The Matusadona National Park extends inland from the southern shores of Lake Kariba, covering an expansive 1,470km² of shoreline, Zambezi Valley flatland and mountain landscapes.
It offers a uniquely varied wilderness experience with diverse ecosystems including crucial aquatic breeding grounds, rich lakeshore grasslands, abundant valley-floor woodlands, and the rugged mountain range for which the park is named. A vital sanctuary, protecting four critically endangered species, the park is home to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, zebra, an impressive variety of antelope species as well as many aquatic dwellers - hippo, crocodile and hundreds of fish species. It also nurtures an astonishing variety of nearly 400 bird species - a remarkable abundance that showcases the park's thriving biodiversity.
PARK MANAGEMENT
In 2019, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority signed a 20-year agreement with African Parks to co-manage this National Park through a non-profit conservation organization - the Matusadona Conservation Trust. By carefully balancing wildlife conservation, community development, and sustainable tourism, Matusadona National Park is working towards a holistic model of conservation that benefits both nature and people.
Under the stewardship of African Parks, and Zimbabwe’s National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, the Matusadona Conservation Trust has made the restoration of wildlife populations a top priority, including an ambitious long-term goal is to re-establish Matusadona as Zimbabwe's premier sanctuary for the black rhino.
Since 2019, park management also runs a comprehensive community engagement programme aimed at informing local populations about the park's importance, ensuring that communities benefit from its presence, and fostering local support for protecting this vast wilderness area.
TOURISM FACILITIES
The park management has signed concession agreements with third-party operators who develop and manage various private tourism facilities throughout the Matusadona, complemented by the flourishing houseboat industry on Lake Kariba. More details of these are found elsewhere on this website.
The Matusadona National Park itself runs a variety of self-catering or fully-catered tourism facilities and a range of land and water-based activities, the profits from which directly support the park's conservation initiatives.
PARK ACCOMMODATION
Tashinga Campsite
Matusadona’s main campsite, Tashinga, is set on a peninsula in the northwest of the park, under shady indigenous trees, overlooking the lake. It has flush toilets and hot showers and is entirely unfenced, so wildlife regularly wander through. Firewood and fishing worms are on sale from the main reception nearby, basic groceries from the Tashinga Staff Village, and seasonal fresh vegetables from the gardens. Guided activities can be booked on site.
Wilderness Campsites
A series of wild and secluded campsites are available for exclusive use in scenic areas of the park on the lakeshore or inland. These have no infrastructure, so campers need to be totally self-sufficient with water, sanitation facilities, food, and camping equipment. Visitors can base at one of the sites listed below (or more between several).
• Jenje Wilderness is located in the scenic interior, overlooking a spring that attracts all manner of wildlife.
• Hogwe River Campsite is set in the interior alongside the Hogwe River and dominated by mountainous scenery.
• View Point is situated on the edge of the 600m high Zambezi Escarpment with views over the low-lying valley floor and Lake Kariba.
• Bonde Campsite overlooks Lake Kariba in the northern portion of the park.
• Maronga lies at mouth of the Ume River, on the park’s western border overlooking Lake Kariba.
• Shenga Wilderness is beautifully shaded and located on the Shenga River with a perennial spring which has water all year round.
• Mhukadzapera Wilderness is set under a huge tamarind tree overlooking its river of the same name. It is close to the floodplain with wildlife moving frequently through.
• Matandare is the park’s southernmost campsite, close to the park entrance – a good stopover in or out of the Park. It is situated on the Matandare Spring under a canopy riverine forest.
Tashinga Cottages
Mopane A and B and Mahogany are comfortable, fully-equipped cottages on the Tashinga peninsular named after the trees that shade them. Each cottage sleeps two (twin or double, with extra beds for children if required). All have solar-powered electricity and fans, private verandahs and en-suite bathrooms with hot showers and flush toilets. Mahogany has two units which are designed to be booked together and share a fully-equipped kitchen. Mopane A and B units each have their own kitchen. There is no Wi-Fi connectivity. Tashinga boat harbour is nearby for private boats.
Matusadona Bush Camps
Matusadona National Park also offers its own private, all-inclusive traditional tented safari camps, fully staffed with cook, camp hosts, and a professional guide. These are located in unfenced, wilderness surroundings which vary depending on the season.
During the dry months, the camp is set inland under huge trees at the confluence of the wild Jenje and Biriwiri rivers with views over the dry riverbed and onto a spring frequented by many wildlife species including a resident pride of lions. As the green season approaches, the camp relocates to the baobab groves of Shenga Bay, overlooking Lake Kariba and its wildlife-frequented floodplains.
Each camp has five spacious, en-suite tents (twin or double) and a central dining/living area providing fully catered, home-style, 3-course meals (alternatively, guests can opt to bring own food for the chef to prepare). Solar energy provides hot showers, lighting and charging stations, but there is no cellular signal or Wifi.
PARK ACTIVITIES
Visitors can experience the park’s rich lake and land habitats from a variety of exciting activities including traditional game drives and walking safaris to boat cruises and catch and release fishing excursions on Lake Kariba. Matusadona's rich paleontological sites and cultural heritage add depth to the visitor experience, offering insights into ancient life and local Tonga traditions. The Park itself offers the following activities:-
• Self driving through the Park
• Guided Game Drives
• Guided Walking Safaris
• Guided Hiking Safaris - multi-day Matusadona Trails
• Boating
• Fishing
• Birdwatching
ACCESS
The Matusadona National Park can be accessed by road (4x4 vehicles), boat (from Kariba) or by air (there are two airstrips in the Park at Tashinga (in the NW of the Park) and Kanjedza (in the SE of the Park). A vehicle/passenger ferry between Kariba and Tashinga is likely to become operational mid 2025.