Matusadona National Park
Home to iconic wildlife species, Matusadona’s wide-open floodplains, shaded woodlands and towering mountains stand sentinel over the majestic Lake Kariba.
Experience Matusadona National Park
Matusadona National Park offers a uniquely varied wilderness experience on Lake Kariba’s remote southern shores. The park’s diverse ecosystem encompasses crucial aquatic breeding grounds, rich lakeshore grasslands, abundant valley-floor woodlands, and the rugged mountain range for which the park is named. A vital sanctuary, protecting many endangered species, the park is home to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, zebra, an impressive variety of antelope species as well as many aquatic dwellers – hippo, crocodile and hundreds of fish species. It also nurtures nearly 400 bird species —a remarkable abundance that showcases the park’s thriving biodiversity.
Visitors can experience the park’s rich habitat via a variety of exciting activities, from game drives and walking safaris to boat cruises and catch-and-release fishing excursions on Lake Kariba. Matusadona’s rich paleontological sites and cultural heritage add depth to the experience, offering insights into ancient life and local Tonga traditions.
As a crucial conservation area, Matusadona stands at the forefront of the Sebungwe Region’s wildlife restoration efforts, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness and actively support biodiversity conservation in action.
Self-Drive through the Park
From sunrise to sunset, visitors are free to explore the park’s exceptional landscape from their own vehicle.
Available For: Day Visitors, Tashinga Campsite, Wilderness Campsites, Tashinga Cottages
photo credit Melanie van Zyl
Guided Game Drives
Get a unique perspective of the park through the eyes of local guides when you hop on one of our morning or afternoon guided game drives.
Available For: All Visitors
photo credit Melanie van Zyl
Guided Walking Safaris
Set out on a two- to three-hour or half-day walk with one of our knowledgeable guides who will reveal the park’s hidden wonders.
Available For: All Visitors
Matusadona Trails
Embark on a multi-day hike through Matusadona’s rugged escarpment. These guided treks offer a raw wilderness experience, accessible only on foot – for fit, healthy adults. Advance bookings essential.
Available For: All Visitors
image credit Melanie Van Zyl
Boating
Enjoy Kariba’s fabled waters in your own boat or book a guided boating trip with us. Explore submerged forests, encounter diverse aquatic life, and witness spectacular wildlife gatherings.
Available For: All Visitors, Matusadona Bush Camps
Fishing
Experience the thrill of fishing on Lake Kariba, Ume River or the dramatic Sanyati Gorge, where the waters teem with diverse fish species.
Available For: All Visitors
Birdwatching
Birders can view around 400 species, including seldom-seen specials such as Taita falcon, African pitta, and Pel’s fishing-owl. The island heronry (accessible by boat) is a must.
Available For: All Visitors
Where We Are
Matusadona National Park is located in north-western Zimbabwe’s Mashonaland West Province on Lake Kariba’s southern shore.
Getting Here
Accessible via multiple routes: by road through the Magunje/Binga road, by air to various airstrips within the park, and by boat from Kariba town.
Unique and Scenic
While providing a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, the dramatic landscape of mountains and lakeshore cradles rich paleontological treasures and cultural heritage sites.
The Weather
May – September: warm days, cool nights, good wildlife viewing on floodplains. October – November: dry and hot, wildlife seeks watering points. December – April: thunderstorms, incredible sunsets and vibrant wildlife activity.
Where We Are
Matusadona National Park is located in north-western Zimbabwe’s Mashonaland West Province on Lake Kariba’s southern shore.
Getting Here
Accessible via multiple routes: by road through the Magunje/Binga road, by air to various airstrips within the park, and by boat from Kariba town.
Unique and Scenic
While providing a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, the dramatic landscape of mountains and lakeshore cradles rich paleontological treasures and cultural heritage sites.
The Weather
May – September: warm days, cool nights, good wildlife viewing on floodplains. October – November: dry and hot, wildlife seeks watering points. December – April: thunderstorms, incredible sunsets and vibrant wildlife activity.
Where to Stay
From nature-immersive wild camping and serviced campsites to self-catering and all-inclusive camps, Matusadona National Park has options for every budget and adventure-level.
Visiting Matusadona National Park is one of the best ways to support communities, wildlife conservation and the long-term success of Africa’s wild areas. Choose from the different accommodation options available below and enjoy a spectacular wildlife experience.
photo credit Melanie van Zyl
Tashinga Campsite
Under towering trees on the picturesque peninsula near the park’s north-west reception, the campsite has spectacular views of both sunrise and sunset over Lake Kariba’s expansive waters alongside an authentic wilderness experience.
photo credit Kelly Landrey
Tashinga Cottages
Raise the bar on camping and stay in one the park’s own handsome canvas cottages, tucked away in a quiet corner of the Tashinga peninsula. Self-catered, or enquire about hiring a chef or upgrade to fully-catered option.
photo credit Kelly Landrey
Matusadona Bush Camps
A secluded retreat offering authentic safari experiences. The camp moves seasonally, providing wildlife encounters in harmony with the rhythm of nature — all guided by expert local staff.
photo credit Bad Rabbit Studio
Wilderness Campsites
Immerse yourself in nature by choosing one of the park’s scenic wild campsites – or “road tripping” between a few and experiencing the diversity of Matusadona.
Rhino Safari Camp
Nestled amidst indigenous woodland and a sheltering island bay, the intimate, ‘barefoot’ Rhino Safari Camp with only seven twin rooms is renowned for personalised hosting and exceptional guiding.
Changa Safari Camp
Lying on Lake Kariba’s shores, Changa offers luxury tented accommodation with spectacular views. A serene sanctuary in Zimbabwe’s wilderness, ideal for nature enthusiasts.
Spurwing Island
Offering warm Zimbabwean hospitality and with varied activities on offer, Spurwing Island has long been a favourite among anglers and families.
Fothergill
Set just outside of the park Fothergill Island offers a singular experience from which to explore Matusadona’s wilds and Lake Kariba’s waters. Fothergill Island is renowned for its bespoke experiences and expert fishing guides.
More about Matusadona National Park
With its rich tapestry of habitats, at 1,407km2, Matusadona’s unique ecosystem fosters a biodiverse range of wildlife and plant life. The park gets its name from the rolling Matusadona hills that form part of its landscape, and is flanked by Lake Kariba in the north, while two perennial rivers, the Ume and the Sanyati, as well as other rivers and springs create an intricate network of waterways.
The park has a robust population of elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo, alongside typical lakeshore species such as hippo and waterbuck. Critically Endangered white-backed, hooded and white-headed vultures can be found alongside Endangered Grey crowned cranes, Lappet-faced vultures, Steppe and Martial eagles, Secretarybirds and Bateleur eagles. Cheetah and African wild dog pass through the park, while Temminck’s pangolin thrive within the park’s boundary. The Ume and Sanyati rivers are important spawning grounds for indigenous fish species, and the protected waters around the park support the critically endangered Kariba tilapia, the vulnerable longfin tilapia, near threatened mottled eel and African clawless otter.