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Lake Kariba and Matusadona

An exotic blend of rugged and pristine wilderness

This year-round destination is perfect walking safari territory

Situated on the sparkling shores of Lake Kariba, the beautiful Matusadona National Park in Zimbabwe was proclaimed a non-hunting area in 1958 and as such is wonderfully rich in wildlife and vegetation.

With a ready supply of regenerative grasses as a source of food and an abundance of water from the lake, buffalo, waterbuck, zebra, and impala have thrived. With this so have the predators, so you can expect incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. The lake itself is teeming with huge Nile crocodiles and the lake shored offers fantastic herds of elephants and the Big Five. Meanwhile, birdlife thrives here, so keep an eye out for the population of fish-eagles, amongst many others.

With 2,000 km of shoreline, Lake Kariba is the 4th largest man-made lake in the world and the 2nd largest in Africa – so it’s a truly impressive place to explore, especially by boat.

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Our Camp in the Matusadona National Park

Wildlife

Around the lake, there is a healthy population of hippos, crocodiles, along with an abundant number of water birds including the giant kingfisher, fish eagles, and cormorants. Further inland, expect to see elephants, buffalo, antelope, leopards and lions within the protected sanctuary

wildlife wildlife wildlife wildlife wildlife wildlife

Seasonal Information

Find out the best times to visit Matusadona and Lake Kariba.

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  • Green season
  • Mid season
  • High season

January is the rainy season in Matusadona National Park. The rain usually comes in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. Watching the lightning light up the skies above the seemingly endless Lake Kariba is exhilarating. The rainy season is the birthing season and creates some exciting wildlife sightings and interesting photographic opportunities. The weather is also great for fishing, game drives and boating safaris.

Plan your Safari

February is the rainy season in Matusadona National Park. The rain usually comes in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. Watching the lightning light up the skies above the seemingly endless Lake Kariba is exhilarating. The rainy season is the birthing season and creates some exciting wildlife sightings and interesting photographic opportunities. The weather is also great for fishing, game drives and boating safaris.

Plan your Safari

March is the rainy season in Matusadona National Park. The rain usually comes in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. Watching the lightning light up the skies above the seemingly endless Lake Kariba is exhilarating. The rainy season is the birthing season and creates some exciting wildlife sightings and interesting photographic opportunities. The weather is also great for fishing, game drives and boating safaris.

Plan your Safari

April is the rainy season in Matusadona National Park. The rain usually comes in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. Watching the lightning light up the skies above the seemingly endless Lake Kariba is exhilarating. The rainy season is the birthing season and creates some exciting wildlife sightings and interesting photographic opportunities. The weather is also great for fishing, game drives and boating safaris.

Plan your Safari

May marks the start of the dry season in Matusadona National Park. As the park starts to dry up, wildlife gathers around Lake Kariba’s shores in increasing numbers and diversity. During this month you can enjoy long sunny days with mild temperatures and cool evenings. The weather is great for both land and water safari adventures or a cultural trip to the nearby Tonga village.

Plan your Safari

June is the dry season in Matusadona National Park. The dry water sources within the park cause wildlife to gather around Lake Kariba’s shores in increasing numbers and diversity. During this month you can enjoy long sunny days with mild temperatures and cool evenings. Fishing on Lake Kariba is extremely popular with the conditions being good for it year-round. The weather is also great for both game drives and sunset cruises.

Plan your Safari

July is the peak of the dry season in Matusadona National Park. The dry water sources within the park cause wildlife to gather around Lake Kariba’s shores in increasing numbers and diversity. During this month you can enjoy long sunny days with mild temperatures and cool evenings. The weather is great for game drives, walking safaris, and sunset cruises on the lake.

Plan your Safari

August is the dry season in Matusadona National Park. The dry water sources within the park cause wildlife to gather around Lake Kariba’s shores in increasing numbers and diversity. During this month you can enjoy long sunny days with mild temperatures and cool evenings. The weather is great for both land and water safari adventures.

Plan your Safari

September is the dry season in Matusadona National Park. The dry water sources within the park cause wildlife to gather around Lake Kariba’s shores in increasing numbers and diversity. During this month you can enjoy long sunny days with mild temperatures and pleasantly cool evenings. There are many activities available in the area including exciting walking safaris and interesting cultural visits to the nearby Tonga village.

Plan your Safari

October is the last month of the dry season in Matusadona National Park and it is one of the hottest months of the year. The dry water sources within the park cause wildlife to gather around Lake Kariba’s shores in increasing numbers and diversity. During this month you can enjoy long sunny days, with temperatures that can climb to around 32°C and pleasantly warm evenings. The weather is great for both land and water safari adventures including game drives, fishing and the pink-to-red golden sunsets that Lake Kariba is famous for.

Plan your Safari

In November, the afternoon thunderstorms return as the rainy season returns. These electric thunderstorms create breathtaking photographic opportunities as the lightning is mirrored on the surface of the lake. The rainfall brings new life into the park; the vegetation turns a crisp emerald shade and the birthing season begins.

Plan your Safari

The afternoon thunderstorms become more frequent in December. The thunderstorms light up the skies above the seemingly endless Lake Kariba, creating an exhilarating show of light. The rainy season is the birthing season and creates some exciting wildlife sightings and adorable photographic opportunities.

Plan your Safari