Matetsi Victoria Falls

Matetsi Victoria Falls sits on the southern bank of the Zambezi River inside Matetsi Private Game Reserve — 55,000 hectares of riverine forest, open grassland, baobabs and acacia woodland in Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe. The reserve holds fifteen kilometres of private river frontage and lies forty kilometres upstream from Victoria Falls, which guests reach by road transfer or helicopter.

The lodge divides into two river-facing camps, East and West, each holding nine suites including two family suites. Each suite has a private plunge pool, outdoor shower, and a deck over the river. Family suites connect an adult suite to a children's room through a secure enclosed passageway. The four-bedroom River House villa, positioned between the two camps, is available on an exclusive-use basis and comes with a private chef, butler, dedicated guide and tracker, and its own vehicle. The whole lodge can also be booked on full or part exclusive-use terms.

Interiors were designed by a Zimbabwean architect around the theme of life on the river: hand-beaten copper fittings, clay-pot light fittings, and fish-trap detailing made by local artisans. The on-site team is entirely Zimbabwean.

Game drives go out twice daily into the reserve, where elephant and buffalo move in large herds and the reserve also supports lion, leopard, spotted hyena, African wild dog, and sable antelope. Guided bush walks, boat cruises along the private river stretch, catch-and-release fishing, and guided tours of Victoria Falls are all available. A spa, wine cellar, and outdoor pool are on the property.