Responsive image

Matetsi River Lodge

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Exclusive riverside camp
- Game drives and walks in private concession
- Land and water based activities
- Excursions to Victoria Falls

Speak to someone who's been there

Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 855 686 7694

Enquire

Overview

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.

Nearby Alternatives

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 540 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • We had such a good holiday. You did a fantastic job!

    The house in Marrakesh was ridiculous. We effectively had it to ourselves. The accommodation was borderline palatial.

    I actually think that the time we had in Marrakesh was sufficient. We could potentially have done a day by a pool but I think we’d done enough souk-ing by the end of Day Two.

    The hotel in the mountains was a shade more rustic than I was expecting, but all great fun. Stunning views. The guide / mule / cook team were excellent and our guide (Hassan) tailored the treks to our capabilities well. He was superb, and really made an effort with the kids. The second and third day of trekking were particularly good. Such an adventure for the kids.

    All the logistics worked seamlessly. Every aspect went like clockwork. Top marks. The advice on tipping was also much appreciated (I hate thinking that I’m getting mugged off or am potentially not giving enough…).

    From my seven-year-old son:

    I thought it was GREAT. The food was amazing and the culture was very interesting. My favourite bit was scrambling up rocks in the Atlas Mountains.

    In retrospect, I’d probably do the trip in reverse. Flopping on the roof terrace after the rigours of the mountains would have been even more satisfying.

    MissingHenry O reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 05 June 2025

  • We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.

    MissingEmma M reviewing Best of Botswana for Families on 18 November 2024

  • We had an amazing experience - absolutely loved it.
    Mohamed and Said were great and very patient especially with me going downhill - was quite nervous about the scree slopes and paths.

    Will be a trip we remember forever

    MissingMaritta B reviewing Atlas Valleys & Villages Trek - Value on 11 November 2024

+
See more reviews

Decisions...

Stop searching and speak to someone who knows.

Enquire Now