Matusadona and Lake Kariba Safaris

Lake Kariba is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world—a vast, crystal-clear inland sea created by the damming of the Zambezi River, fringed by grass-covered shorelines and scattered with islands.

On its southern shore, Matusadona National Park combines water-based game viewing with walking safaris in a setting of genuine beauty and tranquility. What this destination may lack in the sheer density of wildlife found in Zimbabwe's busier parks, it more than compensates for in atmosphere, variety, and the extraordinary quality of light on the water.

A small boat moves along a wide calm lake flanked by green hills under soft overcast light.

Why visit Matusadona and Lake Kariba?

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    Matusadona offers a rare combination of walking safaris and water-based game viewing in equal measure. Explore the shoreline by game-viewing boat or live-aboard houseboat, watching elephants (who have adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle) wade and feed at the water's edge as lake levels shift with the seasons. Lion, leopard, hyena, buffalo, and a small but critical population of endangered black rhino complete a compelling wildlife portfolio.

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    Why book with Extraordinary Journeys?

  • Sketch of a diver wearing a snorkel.

    We go deep

    We value depth over breadth. While we have broadened our map, our intimate expertise runs deep—from understanding each locale's hidden rhythms to cultivating relationships with exceptional guides.

  • Sketch of a flashlight held in a person's hand.

    We keep it honest

    Seasoned travelers know that places change, authentic experiences migrate. We'll listen to your hopes and passions, but push back when we know something will better resonate with you.

  • Sketch of an umbrella with decorative fringe.

    We’ve got it covered

    Traveling to wild places asks something of us— a quality of attention and presence. From behind-the-scenes logistics to bespoke culinary experiences, our team has thought of everything.

  • Sketch of a telescope pointed at the stars.

    We know it’s personal

    There will undoubtedly be extraordinary unscripted moments: hippos emerging at sunset, the impossible blue of Arctic ice. We know that meaningful memories often live in personalized details.

  • Sketch of a diver wearing a snorkel.

    We go deep

    We value depth over breadth. While we have broadened our map, our intimate expertise runs deep—from understanding each locale's hidden rhythms to cultivating relationships with exceptional guides.

  • Sketch of a flashlight held in a person's hand.

    We keep it honest

    Seasoned travelers know that places change, authentic experiences migrate. We'll listen to your hopes and passions, but push back when we know something will better resonate with you.

  • Sketch of an umbrella with decorative fringe.

    We’ve got it covered

    Traveling to wild places asks something of us— a quality of attention and presence. From behind-the-scenes logistics to bespoke culinary experiences, our team has thought of everything.

  • Sketch of a telescope pointed at the stars.

    We know it’s personal

    There will undoubtedly be extraordinary unscripted moments: hippos emerging at sunset, the impossible blue of Arctic ice. We know that meaningful memories often live in personalized details.