Matusadona National Park

Matusadona National Park Matusadona is a critical wilderness area of over 1400km² on the shores of Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe.

Each year, our research team conducts camera trap surveys, which up to now have concentrated on the valley floor. Howev...
23/10/2025

Each year, our research team conducts camera trap surveys, which up to now have concentrated on the valley floor. However, over the past three months these teams have moved into the escarpment region of the park. Covering 78% of the park, this wilder and more rugged area will take another 3 years to cover in detail. Camera traps work in combination with acoustic monitors to record bat and other vocal species, vegetation surveys, insect malaise traps and amphibian and fish surveys to reveal the full spectrum of biodiversity.

The same rugged terrain and dense woodlands that provide refuge for wildlife, offered similar shelter to poachers, prior to the development of the Matusadona Conservation Trust. Through the hard work and dedication of our research and law enforcement teams, the hills are being restored into a place of security once more.

Every image captured helps us track this areas recovery, equipping us with the knowledge and insight needed to protect this landscape for generations to come.

The 600m elevation climb and different habit from the valley floor has revealed our first images of water mongoose and serval in the park. While the sequence of two young leopard cubs at play provides a powerful symbol of safety and resilience in an area that not long ago was silent.

[email protected]
WhatsApp on +263 78 677 4616
ParkskZimparksks

Post cards from Matusadona 📮Wish you were here! 📸©️ reservations.matusadona@africanparks.orgWhatsApp on +263 78 677 46...
14/10/2025

Post cards from Matusadona 📮

Wish you were here!


📸©️

[email protected]
WhatsApp on +263 78 677 4616

Introducing Matusadona National Park’s Albida Camp. Set on the Tashinga Peninsula, the camp's three East African inspir...
30/09/2025

Introducing Matusadona National Park’s Albida Camp.

Set on the Tashinga Peninsula, the camp's three East African inspired safari tents face east, capturing the soft light of sunrise as it spreads across Lake Kariba's waters. Inside, proper beds dressed in high-quality linens and thoughtful safari furnishings create spaces that feel both authentic and restful. Each tent has its own ensuite bathroom with a flush toilet and hot showers with hotel quality pressure!

The open-sided lounge and dining area performs a daily magic trick, channeling the peninsula's spectacular sunsets directly into the heart of camp. It's here that those staying in the camp gather, stories spilling out over meals prepared in the fully equipped kitchen about the river wandered on the guided walk, the sightings seen during the game drive, or of that fish that got away from Dad again.

A soft sandy beach stretches in front of the camp, a natural playground where children can kick a ball around on the sand. But this is Matusadona, where the wild is never far away. Resident elephant bulls have a habit of wandering through camp, reaching their trunks toward the sheltering trees for choice leaves. It's the kind of everyday magic that makes a family safari here unforgettable.

The camp anticipates hosting more than six people: an additional ablution block — two showers, two toilets — stands ready for larger families or friends who pitch their own tents in the spaces around camp. Extra tents and bedding can be arranged for those who choose to arrive without them.

Rates:
Zimbabwe residents: $40 pppn
Africa residents: $45 pppn
International residents: $55 pppn
Park and Vehicle Entry fees additional

Children under six stay free, with reduced rates for those aged seven to twelve.

The self-catering camp books exclusively with a minimum of four adults. Drinks can be purchased from the MCT shop, though spirits and wines are not included, and food can be ordered through the Elli Deli grocery service in Kariba for those who wish to travel lightly.

Contact us to book your stay:
[email protected]
WhatsApp on +263 78 677 4616


African Parks Zimparks

For the second year in a row, rangers from across the continent packed their bags, running kit, sleeping bags, emergency...
09/09/2025

For the second year in a row, rangers from across the continent packed their bags, running kit, sleeping bags, emergency gear and lots of nutrient dense food and presented their passports - many for the very first time - to climb aboard boats, planes and vehicles, all with one destination in mind, the African Parks Ultra Trail event, this year hosted by Liuwa Plains National Park, Zambia.

