MATUSADONA WATER WILDERNESS
Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

Introduction

Matusadona National Park is a wonderful park situated along the southern shores of Lake Kariba. Guests visiting this lodge have the best of the Lake Kariba water~based activities, coupled with great wildlife experiences on dry land within the park. The area is one of the few where Black Rhino can regularly be seen in Zimbabwe's parks.

Camp Description

Water Wilderness is divided into two identical lodges: one is an eight bedder and the other is a ten bedder. Both camps still run independently so guests have that small camp atmosphere. The lodges are situated just off the shoreline of Matusadona National Park and consist of floating chalets, moored in two separate and secluded bays. Accommodation is in large twin~bedded, floating chalets, each with en suite bathroom with toilet and shower. Each of the floating rooms has its own cool veranda. The "mother ship" houses a lounge, dining room and upstairs viewing deck. Guests may commute between this unit and their rooms either by canoe or the camp's motorised pontoon.

Game Viewing

Wildlife viewing is excellent in this area, where the fluctuating lake levels have created a small grassland with herds of antelope, Elephant, Buffalo and a host of predators. Guests get the complete wildlife experience here. The main activities at Water Wilderness are boating, canoeing, game drives and walks with an armed and fully licensed professional guide.Canoeing and boating along the shoreline is popular and guests often get close to game coming to the water's edge. Fishermen have good opportunities to catch Tiger Fish, Africa's best sporting fish. Tracking Black Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo and Lion on foot is one of Africa's most exhilarating experiences.

Pricing

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Location

o The camp is situated along the western shores of Matusadona National Park on the shores of Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe

Accommodation

This camp consists of two separate lodges. As both our old Matusadona Water Lodge and Water Wilderness have the same style and are in the same area, they have been combined and are now both called Matusadona Water Wilderness. One lodge has 8 beds and the other has 10 beds. They run independently so that guests can get that great small camp experience.
Matusadona 10:
5 cabins consisting of:
4 twin bedded cabins
1 kingsized bedded cabin
Matusadona 8:
4 cabins consisting of:
3 twin bedded cabins
1 kingsized bedded cabin
This camp can accommodate 18 guests in a total of 9 cabins.
Cabin details
o En-suite shower and toilet
o Fans
o Mosquito nets
o Large cabin area of approximately 70m2
o Each cabin is it's own floating chalet and guests are boated by pontoon, or they can canoe to the mothership
o Cabin is made of wood with gauze windows
o Outside veranda for game viewing
o Soaps, shampoos and insect repellents are supplied in each room

Camp description

Floating Lodges - 2 Motherships:
o The motherships each house a lounge, dining room and pub.
o They both have an upper-deck to enjoy the sunsets and stars.
o Plunge 'pool' directly into lake with special cage for protection

Game viewing

Big five in the area, good lion and black rhino. Good birding, renowned for Fisheagles. Main highlights are elephant and buffalo which come out of forests at intervals along the shoreline. Guests can get close to them by boat, canoe or on foot.

Activities

o Game drives in 2 x 7 seater land rovers or 8 if one group
o Guided Walking Safaris with armed and licenced guide
o Can join lodges for lunch if larger group has booked both camps
o 2x 10 seater Power Boats
o 10 x 2 seater Canoes
o Fishing
o Pontoons to transport guests from motherships to cabins

Suggested Daily Activity Schedule

All times are a guide only. Times can and do change depending on local conditions.
summer/winter
05h00/06h00 - Wake Up
05h30/06h30 - Light Breakfast
06h00/07h00 - Game drive, canoeing, boating, walk with drinks and snacks
10h30/11h00 - Brunch/lunch
- Option to rest or sit at hides
15h30/15h30 - Afternoon tea
16h00/16h00 - Game drive / walk with drinks and snacks
20h00/20h00 - Dinner under the stars or under thatch

Laundry policy

Daily service, weather permitting, included in the nightly tariff.

