• Superlative African wildlife
• Excellent elephant viewing
• Huge buffalo herds
• Lion, leopard, spotted hyena and African wild dog
• Rare sable and roan antelope
• Excellent birdwatching including several miombo species

Mammals at Matetsi Game Lodges:
Great herds of elephant and buffalo quench their thirst in the Zambezi River during the dry season (May to October). Stately sable and rare roan antelope favour the fringes of woodlands. Lion, leopard and spotted hyena are most often encountered on night drives. Matetsi is one of very few areas in Zimbabwe where night game drives are permitted. Endangered African wild dog occasionally set up dens during the winter months. Large rafts of hippo and Cape clawless otter are at home in the Zambezi River. Fruit bats and lesser bushbabies are active after dark.

Birds at Matetsi Game Lodges:
There are 366 species recorded at Matetsi. African fish eagle patrol the Zambezi River, where African finfoot and rock pratincole also breed. Large numbers of ducks, geese, storks and herons visit seasonal marshes. Secretive Pels fishing owl and flamboyant Schalows turaco inhabit riparian forest and wooded islands. The Kori bustard (the worlds heaviest flying bird) is commonly seen in open woodland. White-breasted cuckooshrike, racket-tailed roller, Bradfields hornbill and Arnots chat are typical of tall woodland.

Other African Wildlife:
Impressive Nile crocodile can be seen basking along the Zambezi River. Tigerfish, red-breasted tilapia and nembwe are abundant. African rock python, flap-necked chameleon and tropical house gecko are other interesting reptiles. Seasonal wetlands echo with the sound of breeding frogs after the first summer rains. Dung beetles are among the most abundant and interesting insects, while a huge variety of butterflies, dragonflies and moths are also conspicuous.

Twice-daily game-drives
Experienced CC Africa rangers and trackers will lead you on interpretive game-drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles. Matetsi is one of the very few areas in Zimbabwe where night game-drives are permitted, revealing a host of interesting nocturnal animals.

Interpretive bush walks
Explore Matetsis pristine wilderness on foot led by an experienced CC Africa ranger or expert tracker steeped in knowledge of the local fauna and flora. Interpretive wilderness walks bring you face-to-face with wild Africa at its best.

Riverboat cruises
Enjoy leisurely morning and/or afternoon riverboat cruises on Matetsis private stretch along the mighty Zambezi River, captained by a knowledgeable river guide. Each riverboat seats just 12 guests, and offers the perfect opportunity to spot Matetsis incredible birdlife, hippos and elephants while watching a glorious sunrise or sunset.

Canoeing
Guided canoe excursions are an exciting way to experience the Zambezi River and to get up close to elephants drinking from the riverbanks. Five sturdy canoes are able to take a maximum of ten guests.