Matetsi Victoria Falls Zimbabwe

Matetsi Victoria Falls Lodge is one of the newest camps on the rivers banks of the Zambezi on the beautiful Zimbabwean side of the river. Privately owned by the lovely John Gardiner along with the superb family team, they have managed to combine top of the range luxury hospitality, passion for conservation and social development within their home land of Zimababwe and the result being what you see on the river banks today, Matetsi Victoria Falls.

Working alongside the well-known local architect Kerry Van Leenhoff, dynamic hotelier Franco Rienzo, plus the work of local and extremely talented artists, artisans, game rangers and hospitality staff, Matetsi Victoria Falls Lodge is really second to none with all the work involved when it comes to running this superb lodge. They ooze creativity and the finest safari experiences, cultural experiences which all show how fantastic this place is, but also how varied, rich and stunning the wilderness is and the beauty of the Zimababwean people are.

The location in which Matetsi Victoria Falls Lodge lies is snuggled on the banks of the river within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Victoria Falls. Not only beautiful in scenery but is also steeped in the most fascinating history as well. Set on a private 15km stretch of the Zambezi River, within 55,000 hectares of private game reserve and just 40km upriver from the rumble of Victoria Falls, Matetsi Victoria Falls is stunningly unique in offering both world-class safari experience and an idyllic retreat from which to visit the falls and enjoy pure and utter relaxation in complete luxury.

The lodge itself comprises of two intimate river-facing camps. Both camps include eight luxurious suites and one two-bedroom family suite. River Lodge guests are looked after by their own personal butler along with having the option of booking a private safari vehicle all to themselves.

The difference between the two camps are as follows: Matetsi River House is incredibly spacious with exclusive use villas offering four air-conditioned en-suite bedrooms plus a huge range of other facilities you are able to choose from. Guests are looked after by a superbly dedicated team including a private chef, butler, guide and tracker.

At Matetsi River Lodge and Matetsi River House guests are able to enjoy and open spaced east and west bar, bomas and social dining facilities as well as the most phenomenal wine cellar with a wine list that just doesn’t seem to end – perfect for all those budding wine connoisseurs. Shane Ellis is the lodges Zimbabwean Executive Chef who provides all the guests with a fresh and ever evolving menu including many international and locally sourced fine foods.

There are many al fresco lounge areas to choose from, a 20m lap pool overlooking the stunning views of the Zambezi River. Fitness studios to take advantage of and after your work out perhaps a tempting massage to smooth out those overworked knots in overstretched muscles. Relax in the well-stocked library and boardroom, then if that isn’t enough peruse the shop they have on site equipped with locally made produce. There are Ipod docs dotted around the rooms and the lodge itself, in room Bluetooth speakers a complimentary laundry service and just to finish it off a complimentary in-room and lodge wifi.

Enjoy activities the lodge offers from Zambezi river boat cruises, canoeing, morning, evening and night game drives, full day game drives (picnic in tow!), a bird watchers paradise you can bird watch from your room, stretch those legs with a walking safari, grab a rod and cast out a line in the hope of catching a tiger fish or tilapia. At an additional cost there is professional fishing available for those who really want the ‘tight line’ experience.

If the above list of activities doesn’t tantalise the taste buds, Matetsi Victoria Falls also offer excursions to the falls themselves and can include the likes of the ‘flight of the angels’ scenic helicopter flight, guided tours of the falls themselves and the rainforest – the history surrounding Victoria Falls is incredibly fascinating and a full tour is worth it. To finish all of this hub of activities, top it off with a delicious high tea overlooking the falls.