About Matusadona National Park Zimbabwe

About Matusadona National Park Zimbabwe

Matusadona National Park is situated in northern Zimbabwe on the banks of Lake Kariba. This national Park sits on 1400 square kilometers of land. Its topography is composed of rugged mountains that act as a barrier for various flora and fauna.

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Filming in Matusadona National Park.

The name Matusadona is derived it name from the Matuziviadonha hills that stand beautifully. These rolling hills even looked stunning before the construction of the Kariba Dam. A wide range of Fauna and flora that spend time by the Lake Shore love grazing on the lush grass in this area. This steady food source is contributing to the increase in population of the elephants and herds of cape buffaloes.

The Matusadona National Park has various vegetation zones that is shoreline grassland, thickets and mopane woodland and escarpment area is Julbernardia woodland. Even though the woodland area may have less grass, it is a shelter for most ungulates.

Brief history of Matusadona National Park

The Matusadona National Park was first recognized as a wildlife reserve in 1958 November but later I 1963, it was recognized as a game reserve and in 1975 the park  was declared a National park. Later the creation of Lake Kariba, more grass sprung up giving a chance for more wild animals especially elephants and buffaloes to often spend time along the shores of this lake.

 The rich vegetation that feeds the angulates of Matusadona National Park includes Panicum Repen a kind of grass that allows more nutrients to the shoreline because it grows as long as the lake level fluctuates. Get in touch with us here.

What to do a see in Matusadona National Park

Game drives In Matusadona National Park

A game drive in Matusadona National Park is always a success with chances of spotting herds of elephants, cape buffaloes, common zebras, bushbucks, waterbucks, zebras, impalas, wild dogs, spotted hyenas and others. You can start the game drive early morning to catch up with the early risers as they emerge from their night hide outs.

Matusadona National Park opens opportunities to spot some four of the big five that is lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants.

After the black Rhinos were fully wiped away from Matusadona National Park by 2016, the process of rehabilitation started and still going on.

Birding In Matusadona National Park

The presence of the flood plains and the shoreline of Lake Kariba acts a magnet to a variety of bird species. You may catch the eye of fish eagles, skimmers, king fisher, saddle bill stork, trumpeter hornbill, tiny Kittlitz, fly bee eaters, African fin foot and others. Some of these birds can be spotted in the Senyati gorge in the eastern part of the park, Ume basin and others parts of the park.

 An early morning rise yields better results for keen birders on safari in Matusadona National Park. You need a professional and knowledgeable birding guide too.

Walking safaris in Matusadona National Park

Enjoy and watch game in Matusadona National Park differently by taking a guided nature walk. From the starting point of the safari, look out for several animals that love spending time in this park. Take the paths created by former visitors so that you donot construct new ones that can lead to environmental degradation.

Look out for the stunning view of Matusadona National Park with rugged hills and the beauty of Lake Kariba. You may hire a porter to help lift your belongings so that you are not let down by this extra weight.

Get up close with wild animals like elephants that love traversing the park and these are common residents you are likely to rub shoulders with. You must listen to the guidelines of the walking safari so that you do not fall prey.

Boat rides in Matusadona National Park

The presence of Lake Kariba is an opportunity to relax and enjoy the cool breeze from this largest man made lake in Africa. Lake Kariba is a result of the construction of the Kariba Dam which is the main hydropower center of Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Enjoy the boat ride while watching over for the different animals that normally move a shore to quench thirst and take a bath. Enjoy the presence of schools of hippos and serried crocodiles. You may get chance to watch the sunset as it casts rays over the lake surface to give way to nightfall.

Sports Fishing In Matusadona National Park

Anglers on a safari to Matusadona National Park can also engage in sports fishing. You need to secure a fishing permit from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management. In order to enjoy the entire experience. Sports fishing takes place in particular designated areas.

Some of the fish you may catch include catfish, lungfish, tilapia, tiger fish and others. Catch and release method is used during fishing in Matusadona National Park adventure in order to promote sustainable existence of the various fish species in the Lake.

When is the best Time To Go on Safari To Matusadona National Park?

The best time to go on safari in Matusadona National Park is the dry season that is June, July, August, September, October, December and early January. The grass is generally lower in this park during this season due to over grassing and so creating better visibility.

The tracks in Matusadona National Park are quicker to navigate although dusty and bumpy. Because the water sources in the park become scarce in the dry season, most of the animals spend most of their day closer to water sources like Lake Kariba. While on a boat ride, you may catch these thirsty part dwellers lower their necks to quench thirst, skimmers like lions usually take advantage of the moment to catch a meal.

The dry season is the peak tourism season too in Zimbabwe so expect high completion for some logistics in and around Matusadona National Park. It is best to book accommodation, and transport in advance so that you do not run out of options at the last hour. Expect to share the same space too during the safari to Matusadona National Park with other tourists.

