Just thirty minutes upstream from the iconic Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwean side of the Zambezi, AndBeyond Matetsi River Lodge sits on a quiet stretch of river within an enormous private game reserve. It's an extraordinary setting for this newly refurbished lodge, which serves up tranquility and adventure in equal doses. From your riverfront cottage, enjoy watching the birdlife flittering around the water below, or head into the reserve for an excellent selection of game. And then of course, there's the star of the show, Victoria Falls, a sight that David Livingstone once said was, "a scene so lovely it must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight." Sounds good to us!
The lodge is divided into two self-sufficient sections for a greater sense of intimacy and exclusivity. Each main area consists of a chic, open-sided structure with a bright and breezy bar, lounge and dining area and a large outdoor terrace provides plenty of seating for dining and lounging, sunning and shading. There's also a shared central complex between the two sections, home to a gorgeous infinity pool, spa, fitness center, curio shop and a rather impressive wine cellar.
The 18 river-facing suites are spacious, light and airy with modern fixtures and plenty of whimsical charm. Bedrooms have a cushy queen sized bed, facing out to the river (quite literally on the doorstep) and you'll find stylish cow skin rugs and chic sofas in the lounge. Bathrooms are especially large, incorporating a double basin and deep, luxurious bathtub. Outside opens up to a multi-level verandah with a large seating area, plunge pool, and there's even an outdoor shower. Heaven!
The Matetsi Reserve offers the chance to see just about everything, from elephant to lion and hyena to crocs. Game viewing is quite limited (especially for experienced safari-goers), however, it's still a good location for those who want a bush setting near the Falls. Fishing trips, sundowner cruises, kayaking, walks and game drives all take place from the lodge with a guide, and Victoria Falls offers its own extensive activity menu, including chopper flights, bungee jumping, gorge swinging, river rafting and more, all of which can be arranged through Matetsi.
The Time + Tide Foundation is dedicated to preserving natural environments and supporting nearby communities, and guests contribute to sustainability purely by visiting their hotels. The foundation focuses on community and school-based learning, female empowerment, health, and wildlife conservation. Through initiatives like student sponsorship, it aims to ensure the long-term prosperity of wildlife economies and foster positive social change in Time + Tide communities.
A contribution of $10 per guest, which is included in the nightly rate, goes towards the above goals.
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Adventure activities, spine-tingling views and beautiful lodges? It can only be Victoria Falls.