One of the many fond memories of Zimbabwe's Matetsi Game Lodge will be how Casper, our friendly game ranger, not only had the task of rowing us safely in a canoe on a sunset journey; but that he also had to keep the cold Zambezi beers on tap as we cruised down the Zambezi River to catch the last rays of the African sun. This water activity is just one of the many highlights that Matetsi Private Game Reserve has to offer.
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Matetsi Water Lodge, situated some 38 kilometres above Zimbabwe's world famous Victoria Falls, is a fusion of teak, slate and thatch, reflecting the spirit of ancient Zimbabwe. Shaded by mangosteen and waterberry trees, the lodge consists of three individual intimate camps of six suites, each with its own private plunge pool, ensuite bathroom and expansive river deck. With all the suites overlooking the Zambezi River - ours was situated at the spot where the hippos had taken up residence, and their familiar grunts could be heard regularly in the early mornings and at dusk.
In 1993 CC Africa established Matetsi Game Lodges, consolidating 50 000 hectares of former hunting land into a magnificent wilderness retreat, which includes 15 kilometres of private Zambezi River frontage. The name Matetsi seems to have originated from a river situated somewhere between Hwange and the Victoria Falls.
Weather in September in Zimbabwe is very temperate - comfortably hot during the day and just off cool in the evenings - and the good news is that there is no humidity. The downside of a visit to the mighty Victoria Falls at this time of the year may prove to be a little disappointing to some as the falls are not quite as spectacular as when they are seen after the rain season in February and March.
However, since the main focus of our visit this time was not the falls but the game lodge, the weather suited me just fine - it gave me the energy I needed to take part in all the activities that were on offer without wilting every time I was exposed to the harsh African sun.
If parking off beside your plunge pool with a good book isn't enough to keep you happy, there is plenty to keep one occupied at Matetsi. Although the usual early morning and sunset game drives are on offer, it was the water activities at Matetsi however that really grabbed my interest.
Armed with cameras, binoculars and hats, my partner and I boarded our lunchtime river cruise from the jetty on the Zambezi River and to our good fortune; we had the boat to ourselves. There are three shaded boats, which accommodate a total of 30 guests at Matetsi to take guests out on river cruises, so it was rather special to have one of these boats all to ourselves.
A table was laid in the middle of the boat, with fancy tablecloth and silver cutlery and crockery and lunch was served from an Edwardian tier, which included bobotie and cuscous accompanied by green salads and freshly baked bread. At the top of the tier was an assortment of cheese, biscuits, as well as fresh and dried fruit. Cold Zambezi beers added a superb touch to this delicious meal.
The cruise travels seven of the 15 kilometers that Matetsi coverts along the Zambezi River and during the dry months of June to August, apparently great herds of elephants and other wild animals are drawn to the water's edge. However, since September is the beginning of the green summer months, the banks were home to a host of migratory and wading birds, one of them being the Rock Practincole which travels all the way from Senegal to Zimbabwe during the breeding months.
Incentive groups visiting Matetsi are also always in for a treat - which ranges from a choice of a surprise bush dinner after their sunset river cruising, to breakfast after the morning game drive at Westwater Camp. Organised group walks can be organised as well as excursions to Victoria Falls - regarded as one of the world's seven wonders and today a heritage site. Also on offer are excursions for white water rafting, helicopter and micro light trips, and for those with nerves of steel (which did not include me) - bungi jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge.
I have travelled to several 5-star lodges in and out of South Africa and each time I try to find something that is special about each lodge. At Matetsi I came away madly impressed by the wonderful, competent and amazing management staff, which included Richard and Moses, and game ranger Casper and tracker Richard. Not only were they super efficient, friendly, knowledgeable and keen to always be of service - the calibre of other topics besides the bush that they were clued up on, was quite remarkable. Casper and Richard were up to date on the latest political, sport and general world happenings in addition to also being well read and it was certainly a great pleasure to discuss life in general with them. A tribute to CC Africa!
To book at this establishment, click here.
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