Highlights
- Exclusive riverside camp
- Game drives and walks in private concession
- Land and water based activities
- Excursions to Victoria Falls
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Matetsi River Lodge is an upmarket, secluded camp in a peaceful waterside location in the Victoria Falls area of northwest Zimbabwe. Located 40 km upstream from the iconic Falls, the lodge sits in a large private game reserve, featuring an exclusive 15 km stretch of the Zambezi River. This deluxe camp offers 18 spacious, contemporary suites, all with panoramic river views, a 23m swimming pool, a fitness centre, and a spa, plus a range of land and water-based activities. Matetsi River Lodge will appeal to travellers with a higher budget who wish to combine a stylish and tranquil safari base with straightforward access to the majestic Victoria Falls.
Guest areas in camp include an open-sided dining, lounge, and bar area overlooking the Zambezi. Communal meals are served either indoors or alfresco beneath the trees, whilst the outside fire pit with seating is a great spot for a sundowner. The lodge boasts an extensive wine cellar, and tastings are available. Massages and beauty treatments are on offer at the tranquil spa, plus there’s a fully-equipped fitness centre and a beautiful 23m lap pool stretching along the Zambezi. There is also a gift shop onsite.
A choice of land and water-based activities includes morning and afternoon game drives within the reserve. Home to elephant, buffalo, sable antelope, hippo, lion, and African wild dog, the area also offers excellent birdwatching, boasting 366 species of birds. Guided walks in the bush provide a great opportunity for observing wildlife. River based activities include fishing, canoeing, and relaxing boat cruises. The lodge offers guided excursions to the world UNESCO heritage site of Victoria Falls, where a variety of activities, including helicopter flights and water-based adrenalin activities, can be arranged.
The camp accommodates up to 48 guests in 18 light and airy suites, all featuring contemporary furnishings and artworks. Each glass-fronted, stylish unit has a double or twin beds draped with mosquito nets, and a lounge area. Bathrooms are ensuite with twin basins, a freestanding bathtub, and both indoor and outdoor showers. All units come with air conditioning and fans, hot drink facilities, a minibar, and Wi-Fi. Outside is a spacious veranda with a private plunge pool, relaxing sofas, and idyllic river views.
Families are extremely welcome in camp, and reductions are offered to guests under 16 years of age when sharing with adults. The camp’s ‘Wildchild’ programme of activities for younger guests includes biscuit baking, rod making, and fishing, whilst the onsite spa offers kid friendly ‘pampering’ sessions. The lodge houses two spacious family suites, each comprising two bedrooms with double or twin beds, a lounge area, and two ensuite bathrooms. Outside is a spacious veranda with a private plunge pool and river views. Cots, highchairs, and babysitting are available on request. Note that as the camp is unfenced and in a riverside location, children should be supervised at all times.
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- Secluded river destination & sandy white beaches
- Numerous activities: fishing, canoeing, cruises
- Game drives: Zambezi National Park
- Solar lighting & minimal footprint
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- Peaceful, self-contained accommodation
- Lovely grounds with wildlife
- Swimming pool, bar, and restaurants
- Easy access to Victoria Falls and town centre
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- Chalets overlooking watering hole
- Solar-powered, eco-friendly camp
- Drives and walks led by expert guides
- Authentic safari experience
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- Extremely wild location
- Large Elephant Populations
- Excellent hosting and guiding
- Superb day and night-time game viewing
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- Smart tree-house accommodation
- Fenced site in lovely forest
- Near Hwange National Park
- Game drives and walking safaris
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- Small, friendly camp
- Excellent wildlife viewing
- Game drives and guided walks
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- Luxurious bushcamp in private concession
- Stunning location with panoramic views
- Day and night game drives, guided walks
- Cultural village visits
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- Classic tented camp
- Tranquil wilderness location
- Day & night game drives, private concession
- Wildlife, including elephants, in camp
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- Stylish, upmarket camp on private reserve
- Air-conditioned suites
- Game drives and guided walks
- Sleep-outs under the stars
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- Authentic camp in secluded location
- Excellent guiding and wildlife viewing
- Restaurant, bar, and plunge pool
- Guided walks, game drives, village visits
