Matetsi River Lodge showcases two intimate camps of just nine river-facing suites each, including two family suites, each with is own main area and the Matetsi River House, a 4-bedroomed sole-use villa with two bedrooms (2 x parents , 2 x children) that is perfect for multigenerational travel.

The suites are encased in local and repurposed materials that reference the ancient fishing and basket-weaving traditions of the region. A lovely ensuite bathroom boasts indoor and outdoor showers as well as a deep circular bath, which looks out over the Zambezi. A private veranda offers a refreshing plunge pool and a comfortable sitting area that overlooks the river.

Each camp features its own guest area with a variety of dining spaces, an interactive kitchen, a convivial bar area and an al fresco area that encircles a blazing fire bowl. Guests also have the opportunity to take advantage of an extensive Safari Shop, a fitness centre, wine cellar and a massage sala. A 20 meter long, rim-flow swimming pool stretches along the riverbank.

Matetsi River Lodge is located about 40 km (24 miles) above the Victoria Falls on the banks of the Zambezi River. Driving time to Victoria Falls is about 60 minutes. The lodge is situated within Matesi Game Reserves on a 50 000 ha private wildlife concession and guests have access to 15km (9.3 miles) of private Zambezi River frontage.

The Zambezi River rises in north-western Zambia and crosses several African countries on its 2700 km journey to the Indian Ocean. The river also forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. At Victoria Falls, the water falls for more than 100m into Batoka Gorge, over a width of nearly two kilometers. The falls are called 'Mosi-oa-Tunya' or 'the Smoke that Thunders', as the spray can be seen from miles away and, at the height of the rainy season, more than five hundred million cubic meters of water per minute plummet over the edge.

Big herds of elephant and buffalo, kudu, roan & sable, hippo, lion, leopard, wild dogs, heyena and more than 366 bird species.

The lodge offers sundowner boat trips on board of one of their private boats or canoe adventures on the Zambezi. Game Drives and walking safaris in Matetsi Game Reserve are on offer too. A visit to Victoria Falls is included, combined with high tea at Victoria Falls Hotel.

The following activities can be arranged at extra cost: Helicopter and microlight flights, white water rafting, horse riding and a visit to the falls on the Zambian side of the Zambezi - to name but just a few.

Different times of the year will provide completely different experiences of the Falls region. Peak flood season starts in April when the full power of the Falls can be experienced in all its glory. Due to the masses of spray rising from the fallen water, the full width of the Falls cannot be seen on foot. The aerial view at this time is spectacular, with clouds of spray rising high into the sky.

As the floods abate the view of the Falls gets better and better through the year, but at it’s lowest, around November and December the Falls become little rivulets running over the edge and in some places along the 1,7km width, no water falls at all. At this time of the year the falls can be visited on foot from the Zambian side. Visitors can actually walk on top of the falls ... there are also boats that take you to Livingstone Island from where visitors swim to Devil's Pool, a little pool located right on the edge of the falling water.

At the time of low water, white water rafting in the Batoka Gorge becomes impossible in some places as the rapids become too dangerous. Should you wish to do whiter water rafting, it is usually best to visit from August to December.

SwissAfrican Travel Service
Dammstrasse 27
8702 Zollikon
Zurich, Switzerland


Telephone: +41 (0)44 451 40 51