The wet season that is March, April, May and November is the low tourism season in Zimbabwe. There are less bookings to destinations like Matusadona National Park. For those wishing to have no or less crowds the low season may be perfect timing. Even those that are budget conscious, the low season may open better opportunities to a low budget safari. The park doesn’t normally have many vehicles in the low season.

The wet season is the low tourism season too navigating the tracks of Matusadona National Park is quite challenging with the grass higher so spotting the low leveled animals may be quite a challenge. In case you wish to witness new births coming to life, the low season may be great timing. Contact us.

How Much Is The Cost Of Safari To Matusadona National Park

At the moment, the cost of safari in Matusadona National Park varies with category that is luxury, mid-range and basic. When making a quotation for Zimbabwe safari, we may consider the number of people traveling with, number of days, activities to engage in and others.

The cost of park entrance fees to Matusadona National Park cuts across all budgets. The park’s fees are a contribution to the conservation fund of this park. The quotation for this safari is also based on the accommodation type, transport means and others.

At Encounter Africa Safaris, we have affordable Matusadona National Park quotations covering different budgets. Work with our safari consultants to tailor an itinerary that is inclusive of your safari interests and budget. We help put together all the necessary logistics that support this Zimbabwe safari.

In case you wish to have a porter during the walking safari in Matusadona National Park, hire one at a friendly cost. Hiring a porter is one of the direct ways to give back to the local community.

Is the cost of safari to Matusadona National Park worth

The cost of safari to Matusadona National Park is worth spending time and money on. This is because you get to experience the presence of wild animals in the wilderness very close to you especially when you take a boat or canoe experience or engage in a walking safari. You get to see and capture the different scenes at a closer proximity.

The scenery of Matusadona National Park is unforgettable with the unique landforms that act as barriers of the park

When you hire a porter, you contribute to the fund that supports the wildlife conservation in this park. Many National Park are facing poaching and some of the ways to curb this vice is to employ more ranger guides. Some of all these experiences are catered for using the funds accrued from park entrance fees.

Can Children visit Matusadona National Park

Children are allowed to visit Matusadona National Park but they must be under the supervision of a responsible adult. Pre-brief the children about life in the national park and what is expected of them. This helps them not to get shocked when they arrive in the park.

During the game drives, children normally may request for toilet breaks but this should only be done with supervision of a ranger guide this is because the park also has predators that may sneak out on you. Reach us for more inquiries about this.

Does Matusadona National Park have the big five?

Matusadona National Park has four of the big five that is lions, leopards, herds of elephants and buffaloes. The park used to host black rhinos but were poached out with 2016 seeing the last of these giants.

The biggest population of wild animals in Matusadona National Park is mainly ungulates.  Some of these include impalas, wildebeests, waterbucks, bushbucks, antelopes and others. Even though this park hosts members of the big five, do not focus on only seeing them because you will miss out on so many interesting moments in the park. Contact us for more details.

What Accommodation To Book On Safari In Matusadona National Park

The accommodation to book on safari in Matusadona National Park varies with package you choose. Matusadona National Park has a number of accommodation options to choose from that is luxury accommodations, mid-range and basic facilities.

Matusadona National Park accommodations: Changa Safari Camp, Musango Safari Camp, Rhino Safari Camp, Spurwing Island, Bumihill Safari Camp

What to pack for a safari to Matusadona National Park

• A pair of binoculars for better visibility of far ranging features.
• Insect repellant to keep away biting insects that may cross your way like tsetse flies. The wilderness may have some harmful insects that may make you uncomfortable with a bite.
• Rainproof proof gears especially during the wet season
• Safari hat or cap to protect your head from the dust and buzzing insects
• A pair of binoculars to capture a closer look of the surroundings of the Matusadona National Park
• Safari shoes especially if you have to walk as the ground is sometimes very hot and also your feet need to be protected from the rough surfaces in the wilderness.
• Sunglasses to protect your eyes from buzzing insects.
• Some warmers because most safari destinations in Zimbabwe experience cold conditions early morning and late afternoon.
•  Foldable drinking water bottle to quench thirst during the safari in Zimbabwe
• Safari wears in colors that are wilderness friendly in colors like khaki, tan and others. Try not to use colors that can attract stinging insects like blue, black and white.
• Some cash to use for on ground purchases as credit cards are not easy to use in Africa because of the lengthy process of collecting money from them.
• Snacks to munch on when you are on safari in case you get hungry.
•  A camera to keep memorable moments while on safari in Zimbabwe there many moments that happen
• Flip flops to wear while relaxing at your lodge or hotel
• First aid kit in case of an emergency. It should also contain prescribed medication from a professional doctor.
• Extra batteries fully charged to exchange with in case you one runs low.
• Duffel bag so that you can carry your belongings in case you have to help yourself.

Contact us for more details about Matusadoba National Park Zimbabwe.