This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines open now

User menu
Matetsi River House
Matetsi River House
Matetsi River House

Matetsi River House: Our full report

Matetsi River House re-opened in August 2016 following extensive refurbishment.

Situated on the private Matetsi Game Reserve overlooking the Zambezi River, it offers guests a luxurious and exclusive stay including game-viewing opportunities and relatively easy access to the Victoria Falls.

Set up as a private house for the exclusive use of one group, Matetsi River House lies in a between the east and west camps of its sister property, Matetsi River Lodge.

The house was designed and built in the same style as the River Lodge, with the same sandy tones, lots of wood and plenty of stylish copper highlights.

It incorporates four bedrooms with a maximum occupancy of eight guests, making it ideal for families or small groups. All are en-suite and two share an interleading door, clearly hinting at the family-friendly design of the property.

Inside, the bedrooms have twin or double beds, ceiling fans, air conditioning, a mini fridge, tea and coffee station, wardrobe and electronic safe. The en-suite bathrooms differ in design but each has his and hers basins, an indoor shower, a deep round bath and separate toilet.

The bedrooms are set up with two on each side of an indoor dining area and lounge. These are comfortable places to relax, with picturesque views of the river – though on our most recent visit, in December 2016, we thought that weather permitting, guests will spend most of their time outside, either by the private infinity pool, around the firepit, or enjoying a meal in the outdoor dining area.

In addition to exclusive use of all the facilities at Matetsi River House, guests here have their own private chef, vehicle, guide and hosting team, which definitely adds to the luxurious feel of the property.

To add to the mix, guests may make use of a number of facilities that the house shares with the River Lodge. Just a short walk away, these include a 25m infinity pool, a fitness centre, curio shop and spa. Here you’ll also find a very well-stocked and impressive wine cellar – complete with a somewhat unexpected extensive collection of diecast toys.

As at the River Lodge, activities from the River House focus largely on the 500km² Matetsi Reserve and on the river. Accompanied by a member of the resident guiding team, guests may search out game in the reserve, either on foot or from a vehicle. Although game is not as prolific here as it is in some of Zimbabwe’s national parks, the reserve is home to many species, including elephant, buffalo, sable, lion, hyena and leopard.

Options on the river range from relaxed river cruises to canoeing (over 16s only) and fishing. And for something a little different, there’s the option of a guided tour of the Victoria Falls, about 45km away, followed by high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel.

Of course, the area around Victoria Falls offers plenty of other activities too. For an additional cost, Matetsi can arrange some of these, from whitewater rafting and bungee jumps to helicopter flights over the Falls.


Our view

Matetsi River House has superb access to the private Matetsi Reserve. While the game here isn’t as prolific as in the national parks, the house is a superb option for a family or small group looking to combine luxury and exclusivity with a safari and the Falls.

Tom Morris

Tom Morris

Country manager: Zimbabwe

Geographics

Location
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Ideal length of stay
Matetsi River House has a remote location, so it takes longer to get to than most of the other options in the Victoria Falls area. Because of this, we would recommend a stay of three nights here - as this will give guests a full day to visit the Falls, as well as plenty of time to relax at the lodge, and take advantage of the included activities.
Directions
Guests usually arrive at the house by road transfer from Victoria Falls Airport, taking approximately 1hr 40 minutes. The first quarter of the journey is on tarmac roads, followed by dirt roads through the wildlife reserve to the house. Alternatively, it is possible to arrange a helicopter transfer from the town for an additional charge.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
Although we have not yet had the pleasure of staying at Matetsi River House, we did enjoy lunch at the River Lodge on our most recent visit, in December 2016. We would expect meals and service at the house to be of the same quality as we experienced for lunch, and at other &Beyond properties.

We selected our lunch at the lodge from the Ă  la carte lunch menu, opting for some hearty gastropub classics: a burger and fish and chips. Although the food took a while to arrive, both were excellent choices and the chef personally came to see that everything was to our liking.
Dining style
Mixture of group dining and individual tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Children

Attitude towards children
Children are welcome at Matetsi River House.
Property’s age restrictions
There is no age restriction here although some of the activities are not suitable for children, and canoeing is limited to those over 16.
Special activities & services
Matetsi offers children the opportunity to participate in special-child friendly activities as a part of their WILDChild programme. Childcare services are available on request.
Equipment
Cots and highchairs can be provided on request.
Generally recommended for children
Matetsi River House has a luxurious and adult feel, but as it is booked on a private basis we think this would be a good option for families or groups with children.
Notes
There are no fences around the house or pools, and open fires are lit at night, so children should be supervised at all times.

