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Matusadonha Park- Showpiece of Kariba

Matusadona - boasts a unique combination of remote and rugged wilderness with the water frontage of Lake Kariba

- recognized as having the second largest concentration of wild lions in Africa

- Its poor accessibility by road and harsh internal network of roads keeps the crowds and traffic out

- two-thirds of this 1,500 km² Park is accessible only by foot

- enclosed by the Umi river to the west and Sanyati gorge to the east

Facts- Matusadonha National Park

elephants * 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. In fact they are penned at night and released in the morning

* 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

Campsites

Tashinga Camp
The Park has a camping site at Tashinga on the lake shore. There is an ablution block with hot and cold water, showers, toilets, wash basins and baths. Firewood and braai facilities are available. Some of the camping sites have sleeping shelters.

Sanyati Camp
There is a smaller camping site at Sanyati consisting of 6 sites, each with a braai stand. There is an ablution block with hot and cold water and laundry trough.

Changachirere Camp
Changachirere Camping Site is an exclusive camping site that caters for one party of a maximum of 10 persons. The facility has a mini-ablution block and shelter.

Undeveloped bush camps
There are also 2 totally undeveloped bush camping sites at Jenje and Kanjedza for up to a maximum of 10 persons per camp. Visitors must be fully equipped and have a four wheel drive vehicle for this section.

Exclusive Campsites

Ume - Situated close to Tashinga airstrip on the east bank of the Bumi River, 55 kilometres from Kariba by boat.

Muuyu - Situated at Elephant Point, 44 kilometres from Kariba by boat.

Mbalabala - Also situated on the Bumi River upstream around 300 metres beyond Ume Camp

Other exclusive camp sites can be found at Maronga close to the Chifudzi substation and Kautsiga sited on the escarpment which is ideal for hikers and climbers.

Attractions & Activities

Unbridled adventure in the extreme wild
Hiking and escarpment climbing
Game viewing along the lake shoreline from the safety of houseboats
Fishing in the rivers and inlets
Bird watching in the breathtaking Sanyati Gorge
Game drives
Boating and canoeing safaris