Matusadona National Park

Situated on the shores of Lake Kariba, Matusadona is a rugged and scenic park known for its significant black rhino population and large herds of buffalo...

Matusadona National Park at a Glance

Location
Zambezi Valley & Kariba, Zimbabwe, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-16.968525, 28.610226
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season) for game viewing. February to May for Victoria Falls at peak flow.

Getting to Matusadona National Park

Nearest airport: Tiger Bay, 21 km away.

Nearest international airport: Kariba International Airport (KAB), 58 km away.

Big Five in Matusadona National Park

5 of the Big Five can be found here: African Buffalo, Leopard, Leopard Tortoise, Lion, Black Rhinoceros.

Wildlife in Matusadona National Park

Home to 91 recorded species including 34 waterbirds, 22 iconic birds, 14 birds of prey, 5 big five, 4 big herbivores, 3 reptiles.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Matusadona National Park

10 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Zambezi Valley & Kariba

Visitor Tips - Matusadona National Park

Matusadona offers a truly wild and uncrowded safari experience, where the dramatic landscapes of Lake Kariba meet the rugged bushveld. We particularly love the unique perspective of game viewing by boat, often encountering elephants and buffalo along the shoreline. It feels like stepping back in time, a genuine wilderness where nature dictates the pace.

Gate Times

Typically, Matusadona's gates open at 6:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM, though these times can vary slightly with sunrise and sunset. We strongly recommend pre-booking your permits through your safari operator or directly with National Parks to ensure smooth entry and avoid delays. It is always best to confirm exact times with your lodge or guide upon arrival.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and a meaningful way to show appreciation for excellent service. For your main safari guide, we suggest USD 15-25 per guest per day. Camp staff, including housekeepers, waiters, and general support, typically receive USD 5-10 per guest per day, often pooled in a central box for fair distribution. For specialist rangers on walking safaris or boat cruises, USD 10-15 per guest per activity is appropriate. Always tip discreetly, ideally in an envelope at the end of your stay.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Zimbabwe

Travel advisory for Zimbabwe

Matusadona National Park FAQs

How does Matusadona's unique location on Lake Kariba enhance wildlife viewing experiences, particularly for its iconic species?

The park's lakeside position allows for exceptional water-based safaris, offering close encounters with elephants and buffalo grazing along the shoreline and diverse birdlife. While black rhinos are incredibly elusive and require dedicated tracking on land, boat cruises provide a different perspective on the ecosystem and its inhabitants.

What is the best time of year to visit Matusadona National Park for optimal wildlife viewing and comfortable travel conditions?

The dry season, from May to October, is generally recommended as wildlife congregates around the shrinking water sources, making sightings more frequent. While temperatures can be very hot towards October, the cooler months of May to August offer pleasant weather for both land and water activities.

What unique safari activities, beyond standard game drives, can visitors experience in Matusadona National Park?

Matusadona excels in water-based activities, including scenic boat cruises along Lake Kariba, excellent tiger fishing opportunities, and birdwatching from the water. Guided walking safaris are also available, offering an immersive way to explore the bush and track wildlife on foot.

How is Matusadona National Park typically accessed, and what types of accommodation are available for visitors?

Access to Matusadona is often by light aircraft to local airstrips or via boat transfer from Kariba town, adding to its remote appeal. Accommodation options range from rustic, intimate tented camps to more comfortable lodges, many strategically positioned to offer stunning lake views and direct access to water-based activities.

Given Matusadona's reputation for black rhinos, what are the chances of seeing them, and what conservation efforts are in place?

Matusadona is a critical sanctuary for the critically endangered black rhino, with significant anti-poaching and monitoring efforts by park authorities and conservation partners. While sightings are extremely rare due to their elusive nature and low numbers, the park's commitment to their protection is paramount.

Recommended Books

  • Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller - Raw and unflinching memoir of growing up in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe during the civil war. One of the most honest accounts of life in southern Africa.
  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Bradt Guide: Zimbabwe by Paul Murray - The most detailed guide to Zimbabwe including Hwange, Mana Pools, Matobo Hills, and Victoria Falls. Written by a Zimbabwe specialist with decades of experience.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.