Team Matusadona differed in one way; standing alongside two Matus rangers Suceed Siankaye and Tracey Musamo, were three members of our Technical staff, the builders, plumbers, road and general maintenance teams that keep our park’s wheels turning, Webson Dube, Graduate Siadembe and Claiming Chikwenya.

The course tested teams, navigating a tough two day 100km race in deep, soft sooty sands, crackling dry grassy plains and dry pans snacking between woodlands and vast, open spaces. As there is dangerous game in the park, at the 50km checkpoint teams were required to break for the night camping under the stars, using whatever kit they had carried. The going was hard, the temperatures in the high 30s degrees Celsius during the day, and in the tens of degrees Celsius at night, testing the resilience of the individual and the ability of the team to remain together, support one another and get each other safely over the finish line. We are proud of our teams, the way they looked out for one another and the encouragement and support they gave to others they encountered along the way. The first team crossed the finish line in 20 hours eight minutes and the second team in 21 hours 10 minutes. Kyle Hinde raced the 50 event, finishing in third place. Thank you team Matus for being the proud ambassadors you were 🇿🇼 Congratulations to team Bazaruto 🇲🇿who tore through the race, finishing in a combined time of 13 hours and 5mins. In second came the home team Liuwa 🇿🇲 in 13 hours and 57 minutes, and in third Akagera 🇷🇼 in a time of 14 hours 57 minutes.

Thanks to all those at Liuwa who made the event as successful as it was. And a big thank you to Charlotte Lemstra, Floria and Fiona Westheim who raised over $100,000 for African Parks during the race.

This race exemplifies the culture of African Parks, an organization powered by determination, resilience, commitment and care. When the going gets tough, the tough get going!

African Parks Zimparks

02/09/2025

We interrupt your regular morning routine with a dawn chorus from Matusadona.

Enjoy

📸©️

Look who’s stoped in for a forage! Spotted at the Mhukadzapera mouth yesterday, Great white pelicans are occasional visi...
26/08/2025

Look who’s stoped in for a forage! Spotted at the Mhukadzapera mouth yesterday, Great white pelicans are occasional visitors to the park’s fish rich rivers. Mhuka-dza-pera literally translates as ‘the animals are all finished’ but in reality, the diversity this river supports is in opposition to its name.

If you see an interesting sight while camping in Matus, drop us a line. We’d love to hear about it!

📸 ©️ Makiyi Siabwanda

African Parks Zimparks

Matusadona Conservation Trust is pleased to announce the successful arrival of 74 large herbivores into Matusadona Natio...
21/08/2025

Matusadona Conservation Trust is pleased to announce the successful arrival of 74 large herbivores into Matusadona National Park last month - a pivotal step in restoring one of Zimbabwe's most important conservation areas.
✅ 50 African buffalo
✅ 10 common eland
✅ 14 sable antelope
✅ ZERO mortality across all operations

"This represents a transformative moment for Matusadona National Park. These populations will help restore the ecological balance of the park." - Michael Pelham, Park Manager

"We thank the communities, the Rural District Councils, the professional hunters, the My Trees Trust, and the Charara and Sibilobilo Safari Area ZimParks staff for their stewardship of these herds. Through our long-term commitment to the landscape, we aim to ensure the park will act as an anchor to restore wildlife populations across the Sebungwe region." – Daniel Sithole, Country Manager

Our deepest appreciation to experts AWMC, WMSI, and the park's Veterinary Unit who executed these translocations, and to our donors including the Global Wildlife Fund and the Harvey family whose support made this possible.

Further reintroductions of reedbuck and roan antelopes, plus additional sable and eland translocations are planned for 2025.

"Every buffalo, eland, and sable represents our commitment to leaving a thriving natural heritage for future generations." - Michael Pelham
The park's wildlife restoration continues. 🌿



African Parks Zimparks Global Wildlife Fund

📸©️ Dan Dinu

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Kariba

Telephone

+263786774616

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