Experiences, Aaccommodation

Tails from the Field - Matetsi Victoria Falls

Grand Africa Safaris > Blogs > Tails from the Field – Matetsi Victoria Falls

Share this post

Our fabulous staff have been out and about exploring our wonderful continent of Africa and one of the team was privileged to stay at the premier 5-star rated Matetsi Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. The team at Grand Africa Safaris are committed to bringing you up to date product information and recent feedback from the very best in premier lodges.

Region

Located in the Matetsi Private Game Reserve for an exceptional wildlife experience with access to 9.3 miles of private Zambezi River frontage.

How to get there

It is worth noting that Matetsi is a great lodge for a 3-night stay. 2 nights is simply not enough, as it is an hour drive from Victoria Falls and the main town and all the tourist activities and attractions. The lodge is an easy 45-minute drive from the town of Victoria Falls and also an easily accessible by road from Livingstone.

Property facilities

Upon arriving, it was hard not to stop by the extensive boutique which contained a lot of locally handmade crafts.

The property is split into the east and west camps where the central area features an incredible boutique, spa with a massage sala, 20m rim-flow lap pool that stretches along the river bank, fitness studio, main lounge area and expansive wine cellar that is eye-level with the river. The team welcomes your client on arrival at the turning circle and there is nothing spared in terms of hospitality and generosity. The East and West camps are identical in layout and offering so it almost feels like the lodge has 2 camps.

The main lounge area for the East Camp

The property is split into the east and west camps where the central area features an incredible boutique, spa with a massage sala, 20m rim-flow lap pool that stretches along the river bank, fitness studio, main lounge area and expansive wine cellar that is eye-level with the river

There is strong wifi throughout the lodge and in all the suites.

Situated right on the banks of the river, your client can expect to see an abundance of wildlife from their suite and main lodge area. The team member from Grand Africa Safaris was enjoying lunch when an elephant casually walked right past the dining area to snack on the grass along the river. It was truly special to be so close to nature and enjoy the view while enjoying a meal

Meals

Even though our staff member had actually arrived post lunch, the chef still assisted with serving a delicious a la carte spread. The freshness and quality of the food is brilliant. Light, healthy and insanely tasty!

Dinner was a traditional boma dinner with a professional choir who came through all the way from Hwange. It was by far the most noteworthy entertainment , and they knew how to entertain at the tempo of the dinner pace. So while guests were eating they sang soft traditional Tonga songs and then ended off with an incredible marimba and dance performance. Food was equally impressive with a plated starter and then a huge selection of delicious buffet style dishes that included lamb and salmon. Dessert was plated.

Breakfast is an a la carte menu

Matetsi Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation is made up for family suites with 2 bedrooms, an opulent 4-bedroom villa and 16 luxury suites. The suites are beautifully appointed and are wonderfully spacious with a wrap around deck and private plunge pool. All suites are river facing and have the most amazing large, round baths.

bathroom with a round bath and candles and a hanging chandelier at Matetsi Victoria Falls
A romantic round bath with awesome views over the Zambezi River

Guests are often treated to a bubble bath and delicious bedtime petit fours with a personal note. when they return from the afternoon safari

A luxury river suite that overlooks the Zambezi River

The suites are beautifully appointed and are wonderfully spacious with a wrap around deck and private plunge pool

The suites also have unique room drop hatches for morning coffee and snacks. There are splashes of blue decor and also themes of wood and copper throughout the lodge.

the west camp at Matetsi Victoria Falls with a pool and Zambezi River in the background
Themes of wood and copper throughout the lodge
There is also the Matetsi River House which is a private 4-bedroom villa. The perfect tranquil retreat for a large family or group of friends.

Property activities

We love Matetsi Victoria Falls as it combines safari, river, Victoria Falls and relaxation – what a combination!

We love Matetsi Victoria Falls as it combines safari, river, Victoria Falls and relaxation – what a combination

Lauren Barnard enjoying fishing at Matetsi Victoria Falls
Our staff member enjoying catch and release fishing

Game Drives on the vast 55 037-hectares private game reserve. Your client can also request a full day game drive with lunch. The night game drive was amazing as our staff got to see many nocturnal animals.

Daily game drives are part and parcel of the activities in the reserve

Guided bush walks are also possible with your decided ranger.

a lady on a guided bush walk with 2 rangers at Matetsi Victoria Falls
Guided bush walks are part of the recommended daily activities on the private reserve

Guided bush walks are also possible with your decided ranger

We also hear that they set up ice cream and champagne bicycles during after hot summer game drives, definitely one for the books Matetsi Victoria Falls!

During hot summer months ice cream and champagne is served during game drives

Water activities include river boat cruises along the 9 miles of river frontage, canoeing and catch-and-release tiger fish.

a boat cruise in the background with the Zambezi River with Ker & Downey Africa
Boat cruise on the Zambezi River is one of the water based activities on offer

Who is it suitable for

This incredible property is suitable for all types of travelers looking for that discerning experience of land and water based safari. We are sure that the combination will resonate with your clients.

One of the best vacation spots for couples, family and friends.

Quick fire questions

Why do you like it? The attention to detail is impressive. Tiger fishing on the Zambezi. Special turndown with bubble bath and hand written note from the housekeeper.
What do you think could be improved?
I can’t actually think of anything, the service was beyond impressive
What would you combine with this lodge?
Do they accept kids?
Yes, they accept children of all ages
Do the suites have plunge pools?
Yes
Amazing detail that you absolutely loved about the property? There is always a staff member close by to help with anything and there are phones in the lodge suites to dial through to reception if you need assistance with anything.

Thank you to Caroline who is truly an amazing camp manager that exudes professionalism and passion for what she does. Special mentions also to Mavis, Lancelot and Crawford the guide and tracker duo. All the staff are brilliant at their jobs and ensure that all guest’s stay are unforgettable.

Get in touch with one of our travel experts at Grand Africa Safaris today to include Matetsi Victoria Falls in your client’s itinerary.