Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park
Unforgettable boat safaris and rhino sightings in remote Zimbabwe
Overview
Lake Kariba and Matusadona
Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park present a unique safari destination for families looking for Big Five safari and incredible water-based activities in Zimbabwe.
Created in the late 1950s, Lake Kariba is one of the world’s largest man-made lakes, stretching over 140 miles along the Zambian border. Despite its unnatural origins, the lake has transformed into a vital lifeline for the region’s wildlife, supporting diverse ecosystems and attracting a wide array of Big Five game and birdlife.
Matusadona National Park, located on the southern shores of the lake, is a hidden gem celebrated for having the second highest concentration of lions in Africa, second only to the Ngorongoro Crater. Families can explore this mountainous game area, teeming with elephants, buffalo, and black rhinoceros, on thrilling game drives and walking safaris.
Families can unwind at a selection of luxurious safari lodges nestled along the serene shores of Lake Kariba, creating the perfect retreat after exciting days of wildlife exploration. Enjoy the world-famous ‘Kariba Sunset’ on an evening boat cruise or simply enjoy your lakeside views from your very own terrace. The region’s blend of idyllic landscapes, diverse Big Five wildlife, and exceptional sports fishing guarantees that Lake Kariba and Matusadona provide an unforgettable luxury family safari for all ages.
Overview
Lake Kariba and Matusadona
Where is Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park?
Lake Kariba, one of the world’s largest manmade lakes, stretches over 150 miles along the Zambia-Zimbabwe border. On its southern shore lies the secluded Matusadona National Park, a rugged, mountainous safari park covering more than 1,400 square kilometres.
Bordered by the dramatic Sanyati Gorge to the east and the Ume River to the west, Matusadona is a rare haven for black rhinoceros and an underrated Big Five safari destination. While the scattered islands in Lake Kariba’s shallows, like Chete and Fothergill, each support their own unique ecosystems, where families can spot zebras, hippos, and other wildlife.
The remote park is accessible via a nearby airstrip, while self-driving families can reach Lake Kariba in about five hours from Harare, making this untouched wilderness surprisingly reachable.
What to do in Lake Kariba and Matusadona?
Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park offer an unforgettable Big Five safari experience, combining adventures on the lake’s serene waters with explorations through the rugged valleys of Matusadona.
The creation of Lake Kariba involved burning existing vegetation, which transformed the riverbed into an exceptionally fertile habitat. This rich environment now supports over 40 fish species, including the renowned kapenta and the spirited tiger fish, making Lake Kariba a paradise for sport fishing enthusiasts. Tranquil sundowner cruises are a highlight here, where you can savour the world-renowned ‘Kariba Sunset’ as hippos wallow nearby and Nile crocodiles drift along the water’s edge. In the shallows, visitors may witness the magical sight of elephants swimming, their trunks serving as a natural snorkel.
Matusadona National Park, where big game hunting has been banned since 1958, is a haven for the iconic black rhino, buffalo, and other Big Five species. The park’s varied terrain shelters leopards, wild dogs, hyenas, and a range of antelope, from elegant sable to roan.
Birdwatching here is a delight, with over 240 species filling the skies, including the majestic fish eagle, trumpeter hornbills, marabou storks, and the elusive Kittlitz plover, known for its unique broken-wing display. This remote region offers an extraordinary Big Five safari, from the uncrowded shores of Lake Kariba to the hidden gem of Matusadona National Park.
Best time to visit?
The ideal time to visit Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park is during the dry season, from May to October, when scarce water sources draw abundant wildlife to the shores. This season offers exceptional opportunities to spot the Big Five, with elephants cooling off in the lake’s shallows and cheetahs hunting in the mopane woodlands.
However, those interested in experiences beyond the Big Five will find the green season, from November to March, equally rewarding. During this time, the landscape bursts into life with lush greenery, and birdwatchers can enjoy a spectacular variety of species, including African fish eagles, herons, and kingfishers as well as the arrival of migratory species from the north.
Who should visit?
Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park are perfect for families seeking a luxury Zimbabwe safari that combines both water and land adventures.
Families can explore Lake Kariba’s tranquil shores by boat, enjoy game drives through Matusadona’s rugged landscapes, and witness the Big Five in an intimate, less crowded setting. The area also offers exceptional opportunities for birdwatching, with over 240 species, and world-class sport fishing.
With its remote location, stunning boat cruises, and dense game populations, Lake Kariba and Matusadona provide an unforgettable Big Five safari in a stunning lakeside location.
Places to stay
Recommended Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park accommodation
Places to stay
Recommended Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park accommodation
Why travel with Coral Tree?
We are the specialists in luxury Africa family safari holidays
We are Africa experts and also parents. We understand what makes a memorable family adventure.
Our knowledge and connections are unsurpassed
We have been living and working in African tourism for over two decades.
Every journey is tailored with your specific wishes in mind
No off-the-shelf packages or cookie-cutter itineraries. Unique family safaris.
Each trip funds grassroots conservation and girls education projects
You pay no more for the privilege, we support causes close to our hearts.