Extras payment

Curios and/or tips/gratuities will be billed to the tent number and settled on check out. Payment can be effected by cash (US$), travellers' cheques or the following credit cards: Visa or MasterCard
If guests feel that they want to tip, our recommended tipping schedule is as follows:
Guides - US$5.00 per person per day
General Camp Staff - US$3.00 per person per day
Specialist Guides (if applicable) - US$10.00 per person per day.
(This is the suggested gratuity schedule only and is subject to service standards)

Flying time

Tashinga to/from Kariba 15-20 minutes
Tashinga to/from Mana 50 minutes
Tashinga to/from Chikwenya 1 hour

Air strip detail

Kiplings airstrip located 3 minutes' drive and then 5 minutes boat ride from camp.
The airstrip can take King Air, Let 410 etc.
Airstrip co-ordinates: S 16.51.077, E 28.25.89

Electricity

o Camp has 220v generator powered electricity, power is stored in 12v batteries which power the lights and fans in the rooms
o Videos can be charged whilst out on a game drive
o Water for showers etc is heated by solar power

Guest Comments

B and I had a fantastic time here - and we're not looking forward to leaving - It's been so much fun, thank you all very much for giving us such a good time"

A and B; UK

Absolutely Fantastic, the staff made our stay perfect in every possible way and were extremely considerate for all the needs of our group

S and N -UK

A thoroughly enjoyable, relaxing holiday that catered to our needs. Enthusiastic, humorous and friendly staff made the holiday one to remember. This is the first part of the holiday and will be hard to beat. Hostess also exceptional

C and H, UK

Thank you very much! We had a wonderful time everything was perfect. Matusadona is a very special place and Petrus and Blessing are an asset to your company.

J. O'B., Australia

Outstanding guides, very knowledgeable saw all of the Big 5 in two days.

J.P and J.P., Dallas, USA

Enjoyed the Elephant's mock charge, guides very knowledgable, friendly and helpful.

J.G and B.G., Inverness, USA

We really loved this relaxing camp, the staff and the wonderful location, everyone was super.

J.W and M.W., USA

Througly enjoyed our visit … beautiful country, the hospitality was second to none - would definitely recommend it to others. How blessed we are to have been able to experience your country in such a natural atmosphere.

P.N. and B.N., Barrington USA

We stayed at the incomparable Matusadona Water Lodge where we were treated royally by Beks Ndlovu and Kirsty. Beks is a superlative guide and tracking and observing Black Rhino with him was a highlight of the trip. So, too, was his introduction to phenomenal birding in southern Africa.

J.F, J.R, C.R and T.R., USA

Whoever is responsible for selecting you as the in-country host deserves a pat on the back. The camps that we visited were excellent! The staff is wonderful, the camps clean, comfortable and in wonderful locations. Every camp somehow got better than the last. This is our first experience with a tour group and have to admit we really liked all of the assistance with ground transport. Particularly, Gordy in Joburg. He met us at the airport as well as took us back at the end of the trip and shepherded us through the entire maze at the Joburg airport. I intend to write a letter to Colin at WS to thank him for his effort and tell him of our wonderful experience. Many thanks for your assistance.

D.W. and D.W.

We had a great time! Everything worked out perfectly: even the planes were on time, which is more than we can say for the US. There appeared to be no tourists in Zimbabwe -- great for us, too bad for the locals. All the guides were very hospitable and knowledgeable. We are trying to induce some of them to apply as summer camp counselors at our son's summer camp in Wisconsin -- a great way to see the States. The accommodations were first class; in fact, my husband said "this is too deluxe." We found the food to be EXCELLENT and way above our expectations. Thanks again for arranging this!

M.M. and M.M., USA

The pilot was excellent and very informative (Paul). The hosts were wonderful and made our stay a magical experience, and the staff were superb - a truly memorable experience!

M. and C.

We have had a lovely 2 days, which we will always remember. We have found the place a family atmosphere, food unbeatable and service the very best. Thank you.

Mr. and Mrs W.

Everything was wonderful, no complaints, and we will be back - will miss you guys and the food.

E. and D.

Overall we had a fantastic time. It was a great way to end our trip. The entire staff was fantastic and a joy to be around.

F. and J.

Most enjoyable part of our stay : The animal sounds in the middle of the night and the dreams I would have from being here.

G. and L.

Extraordinary, unique and beautiful setting. Absolutely wonderful management and staff provided world class sservice in a completely relaxed atmosphere. Thank you for one of the most enjoyable and memorable stays we have ever had anywhere! We will most assuredly tell family, friends and anyone else who will listen. Thanks!

D. and M.

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