Communications

Power supply notes
There is a back-up generator in case of a power failure.
Communications
Free Wi-Fi is available thought out the house.
TV & radio
None
Water supply
Borehole
Water supply notes
All the rooms have hot and cold running water, plumbed showers and flush toilets.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
The guides and managers at Matetsi are first-aid trained. The nearest doctor is in Victoria Falls (approx 45km away).
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
There are guards on site 24/7.
Fire safety
Fire extinguishers can be found throughout the property.

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
A complimentary laundry service is included.
Money
There are small digital safes in each bedroom.
Accepted payment on location
Cash payments are accepted in US dollars; card payments may be made using Visa, Diners, Amex and Mastercard.

Other lodges in Victoria Falls

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Ilala Lodge

Ilala Lodge

Exceptionally well located between the Victoria Falls and the town of the same name, Ilala Lodge has comfortable rooms, a friendly atmosphere & great food.


93% (273 reviews)
Victoria Falls Hotel

Victoria Falls Hotel

With its unique setting, authentic style and excellent service, the Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most iconic hotels.


94% (166 reviews)
Batonka Guest Lodge

Batonka Guest Lodge

Small, comfortable and in lovely gardens, Batonka Guest Lodge is a perfect base for exploring the Victoria Falls away from the bustle of the town.


96% (30 reviews)
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Victoria Falls Lodge

High on a plateau a short distance outside Victoria Falls Town, the comfortable Victoria Falls Safari Lodge overlooks its own waterhole.


88% (22 reviews)
Sprayview Hotel

Sprayview Hotel

In close proximity to both the town and the Victoria Falls themselves, Sprayview is a value-for-money hotel in a convenient location.


75% (16 reviews)
The Elephant Camp

The Elephant Camp

The Elephant Camp is a luxury tented camp in its own private concession within Victoria Falls National Park, just 15-minute's drive town.


93% (15 reviews)
Old Drift Lodge

Old Drift Lodge

A lovely addition to the options in Victoria Falls, the stylish Old Drift has a great location in Zimbabwe's Zambezi National Park, with a range of activities.


93% (12 reviews)
Victoria Falls Safari Club

Victoria Falls Club

Just outside of Victoria Falls Town, Victoria Falls Safari Club offers an exclusive, relaxing and luxurious base to explore the area.


94% (10 reviews)
Palm River Hotel

Palm River

Palm River Hotel offers a high-quality stay in a picturesque location on the banks of the Zambezi, with excellent food and a shuttle to the Victoria Falls.


100% (9 reviews)
Gorges Lodge

Gorges Lodge

Gorges Lodge has spectacular views from its perch on the edge of the Batoka Gorge. Although it is out of town it isn't too far from the main attractions.


98% (8 reviews)
Pioneers

Pioneers

Located a five-minute drive from the buzz of Victoria Falls town, the mid-size Pioneers offers a relaxing stay in one of Zimbabwe's most iconic destinations.


97% (6 reviews)
Zambezi Sands

Zambezi Sands

Zambezi Sands is a stylish new camp with a range of activities on a remote stretch of the Zambezi River.


100% (3 reviews)
528 Victoria Falls

528 Victoria Falls

528 Victoria Falls is a charming, owner-run, boutique B&B in a leafy suburb of Victoria Falls town, offering an oasis of calm in an often-busy location.


80% (1 review)
Matetsi River Lodge

Matetsi River Lodge

Situated in the private Matetsi Reserve, Matetsi River Lodge offers luxury suites, game drives and river activities within reach of the Victoria Falls.


100% (1 review)
Victoria Falls Safari Suites

Victoria Falls Suites

Just out of the town, Victoria Falls Safari Suites offers an exclusive, relaxing and luxurious base from which to explore.


100% (1 review)
Mpala Jena

Mpala Jena

In Zambezi National Park, Mpala Jena offers a luxurious but eco-friendly experience, within easy access of the Victoria Falls.


No reviews yet

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Newsletter background

Stay in the know with Expert Africa

Join our newsletter. Get the latest on new camps and lodges, insights from our team, uplifting conservation stories and more...

A few more details and you're subscribed

Thanks!

Almost there! We've sent you an email to confirm your subscription. Just click on the link and you'll soon be receiving our newsletter in your inbox.

In the meantime, take a look at our previous Bush Telegraph newsletters.
Africa