Matetsi Victoria Falls is the place to stay if you want a real safari lodge and Victoria Falls in the same trip without a flight in between. It sits upstream of town on the 136,000-acre Matetsi Private Game Reserve, with about nine miles of frontage on the Zambezi River. Days mix game drives on the reserve with boat cruises on the river and excursions to the falls.
The lodge has riverfront Luxury Suites, Luxury Family Suites and a private four-bedroom villa, the Matetsi River House. Guests regularly mention the private plunge pools and river views from the suites. The dining and wellness treatments are part of the appeal. Because the reserve is private, game drives are quieter than in the national parks. The setting feels far from the activity operators of town.
It suits couples who want a single base for both the falls and a safari, especially those short on time. It is expensive. You will also spend time driving to and from the falls. Couples who want to walk to the falls should stay in town. For a quiet riverside honeymoon with wildlife on the doorstep, Matetsi is one of the most complete options in the area.
Highlights at a glance
- 136,000-acre private game reserve
- About nine miles of Zambezi frontage
- Riverfront Luxury Suites
- Game drives, boat cruises and falls excursions
- Four-bedroom Matetsi River House
Why Couples Love Matetsi
The combination of river and reserve is the main draw. You can spend a morning on a game drive across the private reserve, an afternoon by your plunge pool watching the Zambezi and an evening on a sunset cruise with a drink in hand. Elephants, buffalo and antelope are common. The river is full of hippos and crocodiles.
The lodge also feels removed from the busy side of Victoria Falls. There are no crowds, no traffic and no bungee screams, only the sound of the river. Yet the falls themselves are within easy reach for a morning visit. For couples who want one place that covers everything, that is a strong argument. The staff are attentive and the service is polished.
Suites to Book
The lodge offers three types of accommodation.
- Luxury Suites are the honeymoon choice. They face the river. Guests describe private plunge pools and generous decks. Ask for one with the widest view of the Zambezi.
- Luxury Family Suites are larger and suit families or friends.
- The Matetsi River House is a private four-bedroom villa, best for groups who want exclusive use.
For a honeymoon, a Luxury Suite is all you need. Ask about the suite's position along the river when you book, since some are more secluded than others. Mention your honeymoon, since lodges at this level often arrange a private dinner on the deck or by the river. Exclusive-use options are also available for the whole lodge or part of it.
Food, Drink and Wellness
Fine dining is part of the Matetsi experience, with meals served in the main lodge, on your deck or out on the reserve. Bush dinners and riverside meals can be arranged for a special night. Confirm what your rate includes, such as drinks and activities, when you book.
Wellness treatments are available, so you can book a massage after a morning game drive or a day at the falls. The lodge also runs occasional wellness retreats with meditation and mindful movement. The middle of the day is for relaxing by your pool or on the deck, watching the river. Evenings bring sundowners, dinner and the sounds of the bush.
Why guests fall for it
Things to Do
Activities include guided game drives on the private reserve, boat cruises on the Zambezi and excursions to Victoria Falls. The reserve is home to elephants, buffalo and antelope. Because it is private, drives are quieter than in the national parks. Cruises on the river at sunset are a highlight, with hippos, crocodiles and birds.
The falls are within easy reach for a morning visit to the rainforest trail. Adventurous couples can add rafting, a helicopter flight or a gorge swing in town. Those who prefer a gentler pace can stay on the reserve, enjoy the wellness treatments and spend time by the river. A visit to Chobe National Park in Botswana is also possible as a day trip.
Getting There
Fly into Victoria Falls Airport (VFA), which has flights from Johannesburg and other regional hubs. The lodge describes the transfer to the reserve as easy, with the town and airport close by. Ask the lodge to arrange your transfer when you book.
The falls are at their fullest from about February to June, when the spray is most dramatic. From August to December, the water is lower, the views clearer and game viewing on the reserve better as animals gather near the river. This is a malaria area, so talk to a travel doctor about prevention. If you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices for Zimbabwe before you go.
Is It Worth It?
For couples who want a safari and the falls in one stay, yes. Rates are not published in detail online, but expect roughly $1,500 to $2,500 a night for two in a Luxury Suite depending on season. Treat that as an estimate and check the lodge's current rate sheet before you book.
The trade-off is distance. You will drive to the falls rather than walk. Rates are also high for the area. If you want to be close to the falls, the Victoria Falls Hotel or Ilala Lodge are better choices. If you want a plunge pool and a view of the spray from your suite, look at The Elephant Camp. For a quiet riverside lodge with a private reserve, Matetsi is excellent.
Insider tips
- Ask for the most secluded Luxury Suite along the river.
- Plan your falls visit for early morning to avoid crowds.
- Request the current rate sheet before you book, since prices vary by season.
- Book a bush dinner on the reserve for a special night.