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- Elegant lodge with extensive facilities
- Panoramic location overlooking Lake Kariba
- Gym, snooker, spa & fabulous infinity pool
- Game drives, walks, fishing, boat excursions
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- Stunning and tranquil lakeside setting
- Great hosting and guiding, small camp
- Sailing, boat safaris, fishing, canoeing
- Guided walks, game drives, cultural visits
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- Upmarket camp beside Lake Kariba
- Game drives, walking safari
- Fishing, river cruises
- Relatively small, peaceful camp
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- Simple, great-value lodge
- Self catering facilities
- Lovely breakfasts provided
- Near central Bulawayo
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- Quirky property set into the granite
- Natural rock pool for swimming
- Excellent rhino viewing opportunities
- Mountain biking, birding, village visits
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- Stylish camp in private concession
- Stunning riverside location, swimming pool
- Day & night game drives, walking safaris
- Boat trips, birdwatching, canoe excursions
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- Intimate, friendly camp with plunge pool
- Secluded wilderness location
- ‘Armchair Safari’ in camp during dry season
- Game drives, guided walks, fishing, canoeing
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- Small, intimate bush camp
- Tranquil riverside location, superb birdlife
- Excellent hosting and guiding
- Game drives, walks, canoeing, fishing
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- Simple, traditional camp with 8 tents
- Renowned for excellent guiding
- Lovely riverside location
- Game drives, walking, fishing, canoeing
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- Simple, authentic bush camp with 5 tents
- Pretty riverside location, excellent guiding
- Game drives, guided walks, sleep-outs
- Cultural village visits
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- Charming mid-range boutique hotel
- Ideal for airport and city centre
- Lovely landscaped gardens
- Swimming pool, boules, croquet
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- Simple guesthouse with lake views
- Choice of hotel room, bungalow or campsite
- Easy access to Great Zimbabwe Ruins
- Fishing, boat excursions, sailing
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- High end lodge, excellent facilities
- Remote, 'stand-alone' location
- 2 pools, jacuzzi, gym, spa
- Rock art, game drives, fishing, archery
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- Simple hotel in stunning alpine setting
- Great for exploring Nyanga National Park
- Boat trips, fishing, white water rafting
- Riding, hiking, golf, iron age ruins
Everywhere in Zimbabwe
- Lovely rooms or self-catering lodges
- Excellent community ties
- Game drives, waterfall hike
- Birdwatching, vibrant community visits
We had a fantastic time and all the arrangements worked perfectly.
We were very impressed with the quality and service levels of all 4 locations visited and it was truly a holiday of a lifetime.
Thank you to you and to Lisa for giving us this experience.
Particular highlights for us – really the whole experience, but of particular impact:
Breathtaking scenery at Cathedral Peak Hotel
Rhino Ridge game drives incredible, thanks to guide (we had their head guide, Hala, who’s knowledge, enthusiasm, kindness, interaction, ability to spot wildlife was out of this world)
Luxury of Rhino Ridge (shower, food, views, service)
Immersion in nature, torch lit meal on last night and beach trip at Kosi Forest Lodge
Level of service, quality of food throughout
Catherine F
reviewing South Africa Safari, Beach and Wetlands
on 04 September 2019
We had a fantastic time. Thank you and it went smoothly in the main except for British Airways!
The trip had the right degree of luxury and relaxation (for me) and adventure (all of us).
A few points:
Driving directions to Umlunghi Lodge were slightly wrong. The driving directions should read at the 4th roundabout take the first exit and turn right over the railway. We loved it there. Anton, Bianca and her son and Harriet were very informative and entertaining. The snake talk and handling, night walks and seeing scorpions and the walk in the bush and "bumping" into a giraffe were really special. The kayak trip to Makuzi pan that the lodge organised was good and Tomaz was very informative and kept a respectful distance from the hippos.3 nights was plenty.Rhino River Lodge game reserve was incredibly luxurious and we felt very looked after. The lion siting in camp the day we arrived sent an extra frisson of excitement down our spines. It was easy to forget there were predators that could attack us with all that luxury. The staff and guides (Karl) were knowledgeable and invested in their set up. We saw rhinos with baby, cheetahs with young, porcupine, Genet, wildebeast, Impala, Lion with young, buffalo, a puff adder, ostrich, zebra and giraffes. 4 nights was also plenty.
