Along the mighty Zambezi River in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, lies a sanctuary of uncompromising luxury within its own 136,000-acre pristine wilderness. Family-owned and independently run, Matetsi Victoria Falls offers an immersive experience that awakens all of your senses in Zimbabwe’s Matetsi Private Game Reserve. Led by co-founder Sara Gardiner, who is Zimbabwean-born and now Victoria Falls-based, Matetsi presents the refined elegance of a world-class resort; one that goes far beyond just a thrilling game drive.
Boasting nine miles of private river frontage, the property features just 16 suites, two family suites, and an exclusive private villa, all river-facing. This is truly one of the great African safari experiences and a place where the barrier between the discerning traveler and the wild is beautifully and seamlessly dissolved. Matetsi presents guests with the ideal combination of safari, river, relaxation, and tours of the nearby Victoria Falls, all in one.
An Architectural Ode to ‘The River of Life’
Presenting a design philosophy rooted in deep respect for the land and its people, the lodge’s aesthetic is ever-present with the rich cultural heritage of the region. Grounded in a deep respect for the surrounding landscape and its people, the space welcomes guests with an organic, earthy palette of wood, natural stone, and polished concrete.
Dotting the banks of the Zambezi, the suites and villas’ exterior facades of vertical matepi wood present a de facto barrier against the wild behind, welcoming the luxury within. From the hanging mokoros (dug-out canoes), fish-trap-inspired light features, hand-woven screens, and clay-pot down-lighters, Zimbabwean village life is beautifully presented to connect guests to the country’s colorful history. Whether lounging on the outdoor couches or dipping your toes into your private plunge pool, guests enjoy a front-row seat to the daily theater of the river, ensuring that even moments of solitude are deeply connected to the wild.
Curated Wilderness and Exploration
Living without fences means the wild comes to you, with animals passing through the camp at their leisure. Yet, the true magic unfolds on their bespoke, expert-led excursions. Immersive journeys that spark wide-eyed fascination and unforgettable, heart-racing excitement. Unlike crowded national parks, this pristine wilderness area offers an exclusive theater for wildlife encounters.
Morning and evening game drives in custom-built, open-air 4×4 vehicles reveal the reserve’s flourishing populations of elephant, buffalo, lion, and leopard, alongside the majestic sable antelope. Guests can also opt for water-based safaris, allowing intimate access to the mighty Zambezi. On their private riverboats, with a gin and tonic in hand, the distant trumpet of an elephant and the grunting of the curious hippopotamus just perfectly with the beautiful hues of an unobstructed sunset.
For those seeking to visit one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the lodge facilitates seamless, guided journeys to the nearby Victoria Falls. In contrast to the wild serenity of the reserve, guests can book a helicopter ride for views above the massive cascading waterfall (the more adventurous can book bungee jumping, a river gorge swing, or a zipline experience) before walking alongside the largest curtain of falling water on the planet. With the ever-present mist and spray at your face, you’ll witness breathtaking, vibrant rainbows arching across the gorge, and understand why this majestic spectacle is known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, ‘The Smoke That Thunders.
A Pan-African Epicurean Journey
Back on property, the culinary program at Matetsi is a vibrant celebration of Pan-African flavors. Utilizing hyper-local, sustainably sourced ingredients, the chefs transform traditional Zimbabwean staples into exquisite, contemporary dishes. From breakfasts served on a sweeping deck overlooking the river, lunches out in the bush beneath the shade of ancient mangosteen trees, menus are sophisticated yet unpretentious.
While the wildlife just beyond calms for the evening, the chefs bring that fervor of the day into special evening dining experiences. Guests can choose a menu du jour in the main dining area or an evening inspired by traditional African cuisine in the boma; all meals are complemented by an exceptional range of wines from the lodge’s extensive, subterranean wine cellar. The absolute highlight is when the lodge brings all the guests together beneath an ancient Winterthorn tree for an unforgettable bush dinner, lit by glowing lanterns, a roaring campfire, and a brilliant canopy of southern stars.
The Ultimate Zambezi Retreat with Conservation Everpresent
Since the conservation-minded Gardiner family became custodians of the property in 2014 — at a time when the area’s wildlife had been almost decimated by poaching — they have created a luxurious enclave at Matetsi Private Game Reserve. The family has spent millions of dollars building hundreds of kilometers of roads, 21 solar-powered boreholes to provide water for wildlife, and restoring this vibrant ecosystem, which is protected by the Amaganyane anti-poaching unit, comprising 55 APU scouts and a K-9 unit.
Matetsi Victoria Falls represents the pinnacle of the modern luxury safari. From its meticulous design, unparalleled service, and informative and thrilling game drives, it is more than just a luxurious space to see some animals. Beyond its lap pool and serene spa, which offers a menu of holistic treatments using indigenous African botanicals, the deep connection to the land is ever-present.
To learn more or to book a safari, visit ultimateafrica.com.