Zimbabwe

Matetsi River Lodge

A private and exclusive base from which to visit the majestic Victoria Falls, Matesti is acclaimed for its beautiful design and tranquility.
Park/Region
Victoria Falls
Zone/Area
Matetsi Private Game Reserve
Lodge Type
Lodge
Price per night (per person)
£870-£1,360

Overview

What we love about Matetsi River Lodge

Matetsi River Lodge offers an exclusive safari base in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, where three different rooming options determine the level of privacy you're after. From private villas, a family suite or luxury suites and exclusive use options. The lodge is set on a private unfenced game reserve giving rise to daytime and nightime game drives as well as walking safaris. Guided excursions to the nearby Victoria Falls are also available.

Exclusive

Lodge Standard

★★★

Location Rating*

★★☆

Guiding Rating*
*Ratings based on Safari Circle's research and ranking methodology.

Awards

What awards & Acclaims have they received?

Condé Nast Traveller: Triple Crown 2025

Since it's opening in 2016, Matetsi River Lodge has earned recognition and acclaim for pioneering a new way to experience the land safari, tranquil river and mighty Falls in its surrounds. Mostly notably, Matetsi is one of an elite few to earn the Condé Nast Triple Crown. Awards include: 

Condé Nast Traveller: No. 1 resort in Africa - 2025 Readers Choice Award
Condé Nast Traveller:  The Gold List 2025

Travel & Leisure: 500 Best Hotels in the World 2025
Travel & Leisure:  No 1 Resort in Africa 2024

Location

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Matetsi River Lodge sits in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, within the waterfall gateway to western Zimbabwe's wider safari country.

From the UK, travellers usually connect via Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, Nairobi or the Gulf, then continue to Victoria Falls, Harare or a safari airstrip.

Zimbabwe’s best safari routes often use light aircraft between parks, especially when combining Hwange, Mana Pools and private reserves.

Perfect for The Curator & The Architect

Matetsi River Lodge speaks first to The Curator travellers through design, setting, and service that sharpen the sense of place. The Architect adds connection, ease, and memories made together.

Accommodation

What kinds of rooms are available?

Private Zambezi reserve near Victoria Falls, with accommodation is designed around 18 suites and an exclusive-use house.

16 x Riverside Suites

With a king-size bed, circular bathtub, indoor and outdoor rain showers, a private plunge pool and decks that flank inspiring views of the Zambezi
2 x Luxury Family Suites

With a master suite and children’s room connected via an enclosed passageway offering convenient and secure access.
Private Villa

For exclusive use. 4-bedroomed private villa with a dedicated team, including private chef and butler. A private safari vehicle is at your disposal, with your personal guide and tracker ensuring a tailor-made safari experience.

Timing

Opening times & Seasonal Rates

*Prices are approximate, and may vary with exchange rates.
Peak Season
Jul-Aug
From £1,360 per person per night
Shoulder Season
Apr-Jun, Sep, 16 Dec - 7 Jan
From £1,210 per person per night
Off-Peak Season
Oct-15 Dec, 8 Jan-Mar
From £870 per person per night
Includes
Indicative lodge rate typically includes accommodation, meals and standard safari activities - based on 2 people sharing.
Excludes
Conservation fees, premium drinks, transfers, visas, gratuities and private vehicle costs may be excluded.

Sightings

What might you see around Matetsi River Lodge?

Elephant
Strongly associated around Victoria Falls, where water, shade and old movement lines gather.
Hippo
Strongly associated around Victoria Falls, where channels and deep pools hold through the day.
Fish eagle
Possible around Victoria Falls, where water, light and open air carry birdlife.
Buffalo
Possible around Victoria Falls, where local habitat and guiding make the encounter feel placed.
Lion
Possible around Victoria Falls, especially where grassland, shade and prey movement meet.

Learn more about the local sights & sounds

Amenities

What amenities do they have at Matetsi River Lodge?

+ Swimming pool

+ Private concession or reserve access

+ Game drives, night drives

+ Walking tours

+ Helicopter experiences

+ Boating or water-based activities where seasonal

+ Guided wildlife viewing

+ Dining and sundowner spaces

+ Guest lounge or main area

Notes

Notes from our stylists

Lodge style: Lodge with 18 rooms or tents and a swimming pool.

Seasonal opening: Open year-round.

Good to know: 18 riverside suites (including 2 family) and exclusive-use River House; private Zambezi reserve near Victoria Falls.

Activities for kids: Children are generally welcome, with activity participation guided by age and safety rules.

Malaria health note: High malaria risk (Nov–Jun).

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Explore

Explore some of our other featured lodges in Zimbabwe

See all Lodges

Credentials & Affiliations

As an independent partner of 360 Private Travel, eligible flight-inclusive holidays booked through us are financially protected by 360 Private Travel Ltd under the UK ATOL scheme, ATOL number 7514. 360 Private Travel Ltd is also IATA accredited under IATA number 91200056.

Qualifying flight-inclusive holidays are financially protected under the UK ATOL scheme, where applicable. You will receive an ATOL Certificate confirming the protection covering your individual booking.

Partner
360 Private Travel
Member
Virtuoso
Endorsed by
Forbes Travel Guide
Contact

Get in touch

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hello@safaricircle.ai
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