They all served great food but I felt Ghost Mountain Inn topped the lot. The variety was amazing. We arrived at 10.30 but could not get into our room until 2 ish. The service was not so personal I guess because it is larger (far more than 50 rooms). We had been a bit spoilt at Rhino River! My daughter and I had some treatments at the Spa and loved it. We also went on a large boat trip on Jonzi and had a closer encounter with a large bull hippo and also a hike up Ghost Mountain with Patrick who was very informative and passionate about his people and his country. Isaac the other guide there took us on the boat trip and pointed out the sugar cane harvest on the way. he was very informative also.Lastly, Lalaria Lodge was fabulous and we all piled into the surf of the Indian Ocean. There was hardly anyone on the beach. It was "too cold" according to the landlady. The view from her terrace was of the ocean and whales breaching in the distance. I could have sat there all day. She very kindly provided us with a Scrabble board of her own for us to play. We took a Microlight ride from Ballito over the coastline in the hope of seeing whales and dolphins but no luck. If we had stayed longer we might have gone on a boat trip from Durban. We had a meal at a restaurant called Mozambique which was great fun with vast portions, plenty of carbs and fresh seafood!
The value of the Rand to the Pound was excellent and therefore we felt that we got excellent value which also played a large part!
Katrina P
reviewing South Africa Bush & Beach Safari For Families
on 02 September 2019
We had the most incredible time thank you. We loved Karen Blixen camp and felt part of a family there, it was incredibly special. And Breezes was very relaxing.
We can't fault all the transfers and the moment we were greeted on the tarmac at Nairobi airport we knew we were going to be well cared for.Thank you so much to you and all the Tourdust team for making it such a happy and memorable trip.
Zoe A
reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Beach
on 27 August 2019
Hi, just back home now as stayed in London last night. It was fab! We loved it! Amazing all round- Thankyou. Best holiday ever!!!
Accommodation great at both places, guides lovely, staff great. We saw more animals than ever expected: giraffes, lion, elephants, water hog, wilder beast, impala, white rhino, crocodiles, hippos in lake Sybia, monkeys in trees at Tonga.
Beach beautiful, but a bit windy, waves v rough but didn’t deter my boys. We snorkeled which was fab but too rough on day we booked to do ocean experience.
My boys swam in all pools!!!
Weather better than we expected!
Must go and do some laundry, but hope that helps?
Best Nicola
Nicola B
reviewing South Africa Luxury Safari & Beach Holiday
on 24 July 2019
Hi Lisa
We had an amazing holiday.
Everything was fantastic.
The transport wa spot on, great drivers, all on time, vans really comfortable and water supplied, a really nice way to travel, and you also get to hear all about the local area. Both companies were excellent.
Virgin - was a brilliant airline, not sure why I haven't used them before, SO much better than BA.
Rhino ridge was amazing from start to finish. We has a great female safari guide, who we got very fond of. The wildlife is more sparse but as its more challenging to find we enjoyed this, the surrounding are spectacular. Our guide had great knowledge of the birds. walking safari was excellent and highly recommend. The rooms were superb, very comfortable.
Thonga beach lodge staff were brilliant, the whole place was amazing, the range of activities excellent and again out guides excellent. The food was wonderful. Again the bird guiding and general guiding was brilliant. We really enjoyed the cultural side of our visit, seeing the local communities and church etc. My only comment on thonga for future guests would be if they can afford it maybe to go for a lodge with a ocean view, our lodge was great , the childrens was quite cramped and low down with a very damp musty smell - not that they noticed it, but I think if people were expecting luxury they might not get what they wanted... saying that it was fantastic for us. The lodge staff were amazing and went out of their way for us.
Oyster box was a phenomenal hotel and quite a shock to be back in the world after Thonga - but really worth the stay - we loved it, they Kindly gave us a room for the next day as we had a late flight.
The whole experience was brilliant and really well organised- thank you. We ALL loved everything!
On reflection:
we loved having transport rather than driving, it meant we could relax , sleep and find out about the country from the driver.
If we changed anything, I might spend a little less time at the beach and maybe take in another safari region also. We were repeatedly recommended the Phinda private game reserve (andBeyond) so maybe we would have spent a couple of nights there, in addition, local guides and the tour people said it would give good variety to the Rhino ridge.
However we were 100% happy with what we did, we really look forward to our next safari !!!
Best wishes
Ali
Alison D
reviewing South Africa Luxury Safari & Beach Holiday
on 23 July 2019
Hi lisa,
We arrived home last Sunday morning so we've been back for a week.
