, Matetsi is a fantastic option.

Chris McIntyre

Zimbabwe expert

Geographics

Location: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Ideal length of stay: Matetsi River Lodge has a remote location, so it takes longer to get to than most of the other options in the Victoria Falls area. Because of this, we would recommend a stay of three nights here, giving guests a full day to visit the Falls, as well as plenty of time to relax at the lodge, and take advantage of the included activities.
Directions: Guests will arrive at camp by road, usually following a flight into Victoria Falls Airport. The first quarter of the journey is on tarmac roads, after which you’ll be travelling on dirt roads through the wildlife reserve. The drive from the airport takes approximately one hour 40 minutes.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Food quality: We have not yet stayed at Matetsi, but on our visit in December 2016 we were lucky enough to have lunch, here. Based on that, and our experience of other &Beyond properties, we would expect a high standard of service and quality.

Although our lunch took a while to arrive, we enjoyed some hearty gastropub classics in the form of a burger and fish and chips. Both were excellent choices from the à la carte lunch menu and the chef personally came to see that everything was to our liking.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: Private dinners can be arranged in the wine cellar on request.
Drinks included: All drinks are included during your stay here, with the exception of some imported and premium brands.

The tap water is extensively filtered, making it fit to drink, but bottled water is also provided.

Special interests

Honeymoons: Matetsi River Lodge is a luxurious out-of-town lodge with relatively easy access to one of the world’s natural wonders, Victoria Falls. A stay here on a honeymoon in Zimbabwe would be a great way to spoil yourself.; See ideas for Honeymoons
Wellbeing: With a fitness centre, 25m infinity pool and on-site spa, Matetsi River Lodge is the perfect place to soak in the wilderness and treat yourself to a spot of pampering in Zimbabwe.; See ideas for Wellbeing
Luxury: Matetsi River Lodge offers a luxury safari in a setting of contemporary style with convenient access to the great spectacle of the Victoria Falls. After a day of safari beside the Zambezi River, indulge at the spa and enjoy wines from the impressive cellar with dinner.; See ideas for Luxury

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome at Matetsi River Lodge
Property’s age restrictions: There is no age restriction here although some of the activities are not suitable for children.
Special activities & services: Matetsi offers children the opportunity to participate in special child-friendly activities as a part of their WILDChild programme.
Equipment: Cots and highchairs can be provided on request.
Generally recommended for children: Matetsi River Lodge has a luxurious and adult feel, and we believe that young children would feel out of place here.
Notes: There are no fences around the plunge pools, the camp or along the river, there are open fires at night, so children should be supervised at all times.

Communications

Power supply notes: There is a back-up generator in case of a power failure.
Communications: Free WiFi is available in both the suites and the main area.
TV & radio: None
Water supply: Borehole
Water supply notes: All the suites have hot and cold running water, plumbed showers and flush toilets.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: The guides and management at Matetsi are first aid trained. The nearest doctor is in Victoria Falls (approx. 45km away).
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: There are guards on sight 24/7 and guests are escorted to their suites after dark.
Fire safety: Fire extinguishers can be found in each suite.

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Kayaking
Microlight
White-water rafting

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: A complimentary laundry service is included.
Money: There are small digital safes in the suites.
Accepted payment on location: Cash payments are accepted in US dollars, and card payments may be made using Visa, Diners, Amex and MasterCard.