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MATETSI GAME LODGES

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 carrying a maximum of 8 guests, with professional guides and trackers to help find animals, 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. Canoeing 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.

There are two lodges at Matetsi: Water Lodge, on the banks of the mighty Zambezi teaming with life and Safari Camp located further inland, surrounded by grassy African savannah and overlooking a very active waterhole and seasonal wetland.

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.

Matetsi Safari Camp successfully marries the tents and candlelight of colonial-style safari, with the modern conveniences of air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms and solid teak construction. There are only twelve tents at the camp arranged around a living room, dining area and pool set on burnished teak decking. The simple bedrooms are almost wall to wall glass. Leave your blinds open at night and you will be rewarded by one of the most glorious sunrises imaginable! The food at both camps is deliciously simple with significant Mediterranean overtones.

Ecotourism angle

Matetsi was a pioneer of photographic ecotourism in Zimbabwe. Prior to being leased by Conservation Corporation Africa 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 Conservation Corporation Africa's long-standing dedication to nature conservation was decisive.

Matetsi has subsequently been modelled on the so-called 'Londolozi model': "Our goal is to create a model in wise land management, integrating international travelers and rural people to their mutual benefit and demonstrating that wildlife can be used on a sustainable basis by all."

Conservation Corporation Africa 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. Among other awards, Matetsi was winner of the ZTA's 1997 Award for the Greatest contribution to Tourism Development in Zimbabwe.

To find out more about Matetsi Game Lodges, or to make a reservation, call toll-free in the USA

1-888-227-8311 or email us.

CLASSIC AFRICAN PORTFOLIO - Victoria Falls