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Matusadona National Park lies on the southern shores of Lake Kariba and is the perfect place to experience a Big Four safari in Zimbabwe. See elephants, lions, buffaloes, and leopards in a serene environment. Don’t miss out on the chance to do a walking safari to get closer to the smaller inhabitants that call this park home.
Must-Visit Areas in Matusadona National Park
Bask in the glow of African sunrises and sunsets, and take to the water for excellent boat and birdwatching safaris:
Tashinga Bay: Sunrise and Sunset Views
Located on the shores of Lake Kariba at the edge of the Ume River estuary, Tashinga is a truly special place in Matusadona. It’s a perfect spot to watch both the sunrise and the sunset. Add to this the open views across the water, and you have an ideal area to just sink into a relaxing atmosphere. Elephants and impalas wander through Tashinga, so you may have wildlife keeping you company as you take in the view.
Sanyati Gorge: Boating and Birdwatching
A trip to Matusadona isn’t complete without a boat safari in Lake Kariba. In the east, Sanyati Gorge with its steep sides and forested banks is the perfect daytrip for birdwatchers. African finfoots can be found here, one of 350 bird species that can be spotted in Matusadona. Lake Kariba is also a fantastic fishing destination where anglers can cast their lines to catch tigerfish and bream.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Matusadona National Park?
June to October – the dry season, when animals gather near water sources – is the best time for a Zimbabwe wildlife safari. During the wet summer months – November to March – you can enjoy green scenery, more baby animal sightings, and excellent birdwatching opportunities as migratory birds have arrived.
Animals Found in Matusadona National Park
This is the land of the elephants, with herds of them meandering across the plains and even playing in the water. Hippos and crocodiles are also abundant and easily spotted during a boat safari and along the shores. On the predator front, the park boasts a high leopard density, and you may spot a lion pride.
Matusadona also supports a thriving pangolin population, offering safari goers the rare opportunity to see these endangered animals. Birders can spot white-backed, hooded, and white-headed vultures, as well as grey-crowned cranes, martial eagles, and secretarybirds.
How to Get to Matusadona National Park
The park is accessible via boat from Kariba town or charter flights to nearby airstrips. The Lake Kariba region has its own airport, Kariba Airport. You can fly in from Hwange National Park or Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe.
