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Matusadona National Park

Situated on Lake Kariba's southern shore, two-thirds of this 1,500 km² Park is accessible only by foot. Matusadona - the showpiece of Kariba

Area Map (opens anew window)

Comprising Zambezi Valley Escarpment, Valley Floor and Flood Plain, the park itself is not easy to get to by road, even in a 4x4, and is most easily accessed by boat from Spurwing, Musango and Sanyati Lodges or houseboats from Kariba Town.

Facts- Matusadona

* renowned for its good populations of all large predators such as lions, cheetah and leopard, making the sighting of these large predators an almost every day exciting experience.

* Is an intensive protection zone for the endangered black rhino and regular sightings are made of these rare animals on foot and by vehicle.

* Resident wildife in the park are good elephant populations which are always present in the game viewing areas.

* Also good numbers of other large animals such as hippo, buffalo, crocodile, impala and kudu occur.

* Over 400 bird species.

Elephant,antelope, buffalo,cats and crocodile are plentiful. Specialties of Matusadona include black rhino and an unusually high density of lion.

The bird life is exceptional due to the varied habitats with over 400 species of bird recorded.

The lake is tiger fish territory, which is a renowned fighting fish and is reputed to be the best pound for pound fighting fresh water fish in the world.

The "drowned forests" that line many parts of the Matusadona form one of the most striking features of the lake shore.Although they make navigation difficult, these dead trees provide important habitats for a wide variety of species.

Torpedo grass - fodder of wild animals

The drawdown zone between high and low water is covered with a dense growth of torpedo grass (panicum repens) around much of the Matusadona shoreline.

In certain areas e.g. west of Fothergill Island, this grass forms extensive swards on which a large variety of mammals can be seen.
Torpedo grass is indigenous to the Zambezi region and is abe to survive under water, regenerating when it is re-exposed.

The grasslands provide vital reserves of grazing for elephant, buffalo, hippo, impala, waterbuck and zebra.

The expansion of the Matusadona's buffalo population has been attributed to the large quantity of fodder provided by these grasslands.

Elephant and Buffalo can often be seen swimming between the mainland and the offshore islands.

Accommodation- safari lodges at Matusadona

Spurwing Island

Close to Fothergill airstrip and a 45 minute speedboat trip from Kariba. This Island safari lodge has 4x4 "splash" access to Matusadona park - ideal for groups and weddings.

Sanyati Lodge:

On lake Kariba shoreline at the mouth of Sanyati Gorge, this luxury safari lodge supplies 5 star service.

Perfect for Honeymoons and small conferences

Musango

On it's own island on lake Kariba. This exclusive safari camp is ideal for those wishing to experience wildlife with the best guides

Activities at Matusadona

Game Drives - The photos on this page were taken on the same game drive. - plenty to see

Game Cruises - Into Sanyati Gorge or along the Matusadona shoreline

Fishing - Tiger fishing is the favourite

Walking Safaris in Matusadona

(Both Spurwing and Musango lodges can arrange walking excursions into the park.)

Excellent conferences, weddings and honeymoon destination

Houseboat rental from Kariba

WHEN TO GO

Matusadona park is open all year round. Kariba map

GETTING THERE:

By Air

There are airstrips at Fothergill Island, Tashinga and Bumi Hills. We can arrange charter transfers from Victoria falls for up to 17 passengers at a time. Contact Us

By Boat

from Kariba - 45 minutes, sheltered mooring at the lodges if you bring your own boat

Road access

to Matusadona is via the gravel road that runs from Kamativi near Binga to Karoi. Approx. 150 km west of Karoi, a signposted turnoff leads into the park through the Chifudze gate.

Alternatively from Bulawayo or Harare travel to Kwe Kwe and turn towards Gokwe. The road is tar all the way to where it meets the Binga - Karoi road.

Next Lodge: Musango Lodge >>