Matusadona National Park

Matusadona Safaris, Zimbabwe

Bordering Lake Kariba, it is no surprise to learn that Matusadona National Park is famously packed with animals. A mixture of grassy floodplains and rugged hill country, Matusadona offers sanctuary for some of Zimbabwe's biggest elephant and buffalo herds, many of which use the park as a vital staging post on cross-country migrations.

It is also home to arguably the greatest concentrations of lions outside Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater as well as healthy numbers of leopards and spotted hyenas. Cheetahs and wild dogs are regularly seen, and lucky visitors may even get the chance to tick off both black and white rhino.

The Matusadona Safari Experience

A Matusadona safari revolves around the rhythm of the lake. Early morning game drives patrol the lakeshore for big cats on the prowl while your afternoon could be taken up by a leisurely boat cruise on the lake, watching hippos and crocodiles sun themselves as nervous antelope make their way down to drink. Great for bird watching, it is also a destination where the more adventurous can stretch their legs and enjoy a walking safari in the company of expert guides and armed rangers.

Changa Safari Camp, Matusadona National Park

When to go

The best time to go to Matusadona National Park is during the May to October dry season. As the rest of the park dries up, animals arrive at the lakeshore in increasing numbers and diversity. Visitors enjoy mild sunny days and cold nights from May to August but hot and sometimes humid temperatures in September and October. Once the rains have arrived in earnest by around December, Matusadona is largely inaccessible and much of the wildlife retreats into the park's remote back country.

Getting to Matusadona

A fly-in destination, Matusadona is just a short hop from Victoria Falls and makes a great combination with Zimbabwe's other heavyweight reserves such as Hwange or Gonarezhou. Have a look at our Matusadona tours and safaris or simply chat to one of our Africa Safari Experts for more information: they know all the right combinations and will create a fully tailored tour with the best accommodation and smooth-running logistics.

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What travellers most enjoyed about Matusadona National Park

Bird watching

Sunset cruises and boating

Walking safaris

Wildlife and safari

Explore these Matusadona National Park Resources
Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe
Suites at Bumi Hills are designed to provide guests with chic serenity. Blending limitlessly into the horizon. Beautifully designed en suite bathrooms. Delicious international and local cuisine to be enjoyed. Spend memorable evenings around a boma fire. Fantastic hilltop location with views of Lake Kariba. Intimate wine and dining terraces at Bumi Hills.

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

Activities Travellers Enjoyed
Animal tracking experience Bird watching Boat excursions Cultural visits
Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe
As tempting as Lake Kariba is, better keep your swimming to Changa's sparkling Late afternoon is a time for cold drinks & safari stories - best served out on a game drive! Enjoy the view from camp while sipping on a fresh steaming cup of coffee. Timber, thatch & African art pieces lend a classic safari ambience to Changa Safari Camp. Guided game drives uncover the secrets of the Lake Kariba environment. Time for a coffee! And there are few better settings. A private setting on Lake Kariba means Changa Safari Camp offers activities ranging from game drives to fishing.

Changa Safari Camp

Activities Travellers Enjoyed
Bird watching Boat excursions Fishing Game drives
Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe
Musango provides exceptional safari experiences, combining game drives with boat safaris on the lake. Musango’s six tented chalets have a thatched roof and stone walls for protection against the sun. Musango has a large deck on raised stilts where guests can enjoy game views. Meals are international dishes infused with local ingredients and with an African twist.
Musango Camp has a welcoming, double-storey building with comfortable lounge and a well-stocked bar. This is big game country where elephant, buffalo and hippo may be spotted. Located in rugged a landscape of mountains and giant riverside trees.

Musango Safari Camp

Activities Travellers Enjoyed
Animal tracking experience Bird watching Boat excursions Canoeing