Firstly, I would like to say thank you very much for the superb arrangements that you made which went like clockwork from start to finish.
The term part of the trip went really well and we really enjoyed this. Our guide was really helpful and friendly as was our cook/ muleteer.
We loved the first nights accommodation and the Riad Adore in Marrakech was amazing and one of the best hotel accommodation I've stayed in.AlexMountain refuges were as expected.
All arrangements by Tourdust were just perfect right up to the moment we were collected by our friendly taxi driver to take us to the airport on our return.
I have passed Tourdust details on to several people both in Marrakech and since our return and I hope that these result in further bookings.
Many thanks!
Alex W
Alexander W
reviewing Classic Berber Villages & Toubkal Ascent
on 22 July 2019
Really brilliant being met in the airport off the plane. It got the holiday off to the right start and driver really chatty and knowledgeable. Great transfers to and from the camps with drivers that were like guides - pointing out animals and full of interesting facts. All really friendly.
4 Rosmead in Cape Town; We loved it here. Just the right side of plush and a lovely warm, friendly welcome. Breakfast were delicious. It was a real haven to come back to and even though it was small it didn’t feel intrusive. They were also really helpful with great places to eat.
Tours in Cape Town; Our guide, Bevan, gave us an incredible insight into the history of South Africa whilst also being really knowledgeable on wild life and nature. No question was too hard and his answers honest. He had an intern with him from a township and this allowed us a different perspective. Bevan was brilliant with my daughter. The Cape Point trip was a full on day with lots packed in. Our highlight was the penguins but we also really enjoyed seeing Cape Point and getting our first taste of the wild life to come! Our stand out experience in Cape Town had to be the tour of Masiphumelele. We’re so pleased that we did this as it gave us an insight of the lives of so many people in SA. The visibility of such poverty was tough going at times and we learned much about the harsh realities of living in a township such as how dwellings regularly burn down, TB & HIV incidence but equally we saw the resilience, warmth and resourcefulness of the residents. We loved being shown around the nursery and the library and the chance to have a very different experience. Being in someone’s home for lunch was a real privilege. We got such a lovely welcome there and the food was really delicious. The tribal dance routine felt a little forced and I wasn’t convinced there was much pride in the display. I think being shown a little more of the craft workshop or the older people’s group might have worked better. Although I can see how this allowed us have a purpose to go into the unofficial part of the township. All in all a moving experience that will stay with us both for years to come.
Getting around Cape Town; We quickly learnt from local people it’s not actually that safe walking around Cape Town except for in the Waterfront. Uber is the best way to travel - much safer and cheaper than the local cabs. The fares are ridiculously cheap.
Food/Going Out; There are so many great places to eat in Cape Town. The indoor food market at the Waterfront is an absolute must. A huge variety of food that is great quality. Also a great place to hang out for a while as there is always bands playing. The Waterfront overall was a pleasant way to do a bit of shopping. We got some great township art there. We ate at the Cod Father in Camp Bay. It was night so we couldn’t benefit from the incredible views. The food was incredible and really fresh. Really warm service too. The Nelson Eye? was also gorgeous for meat eaters. A slightly retro steak house but with the best meat (nor for vegetarians!). We had great steak, ribs and a divine mint crisp local dessert. We also found a lovely place on Kloof Street called the Dark Horse (its sister restaurant the Black Sheep was closed). Really excellent small plates and great selection of wines.
Moswari Game Reserve; This part of the holiday blew us away. The safari was spectacular. From our first game drive we saw and learnt so much about the incredible bush. We saw the Big Five within 24 hours (although we appreciate that must be unusual) but it wasn’t just that we saw them we saw them in amazingly dynamic situations - lion cubs suckling the lioness, rhino doing a strange greeting, a herd of 40 elephants at almost touching distance, a leopard eating its kill in a bush and then majestically descending. I could just go on. It wasn’t just these but also the wonderful giraffe sightings, all types of buck and antelope, a rainbow of different coloured birds. This was an unforgettable experience.
Our guide and tracker, Weinond and Bricks, were perfect. Weinond was a lovely gentle and sensitive man with an encyclopaedic knowledge for wildlife and nature. Bricks was a skilled tracker and I am certain that without him we would not have seen half of what we did. You could feel their passion for the animals and they seemed to take as much joy from a spot as we did. Whilst driving Weinond filled us with information about life in the bush. This meant we learnt so much about the habits and habitats of the magnificent animals and birds we were seeing.
