Matetsi Game Lodge

Matesti is located in the north of an enormous trans-border conservation area which incorporates Zimbabwe's Hwange and Zambezi National Parks, as well as Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta in Botswana. It lies along an ancient migratory route for the vast herds of elephant and other game animals which inhabit this conservation area, and there are no fences to limit these age-old movements of wildlife back and forth to the Zambezi river. At Matetsi you can experience the best of three worlds: Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River and the African Bush.

Game-drive safaris at Matetsi are conducted in specially adapted open Landrovers, with professional guides to locate and then provide interesting background information about Africa's spectacular wildlife. Interpretive bush walks with your guide and tracker are an absolute highlight, and provide even deeper and more 'hands-on' insight into the many intricate eco-systems of the African bush.

Zimbabwe is famous throughout Africa for the quality of its guides, and the extensive training and apprenticeship (lasting up to five years) that they must pass through before being licensed to lead guests on safari. In addition, Matetsi offers a variety of other interesting activities. A daily shuttle will take you on a short 50 minute drive to view the mighty Victoria Falls. Canoing down the languid Zambezi river, 25 miles upstream from the roaring falls, is another highlight at Matetsi, as are sundowners on a riverboat cruise, or fishing for the Zambezi's famous Tiger Fish.

Matetsi Water Lodge is separated into three individual intimate camps of six suites each. It achieves a sophisticated yet sensitive harmony of teak, slate and thatch. Upholstery is a muted blue and white, reminiscent of the river flowing past. Each air-conditioned suite boasts a private river-facing deck with a plunge pool, an enormous en-suite bathroom and solid teak furnishings. The six thatched chalets surround an open-air lounge and dining area. Leave your heavy teak doors open, closing only the screens, and each morning wake to a chorus of hippos urging you out of bed for a new adventure.

Matetsi was a pioneer of photographic ecotourism in Zimbabwe. Prior to being leased by &Beyond in 1994, the Matetsi concession was used for big game hunting. The risks involved in putting up the capital to outbid the hunters for the concession, and then dedicate the area to non-consumptive photographic ecotourism were enormous, but &Beyond's long-standing dedication to nature conservation was decisive.

&Beyond has used its presence across Africa to translocate game that is abundant in one area to other areas where these species have become rare or extinct. It is also highly respected across Africa for its efforts at community empowerment through its Rural Investment Fund. The program's goals are to facilitate social and economic infrastructure; to promote sustainable usage of available natural resources and to encourage the establishment of small enterprises linked to eco-tourism.

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