With Zimbabwe’s borders set to reopen from October 1, 2020, Matetsi Victoria Falls has unveiled its very own private airstrip, to compliment its existing private heli-pad, with a new buyout concept that will allow guests to safari in their own bubbles.

The finest way to experience Victoria Falls, guests will have exclusive access to 136,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including a private section of the Zambezi River and either part or full access to the exquisite lodge – ideal for discerning travellers in search of privacy, exclusivity and tranquillity.

Matetsi Victoria Falls is the only lodge in the region with a purpose-built licenced heli-pad and a private airstrip. Travellers can opt to arrive into Zimbabwe in complete style, by flying privately into Victoria Falls International and clearing immigration to then take the scenic ‘Flight of the Angels’ helicopter experience over this magnificent natural world wonder touching ground in the Matetsi Private Game Reserve.

Alternatively, they can opt to fly commercially into Harare with Emirates before boarding a privately chartered aircraft landing directly into the Matetsi Private Game Reserve, with varying size aircrafts available to accommodate all group sizes. Not only will this help maximise holiday time and offer a beautiful bird’s eye view of the surrounding area on arrival, but it will also eliminate contact with other travellers and busy crowds.

Guests are able to book Matetsi Victoria Falls on a full or part exclusive-use basis, depending on their requirements. Part Exclusive-Use offers guests a buyout of Matetsi’s West Camp (one of the two camps which make up Matetsi Victoria Falls), which features up to seven rooms with one family room, accommodating up to 14 adult guests.

This also includes exclusive use of the West Camp’s main guest area, three private vehicles, three extra beds subject to availability and access to the general guest recreation area. The Full Exclusive-Use option includes a buyout of the whole lodge, in addition to private access to the vast 136,000-acre wilderness area that is Matetsi Private Game Reserve and 9 miles of Zambezi river frontage.

In both cases, guests will be looked after by a dedicated team, including private chef and butler. Private safari vehicles will also be at their disposal, with personal guides and trackers ensuring a tailor-made safari experience. Both options are available for day and week-long buyouts.

Alternatively, groups can opt to book Matetsi River House, a four bedroom exclusive-use villa decorated in the same contemporary African style as the lodge, with both open-plan indoor and outdoor seating and dining areas, a wide verandah with loungers and banquettes on which to relax, as well as a private swimming pool around which to soak in the bush sounds, and a fire pit around which to enjoy starlit nightcaps.

Matetsi Private Game Reserve offers a vast wilderness with plenty of space for guests to experience their African safari safely, with all of the exquisite comforts that Matetsi Victoria Falls is known for. Offering both land and water-based activities, Matetsi Victoria Falls is a destination within a destination, with days’ worth of activities within the ‘safari bubble’ on property. Guests can participate in morning, evening and full day game drives as well as walking safaris.

Matetsi Private Game Reserve offers guests the opportunity to see a variety of species such as elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard to name a few, as well as over 350 bird species. On the Zambezi river, guests can enjoy sunrise or sunset cruises, as well we canoe excursions and fishing. And, guests will have all of it to themselves, while being looked after by a dedicated team.

For guests wishing to relax, each of the River Lodge Suites has their own plunge pool and terrace area overlooking the Zambezi, and the guest recreational area boasts a 20m lap pool as well as spa, fitness room, library and private wine cellar. The cuisine on property is world-class and is showcased through a variety of dining-experiences including private in-room dining and á la carte bush dinners.

At its very heart, Matetsi Victoria Falls is the realisation of the Gardiner family’s dream to showcase everything exceptional about their home country, from safari, river and Victoria Falls to Zimbabwean design talent and hospitality. With an expert team at the helm, the attention to detail given to the design, service and food as well as the experiences on offer makes Matetsi Victoria Falls an unrivalled experience in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa.

Highly acclaimed for its distinctly African, exquisite interiors, Matetsi Victoria Falls, is very much in keeping with its natural surrounds. The theme of ‘Life on the River’, as conceptualised by the lodge’s Zimbabwean architectural designer, coming through subtly with clay-pot down lighters, fish-trap inspired features and custom works by local artisans.

Guests can rest assured that their safety and well-being remains, as always, paramount, and the Matetsi team adhere to the strict bio security protocols issued by the World Health Organization as well as country-specific requirements. For a detailed overview of all of Matetsi Victoria Falls’ preventative measures, visit here.

HOW: Rates for Matetsi Victoria Falls’ part exclusive-use buyout start from $9,500 in 2020 and $11,000 in 2021. The full exclusive-use buyout starts from $22,000 per night and $140,000 per week in 2020, or $25,000 per night and $155,000 per week in 2021.