The camp and rooms were top class. It was a small intimate camp with nicely spaced lodges for privacy. The view from our lodge was stunning. The room was large, beautifully furnished and with the best bathroom ever. If there was one thing that could be added it would be would be access to drinks in your room. Sometimes you want a beer or a nightcap without having to go all the way to the main camp.
The food was luscious. There was something for everyone and it was all of a really high standard and cooked to perfection. It was definitely restaurant standard. My only complaint is how much weight I’ve put in because I couldn’t resist!
The service throughout was warm, friendly and appropriate. Very professional.
We stayed for a night in the Giraffes Nest. This was a special, magical experience. The setting was fabulous and ‘nest’ itself beautifully decorated. It was winter so it was a cold night but they gave you lots of blankets and a cosy robe to help with that. Once in the best you we’re in your own but with radio connection back to the camp. Whilst we only spotted 2 animals during the night it was a special experience sleeping under a blanket of stars. It was a bit overpriced I think for what it is and I think in the winter it should be possible might to stay a bit longer in the morning ( we were collected 6 am to join our drive group) as this might mean you would see animals in the light.
Finally, I cannot recommend this camp enough to people. A truly spectacular holiday that we will never forget. I’ve definitely been bitten by the Africa bug!
Dara d
reviewing Cape Town & Kruger Safari
on 02 July 2019
We had a wonderful time! Our transfers (besides a bit of a wait when we arrived) were smooth. The gentleman that drove us to and from the airport also drove us to our hike and he was very nice and helpful, clean car and very accommodating.
Our tour guide on the first day, Mandy, was charming and insightful. It was a slow day in the markets but we appreciated the space and gave us a chance to hear all about the Souks. The gentlemen who was with her was a wealth of knowledge and both did a very nice job!
Our hike was awesome and our guide was great- he even took us to a cool waterfall and took great care of us; lunch in the mountains was delicious!
The hotel was so lovely and the staff was very accommodating and helpful. The food was great and the rooms very comfortable!
I did a good amount of damage in the market (often accused of being Berber;) and truly hope to be back next Spring... maybe a girls trip or perhaps I’ll bring my kiddos!
Thank you for organizing such a nice getaway for my husband and I; we will confidently recommend Tourdust to our friends!!
Jennifer H
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 12 June 2019
We had an amazing trip. Everything was well thought out and so much fun. What a great way to truly see the country and learn the culture.
Joseph was the perfect guide. Very kind, professional, knowledgeable and patient. The kids loved Joseph and keep asking when will they meet him again. He found the Big 5 for us which was unforgettable! Please pass along our appreciation to Joseph.
Maji Moto was also another incredible experience. They had great customer service and we loved experiencing their culture.
Sunbird was absolutely beautiful and I wish we had more time there. We loved the view of the lake!
One suggestion to make the trip even better for other guests in the future would be to have a cooler with drinks and snacks in the Jeep at all times because a ton of driving is involved and it would be helpful to have a cold drink and snacks during the long trip.
Thanks again for organizing this experience of a lifetime for us!
Brandon H
reviewing Maasai Family Adventure
on 12 June 2019
Thanks for all your help in making the arrangements, everything went so smoothly from landing in Jo’burg to departing a week later.
We all had a fantastic time, Kirsty (our youngest) was able to go on all the game drives and we were very well looked after both on the drives and back at the lodge. The food was great, staff were all very friendly & nothing was too much trouble for them (e.g. providing hot milk for Kirsty at bedtime). The kids all enjoyed the rock pool during the day and we all loved the game drives.
We were lucky enough to see all the big 5, with the additions of Cheetah & Wild Dogs. I think it was the second to last day before we managed to see some Hippo (and finally I’ve been able to take some photos of them - I have only ever seen them at night before). We had the adventure of being caught up with some Lionesses stalking a herd of Zebra (one of the younger Lionesses went a bit early & scattered the herd).
We’re certainly aiming to go on safari again although it will be a while before we save enough to go again (maybe the kids will be taking us next time!)
Jeff W
reviewing South Africa Safari and Mauritius
on 13 May 2019
