Matetsi River Lodge
Overview
Luxury on the river
Matetsi River House is the perfect blend of a thrilling safari experience and an idyllic luxury escape to nature in one of Africa’s most sought-after destinations. Extraordinary scenery, utmost tranquillity and superb game viewing make Matetsi an ideal base for a journey to visit the largest waterfall on Earth.
Matetsi River House is located on a 50,000-hectare private reserve on the Zimbabwean side of the mighty Victoria Falls. Its close proximity to the Falls make exciting adventure activities accessible, while still providing travelers with a refined and exclusive safari retreat with all the luxuries of a five-star lodge.
The lodge with its nine river-facing luxury suites, and exclusive-use 4-bedroomed private villa, has been thoughtfully designed with the natural surroundings in mind. Polished earth finishes local copper detailing and custom works by local artisans work together to create a seamless flow between interior and exterior living spaces. A shining gem in Zimbabwe’s crown!
Highlights
- Fishing
- Exceptional bird watching
- Distinctly African contemporary design
- Game drives, boat safaris and walking safaris on offer
- Private Zambezi river access and river views from every suite
When to go
Year Round
Experiences
Experiences off the beaten track.
Crafted for the bold + discerning.
Curated Packages
Signature journeys across Zimbabwe
Our expert team crafts journeys that transcend luxury. Each itinerary is shaped by the spirit of the land and the wisdom of its people — opening doors to experiences few can imagine, and even fewer will ever access.
All year round
|
9 DAYS
9-day Victoria Falls to Botswana Luxury Safari
March to June
|
10 DAYS
Zimbabwe Victoria Falls & Safari LuxVenture®
All year round
|
12 DAYS
Luxury Family Safari: South Africa & Victoria Falls
Year Round
|
8 DAYS
African Wild Dog Safari in Zimbabwe
June-August
|
12 DAYS
Rovos Rail and Zambezi River Escape
All Year Round
|
14 DAYS
Southern Africa’s Finest: SA, Victoria Falls & Botswana
All Year Round
|
13 DAYS
Elephant Safari in South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana
Take a seat beside the campfire, where untold stories rise with the smoke, legends live in the land, and luxury is part of the wild.
What our
Travelers say
Travelers say
EXCELLENT Based on 67 reviews Posted on Sarah KraemerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ker&Downey (AKA Grand Africa Safaris) has consistently provided excellent experiences for our clients who book safaris. The team is in constant communication with our guests while they are in country, and are highly organized and communicate clearly with us in the planning stages. They execute the highest end luxury safaris, and can also work within a budget to deliver "memories of a lifetime." They have been our partners for 10 years, and we look forward to many more happy years of business together.Posted on Ruth WoodTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ker and Downey has worked with me and my clients for the past ten years and are a wonderful team of professional African specialists.Posted on Christina SilvaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nicole at Ker & Downey Africa is fantastic to work with. She is professional, responsive, and incredibly helpful throughout the planning process.Posted on Timeless Africa SafarisTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have worked with Ker & Downey Africa for quite some time now, and the service continues to exceed our expectations. Their team consistently delivers with professionalism, efficiency, and genuine care. Nicole and Yumna are both amazing — responsive, and always willing to go above and beyond to ensure every detail is taken care of. Their dedication and warm approach make working with them an absolute pleasure. We value the partnership and look forward to working with them for many more years to come. - Terri-Ann & the Timeless Africa Safaris TeamPosted on Michael RoyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As both a travel advisor and a consumer I can give Ker & Downey my highest of ratings. As a consumer Danalee and the team planned and executed a brilliant safari last October for my colleague and I. From Cape Town to the private game reserves in Sabi Sabi and Thornybush to Botswana and the delta it was a first class experience and there was never a moment when we did not feel taken care along our 3 week journey. Top shelf accommodations, restaurants and safari camps all exceeded expectations. Great job by the entire team! As a travel advisor that gives me great confidence when I’m planning safaris for my clients. Danalee listens and because of her knowledge and experience she provides the custom itineraries and insight that the clients ask for. She even delivers when clients change their minds mid way through the process and delivers creative itinerary solutions that meet their exacting standards. It’s rare to find a “go to” DMC but you’ll find one here with Ker & Downey Africa.Posted on Leah WinckTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a Travel Advisor, the coordination and execution of my clients' trips have been excellent. From the arrival transfers, to the hotels booked and services provided - Ker & Downey Africa were exceptional. It was such a pleasure to work together with the Team to create a dream come true for my clients! Bravo K&D! Thank you for such amazing partnership!Posted on Sophie KhouryTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Danalee and her team, Zanel, Yumna, Nicole, at Ker & Downey Africa are absolutely wonderful. As a travel advisor, it’s such a pleasure to work with someone like Danalee — a true expert who is incredibly responsive and always ready to help.Posted on Betty HellstromTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have had the pleasure of working with Ker & Downey Africa for many years now, and every single trip I’ve arranged for my groups has been absolutely seamless. From the hotels and lodges to the camps and tour guides, every detail has been thoughtfully curated and executed to perfection. The properties are exceptional, the guides are knowledgeable and professional, and the overall experience for my travelers is consistently outstanding. Working with Danalee May here in the U.S. has been an incredible advantage. She is responsive, attentive, and truly understands the needs of my clients. At the same time, the team in Cape Town works hand in hand with her to ensure flawless coordination on the ground. It’s clear that communication and collaboration are at the heart of what they do. There are so many people behind the scenes who deserve recognition that it’s hard to know who to thank first. What I can say with confidence is that the entire Ker & Downey Africa team operates at the highest level of professionalism and care. I will absolutely continue to use Ker & Downey Africa for all of my future bookings to Africa. Their expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence make them an invaluable partner.Posted on Catherine JohnsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ker & Downey have been a pleasure to work with! Their communication was consistent, quick, smooth, and timely! As a travel agency who partnered with them as our DMC, their team was very responsive and professional throughout our time working with them. We appreciated their deep knowledge of South Africa (recommendations on tours, hotel selections, dining options, etc) and look forward to working with them again!
africa travel journal
An insider’s guide to the heart of Africa
Explore our expert travel journals, packed with bold adventures, rare experiences, and smart travel intel to inspire your next journey across this richly storied continent.
Insights
Gorilla Trekking in Africa: Volcanoes vs Bwindi vs Mgahinga
Experiences
Antarctica Penguins: From the Poles to the Plains
Philanthropic
Luxury sustainable safari experiences & the best eco-friendly lodges
Wildlife
Best Safaris in Africa to See the Big 5
Insights
Private Wildlife Conservancies in Africa vs National Parks
Accommodation
Insider’s Guide: A First-Hand Stay at Cheetah Plains
AN INSIDER’S GUIDE
The heart of Africa
Sign up to receive curated journeys, expert safari intel, and first-hand access to Africa’s most exclusive travel experiences.