Matetsi Victoria Falls

Character and identity

Set on a 19km private stretch of the Zambezi within the 136,000-acre Matetsi reserve, 45 minutes from Victoria Falls, this is an 18-suite contemporary safari lodge split across two camps either side of a four-bedroom private villa. The architecture, by Zimbabwean Kerry van Leenhoff, leans into elephant-grey plaster, bleached poles, stone, brass and copper, with indigenous-wood furniture and art by Zimbabwean names like Helen Teede. Each suite faces the river with its own plunge pool. A raised Africology spa, 66ft rim-flow pool and wine cellar anchor the central lodge. Service runs warm, proud and notably Zimbabwean.

Who's it for

Bottom line

What sets this place apart is the rare double act: a properly wild private reserve with excellent Zimbabwean guiding, plus quick access to Victoria Falls, all delivered through a design-forward lodge with a genuine conservation backbone. Spend the money if you want safari and the Falls in one stay; book a river-facing suite, and aim for April high water if the Falls are the priority.