I’ve never quite understood why Matusadona isn’t world-famous.

For one thing, it rises beautifully from the shore of Lake Kariba in the country’s north. Because of its proximity to the water, numerous water-borne activities – canoe and boat trips among them – nicely complement the guided game or wildlife drives.

You can even go on walking safaris here, including one where you track black rhino with the experts. And Matusadona has nothing to envy other Zimbabwean parks when it comes to wildlife – there’s a good chance that you’ll see lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and other charismatic megafauna while you’re here.

If Matusadona has a drawback, it also lies in its proximity to Lake Kariba. The lake is one of Zimbabwe’s most popular resort areas. While that does not directly affect the park itself, you need to venture some distance inside the park (and even away from the lake) to feel like you’ve left the circus behind.

Zimbabwe safaris

An expert guide to the best safari camps in Zimbabwe

I first came on safari in Zimbabwe in 2003 and I’ve been coming back as often as I can, in my role as a travel journalist and guidebook author. When it comes to Zimbabwe, the question people most often ask me is: why? In a region of safari big-hitters, what makes Zimbabwe stand out from neighbouring South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana?For me, safari in Zimbabwe has always felt like a double-concentrated version of the Southern African experience. The country is considerably smaller than its neighbours, with a small but elite portfolio of national parks...read more