Lake Kariba & Matusadona Safaris
Matusadona National Park offers a unique and stunning safari experience. Located on the southern edge of Lake Kariba, the fourth largest man-made lake in the world, this area is particularly good for walking and boat safaris. The park boasts an excellent amount of game, with a year-round supply of water ensuring an abundance of wildlife.
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More About Lake Kariba & Matusadona
One of the highlights of Lake Kariba is its tranquil waters, which provide a stealthy, engine-free approach to the wildlife on the shore. From the comfort of a boat, visitors can observe elephants, buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles up close, as well as a diverse range of birdlife. The sunsets on the lake are particularly noteworthy, rivaling any on the planet for their beauty.
Matusadona National Park is a prime location for spotting the big five, with lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard all present in the area. Walking safaris offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural environment and appreciate the smaller details, such as tracks and scat, that are often missed on game drives. Boat safaris provide a unique opportunity to see wildlife from a different perspective and to appreciate the scale of Lake Kariba.
Wildlife
Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park are home to some of Africa's most iconic and sought-after wildlife species. Visitors to the area can experience the thrill of seeing all of the Big Five animals, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinos.
Elephants are abundant in the area and can often be seen bathing in the tranquil waters of Lake Kariba. Lions are also a common sight, with roughly 30 of these majestic creatures frequently spotted in the park. Leopards, known for their elusive nature, are also relatively common sightings on safaris in the area.
Other wildlife species that can be seen in Matusadona National Park and around Lake Kariba include hippos, crocodiles, cheetahs, hyenas, and zebras. Antelopes are also plentiful, with species such as roan, kudu, grysbok, klipspringer, bushbuck, and duiker often seen grazing on the park's grasslands.
A safari in Matusadona National Park and Lake Kariba is a chance to experience some of the world's most iconic wildlife species in their natural habitats. With experienced guides and a vast array of wildlife to discover, visitors are sure to have an unforgettable safari experience.
Activities
Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park offer a wealth of exciting activities for visitors looking for an adventure in the African wilderness. Whether you are an avid fisherman, wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, these destinations have something for everyone.
For those looking to explore the wildlife of the region, Matusadona National Park offers a range of activities such as game drives, walking safaris, and bird watching. Visitors can expect to spot a variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, buffalo, and antelopes. The park is also home to over 240 species of birds, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.
Lake Kariba is renowned for its fishing opportunities, with the lake being home to a wide variety of fish species such as tiger fish, bream, and catfish. Fishing enthusiasts can choose from a range of options including guided fishing trips or hiring their own boats.
For those seeking a more relaxing experience, the area offers boat cruises, sunset cruises, and houseboat holidays. The beautiful scenery and sunsets over Lake Kariba are an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park depends on what kind of safari experience you're looking for. The dry season, from May to October, is the best time for game viewing as the wildlife congregates around the lake and the vegetation is less dense. The months of July to September are particularly good for game viewing as the animals gather around the remaining water sources.
During the wet season, from November to April, the park and lake are transformed into lush green landscapes with an abundance of birdlife and newborn animals. This is a great time for birdwatching and seeing the park's predators in action, as they hunt the young and vulnerable prey. However, access to some areas may be limited due to the heavy rainfall and some lodges may close during this time.
Overall, the best time to visit Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park depends on your interests and preferences. If you want to see large herds of wildlife and have a higher chance of spotting predators, the dry season is your best bet. But if you're interested in birdwatching and don't mind the occasional afternoon shower, the wet season offers a unique and vibrant experience.
Month-by-Month Guide to Weather
January-March:
These months are the height of the rainy season, with lush vegetation and plenty of water in the park's rivers and lakes. Temperatures range from 18°C to 31°C (64°F-88°F). January has an average rainfall of 156mm and 17 rainy days, February averages 173mm and 17 rainy days, while March has an average of 128mm and 13 rainy days.
April:
The rainy season is coming to an end, and the park is still green and lush. Temperatures range between 16°C and 30°C (60°F-86°F). Rainfall decreases, with an average of 55mm and 8 rainy days.
May:
The end of the rainy season means fewer mosquitoes and less vegetation cover, making it easier to spot wildlife. The temperature ranges from 13°C to 29°C (55°F-84°F), with an average of 22mm of rainfall and 4 rainy days.
June-August:
These months mark the dry season, characterized by sunny days and cool nights. Temperatures range from 9°C to 26°C (48°F-79°F). There's very little rain, with an average of 2mm and 1 rainy day per month.
September:
The end of the dry season is hot and dusty. Temperatures range from 14°C to 34°C (57°F-93°F). There's almost no rain, with an average of 1mm and 1 rainy day.
October:
The first rains of the season are expected towards the end of October. Temperatures range between 18°C and 36°C (64°F-97°F). The average rainfall is 28mm, and there are 4 rainy days.
November-December:
The rainy season begins in earnest, and temperatures range from 18°C to 34°C (64°F-93°F). Average rainfall in November is 61mm, with 8 rainy days, while December has an average of 109mm and 13 rainy days.