Matusadona National Park
National Park Lakeside park on Lake Kariba with wildlife populations
Matusadona stretches along Lake Kariba’s shoreline, noted for boat safaris, hippo and elephant sightings, fish eagles and camps that use water access for game viewing.
Matusadona National Park occupies areas of shoreline and adjacent woodland on the southern edge of Lake Kariba in northern Zimbabwe. The park includes a mixture of miombo woodland, escarpment and lakeshore habitat.
Wildlife viewing here commonly uses boat-based safaris on Lake Kariba and shoreline drives, with sightings of elephant, hippo and a variety of bird species. The park’s shoreline setting offers fishing, boating and water-based wildlife observation alongside terrestrial game viewing.
The park was established to protect shoreline habitats and wildlife associated with Lake Kariba after the lake’s creation in the mid 20th century altered local landscapes. Management has had to adapt to changing water levels and human-wildlife interactions around the reservoir.
Located on the southern and western shores of Lake Kariba in Mashonaland West Province, the park borders the lake formed by the Zambezi River dam and is reached by road and by boat from lodges and launch points on the lake.
- Access and activities: Located along the southern shoreline of Lake Kariba, many visitor activities are boat-based and camps and lodges are often accessed by water.
How to Get to Matusadona National Park #
Matusadona is accessible from the Lake Kariba area; most visitors stay at lodges along the lake and arrive by boat or via rough roads requiring 4x4 vehicles. The closest towns with regular services are Karoi and Kariba.
Tips for Visiting Matusadona National Park #
- Consider a boat trip on Lake Kariba from Matusadona for water-based wildlife viewing and to reach remote bays.
- The park has steep access points; 4x4 vehicles are recommended for remote lodges and camps.
- Book lodgings well in advance during peak season (July-September).
Best Time to Visit Matusadona National Park #
Dry season is preferable for wildlife viewing; wet season is greener but can complicate access.
Weather & Climate near Matusadona National Park #
Matusadona National Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with hot summers (peaking in October) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 9°C to 32°C. Moderate rainfall (782 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (193 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (177 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 9°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (184 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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