Matetsi Victoria Falls

My first impression of Matetsi was that it is a slightly aging property that could use a bit of sprucing up to breathe some life back into it. And truth be told, I still feel that way after my stay - it was first opened in 1997, and it's unclear how many renovations there have been since - there are lots of signs wear and tear (loose bits of the floor in my room (3), for example making for a slightly uneven surface to walk on barefoot, rusted doors at the gym, tired looking walls and a slightly dated design). The main pool area could also do with a bit of TLC, it had too many bugs and debris in it to make me want to spend too much time there (although my private pool by contrast was very clean), and the spa seemed empty / unstaffed when I popped by. Having said that, Matetsi really won me over with its amazing service. The staff are just fantastic, especially my waiter (whose name I sadly didn't catch), who was so kind, always smiling, and went to the trouble of making me a big jar of an amazing fresh juice cocktail for dinner and breakfast that was very much appreciated. My safari guides, Lance and Kevin, were also super chill and just a pleasure to hang out with. Also, I think my breakfast at Matetsi might have been the best I've had in nearly 2 months of travel so far in Africa. If the owners would invest a bit to do the place up, this would be an absolutely fantastic place to stay. In the mean time, I'm giving it a slightly generous 5 stars because the service was just so good!

The first part of any safari is the anticipation when you get picked up at the airport to drive to your lodge. Once arriving the lodge shows its unique qualities - on going through an unassuming walkway you arrive at the main area. Right on the Zambezi, it's a paradise to behold. I had lunch, which was incredible; the combination of local ingredients in a well-presented style. At this point I'll also say that all the meals I had were excellent and I certainly didn't go hungry! As well as being a stunning location and a 5-star lodge the game drives were also excellent. The reserve is different from any I've been in before and was a welcome change from the hectic jostling vehicles in the Mara or the sometimes overcrowded Kruger. This felt like old-time Africa. I was lucky enough to to see lions, elephants and buffalo from the big 5, but for me the highlights were seeing honey badgers (5 I think!), baby jackals and aardwolves, as well as a host of birds. The huge herds of buffalo are also an amazing sight. The accommodation at Matetsi is excellent; very comfortable beds and all you need in the suits. The communal areas are also excellent too with additional spaces to take yourself away if you wish to. But the highlight at camp is watching the river and the birds and animals around it. Warthogs and vervet monkeys are frequent visitors. A thoroughly enjoyable visit and first class service from all the staff. 100% recommended.

This lodge is spectacular. From them stocking the goods to make a Negroni on a river cruise after they realized it was my favorite drink, to the turn down services that were personalized to the care that Yvonne gave us to Maybe being so thoughtful and caring during every service, Johnson who made sure we were well taken care of, Yitai who always greeted us with a smile. One of my most amazing trips, the bedding, the shower, the plunge pool, the facilities. Phenomenal.

I was so impressed by so many things at Matetsi that I started making a list so I didn't forget anything! If I had to choose what stood out the most, I would have to say the genuine care I noticed from all staff for the animals. The conservation work happening at Matetsi is next level and all staff, particularly the guides and trackers are so proud to be apart of it. There were some moments where my heart melted, not from seeing an animal but from seeing and hearing the guides reactions to different situations, like the first spotting of a baby warthog for the season or a kudu walking straight past us having our coffee towards a waterhole where unbeknownst to it, a pack of wild dogs were relaxing after a big feed. Everyday we saw something special and different. The guide and trackers were so knowledgeable. It is 100% due to their experience that we saw a leopard and a lioness and her cub on our trip. There is an abundance of waterholes across the huge 550 sq km reserve which made our safaris very special. I also couldn't help but notice the perfect condition of the Safari vehicles and the roads we drove on. Nice touches like blankets and your own personal water bottle were appreciated. Some people forgot to bring binoculars, so hot tip pack binoculars! Outside of the safaris, everything else was also amazing. The Boma dinners, the food, river cruise, all amazing! The villas on the Zambezi are just spectacular. I really had to think how lucky I was sitting by the Infinity pool, looking out at the Zambezi River and having my own little animal show right there with worthogs, bush bucks, baboons, monkey's and even elephants just casually passing through. Everything is thought of, it is a very professionally run place with what appears to be a great team culture among everyone who works there. There might have been a few tears when I had to say goodbye at the end...I will definitely be back!

This was our second visit to Matetsi and again, our experience was superb. The attention to detail from all the airport pickup to the dropoff was professionally managed with the utmost care and attention. The team members work together as a finely tuned operation. Everyone is friendly, engaging and caring. The game and bird viewing was exceptional. The knowledge and skills of our guide and tracker (Simba and Ishe) was extraordinary. We loved every minute of our stay and can't wait for our next visit.

We loved connecting with the team - Gift has a special talent and so does Nashe - we felt the love from the team and truly appreciated all the little details. The boma night was beautifully prepared. Unexpected wild life was a great plus and congratulations to Matetsi for the wonderful conservation work!