Matetsi Private Game Reserve: Africa at Its Most Beautiful

I visited Matetsi in May and it very quickly became one of the most special places I’ve ever been. It’s the sort of place I’ll never forget. Not just for the scenery or the wildlife, but the feeling of absolute peace and space. There’s something about being on the banks of the Zambezi, deep in the bush yet so close to Victoria Falls, that stays with you long after you’ve left.

First Impressions at Matetsi Private Game Reserve

The lodge itself is beautiful. It’s the perfect place to end a safari itinerary. Days unfold slowly here. You can wake up to elephants drinking from your private plunge pool, enjoy a river cruise chasing hippos and crocs, explore the bush on foot with an expert guide, and then spend the evening sitting by the fire with a glass of wine, listening to the sounds of the bush coming alive at night.

There’s a real sense of purpose behind it too. The Gardiner family, who own Matetsi, have dedicated years to restoring this land and protecting the wildlife. You feel that pride and care in every conversation, every game drive, every small detail. It’s a place that makes you want to stay longer and makes leaving feel harder than it should.

Wilderness at Matetsi Private Game Reserve

Matetsi sits within a 55,000-hectare private game reserve, with 15 miles of uninterrupted Zambezi riverfront. The scale of it is hard to describe until you’re there. It feels truly wild. There are no fences and no other vehicles crossing into your sightings, which makes every drive feel personal and unhurried. The landscape shifts from open plains to teak forest to riverbanks busy with hippos and crocodiles.

You can see four of the Big Five here, though it’s not the kind of place where game viewing is guaranteed. What you will see in abundance are elephants, giraffe, zebra, kudu and impala. I was lucky enough to spot a lioness one morning, and even luckier to see a hunting leopard on my final game drive. There’s buffalo and wild dog too, and for birders it’s paradise with hundreds of species around the river and bush.

The Lodges at Matetsi Private Game Reserve

The lodge itself is stylish but understated, designed to blend into the surroundings rather than compete with them. Suites are spaced out along the river, each with a private plunge pool and floor-to-ceiling glass that keeps the river in view at all times. Inside, it’s all polished concrete, wood, and copper details that pick up the colours of the bush. There’s a spa, a well-equipped gym, a lap pool overlooking the water, and some of the best food I’ve eaten on safari — but nothing feels over the top. It’s comfortable and luxurious, but still feels connected to where you are.

Victoria Falls

It’s also the perfect base for exploring Victoria Falls. The lodge is just a 40-minute drive from the Falls, and Matetsi offers guided excursions if you want to combine safari with one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. You can visit for a few hours, stop for lunch in town, and still be back at the lodge in time for an afternoon game drive or a sunset river cruise. It’s a combination that’s hard to find - proper safari, Victoria Falls, and a beautiful place to unwind, all in one stay.

One of the most unforgettable experiences at Matetsi is the helicopter flight from the lodge’s private helipad, soaring over the reserve, along the Zambezi, and then through the Batoka Gorge to Victoria Falls. The flight begins right from the lodge and follows the winding river until the Falls come into view — an aerial panorama that no ground tour can match.

This scenic flight is included for guests staying four nights or more, and lands you directly into Victoria Falls town for a guided walk, before heading back to Matetsi in time for an afternoon game drive or a sunset cruise. If you want to elevate the experience even further, you can upgrade to a private helicopter transfer to or from Victoria Falls Airport, cutting out the road journey entirely and making every part of the trip feel special.

Entry-level suites at Matetsi start from around $1,250 per person per night, fully inclusive of all meals, drinks, game drives, river cruises, and transfers to and from Victoria Falls. Rates increase for the private villa or during peak season.

If you’d like help planning a trip to Matetsi — whether as a standalone safari or combined with a longer Southern Africa itinerary — get in touch and I’ll help you build the perfect journey.