Matusadona National Park has long been an iconic safari destination in Zimbabwe since its establishment in 1975. After some years of financial struggle that led to the decline in wildlife populations and general park management, African Parks Network (APN) entered into a 20-year agreement with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA). This partnership, known as the Matusadona Conservation Trust, is dedicated to the rehabilitation, development, and long-term management of the Park.
Tashinga Campsite – the Park’s main campsite – is located on the remote shores of Lake Kariba (GPS: -16.813071; 28.446178) and provides a range of accommodation for visitors. It can be accessed by road from Harare or Chirundu via the Binga/Magunje road, though a high clearance 4×4 vehicle is advised as the roads outside the Park are in poor condition. Alternatively, guests may fly into one of the airstrips within the Park, or arrive by boat directly from Kariba town.
Accommodation at Tashinga Campsite includes self-drive camping for those with their own equipment, serviced tent hire with basic amenities, and fully equipped self-catering cottages. Additional accommodation within the Park includes several wilderness campsites and the exclusive Jenje Bush Camp.
Tashinga Self-Catering Cottages
Albida Camp
- 3 x East Africa canvas tents
- 1 x shared kitchen with fridge/freezer, gas stove, toaster, kitchen utensils, cutlery and crockery
- Reverse Osmosis filtration unit for safe drinking water
- 1 x sheltered common dining area (known as the ‘Gazebo’)
- 1 x braai (on request), and 1 x fire pit (on request)
- 1 x central ablution unit
- 1 x lockable storage room for additional luggage
- Camp powered by 3kva solar unit
- Self-catering (cooks available at an additional cost)
Albida Camp is a family-friendly accommodation option offering both comfort and convenience. The camp includes a fully equipped kitchen, a shaded gazebo, and a modern ablution block. It consists of three spacious tents, each equipped with two twin beds, making it suitable for families or small groups. Please note that a minimum of 4 guests is required to book the camp exclusively.
Every tent is equipped with:
- 2 x single beds with bedside tables and lamps, clothing cupboards and a luggage shelf.
- Open air en-suite bathroom with access to hot water showers powered by a solar geyser
- Flushable toilet and hand wash basin
Mahogany A & B
- 2 x fully equipped twin cottages
- 1 x shared kitchen with fridge/freezer, gas stove, toaster, kitchen utensils, cutlery and crockery
- Reverse Osmosis filtration unit for safe drinking water
- 1 x tented common dining area
- 1 x braai (on request), and 1 x fire pit (on request)
- Camp powered by 3kva solar unit
- Self-catering (cooks available at an additional cost)
Mahogany A and B are two separate cottages designed to be booked together, offering a shared fully equipped kitchen while maintaining privacy for each unit. Each Cottage accommodates two guests with the option of adding more beds for children if required. The site also features an open volleyball court set on the sand in front of the cottages that guests are welcome to use at their own risk as wild animals freely roam the campsite. Please note that a minimum of 3 guests are required to book the camp exclusively.
Both cottages are equipped with:
- 2 x single beds with bedside tables and lamps, clothing cupboards and a luggage shelf.
- En-suite bathroom with access to hot water showers powered by a solar geyser
- Flushable toilet and hand wash basin
- Bathroom amenities – hand & body wash, hand & body lotion, shampoo, conditioner
- Ceiling fans
- Indoor seating
- Covered patio with outdoor seating
Mopane
- 1 x fully equipped twin cottage
- 1 x private kitchen with fridge/freezer, gas stove, toaster, kitchen utensils, cutlery and crockery
- Reverse Osmosis filtration unit for safe drinking water
- 1 x braai (on request), and 1 x fire pit (on request)
- Camp powered by 3kva solar unit
- Self-catering (we do not encourage cooks to assist since the unit is very small and privacy is of the essence)
Mopane Cottage is situated on the far western side of the campsite and is separated from other sites by surrounding bush, creating a true sense of privacy. The Cottage can accommodate two guests with the option of adding extra beds for children if required.
The cottage is equipped with:
- 2 x single beds with bedside tables and lamps, clothing cupboards and a luggage shelf.
- En-suite bathroom with access to hot water showers powered by a solar geyser
- Flushable toilet and hand wash basin
- Bathroom amenities – hand & body wash, hand & body lotion, shampoo, conditioner
- Ceiling fans
- Indoor seating
- Covered patio with outdoor seating.
Tashinga’s kitchens are fully equipped with all the amenities to self-cater, including a fridge/freezer and chest freezer, gas stove, kettle, toaster, pots and pans, cooking utensils, and cutlery and crockery. Each campsite and their respective kitchen is powered by a 3kva solar unit, providing constant electricity. Drinking water is available through reverse osmosis filtration systems installed in each cottage, as well as a central system to service the self-drive and tent-hire campers. Tashinga Campsite is NOT fenced, so please remain vigilant when walking around as wildlife is free to come and go as they please.
Importantly, as these cottages and camp sites are designed, built, and operated by Matusadona National Park, the profits earned through bookings go directly into supporting the park’s conservation initiatives.
Tashinga Camping
Camp Sites 1-7
- 1 x shared ablution block
- Flushable toilets and access to hot water showers powered by solar geysers and lighting powered by 3kva solar
- Braai and firepit available upon request at Reception
- Self-catering
- Note that Tashinga campsite does not offer a laundry service. There is a wash bay with basins and a washing line available for all campers.
- Safe drinking water supplied by RO Unit at main shared ablution block.
Figtree Campsite
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CURRENT KITCHEN AND TENTED GAZEBO ON THIS SITE IS GOING TO BE PULLED DOWN ON THE 1ST JANUARY AND WILL BECOME A SITE WITHOUT A KITCHEN UNIT
Wilderness Camp Sites
Unserviced
Jenje Bush Camp
Jenje Bush Camp is an exclusive camp situated on the confluence of the Jenje and Biriwiri Rivers. In a high density game area with no fences or boundaries, this camp offers a truly immersive experience. The camp requires a minimum of four guests for a booking and can accommodate a maximum of ten guests in five spacious tents, each with twin beds that can be converted to a double upon request. Note that the all-inclusive rate includes accommodation, all meals, a personal game drive vehicle with a Matusadona Conservation Trust (MCT) learner guide, fishing and boat cruises, transfers to and from airstrips within the Park, beverages including soft drinks, beers, wines, and spirits, as well as tea and coffee. Excluded are your transfers into and out of the Park, visas, personal items, gratuities, and imported drinks.
Please advise if there are any dietary requirements and allergies.
*Jenje Bush Camp is not available for persons under the age of 12.
Activities
Matusadona National Park offers Backpacking and Hiking Trails pending the availability of a Professional Guide. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted on these trips. They also offer game drives, boat cruises and fishing trips with their own learner guides. A minimum of 3 guests are required to run an activity. Children pay full rate for all activities. Costs for ’25 and ’26 are as follows:
- Game Drive – $30 per person per drive – half day
- Fishing Trip – $30 per person per trip – half day
- Boat Cruise – $30 per person per trip – half day
- Walking Trip: – $40 per person per trip – (pending availability of professional guide)
Backpacking and Hiking trails (With MCT equipment) fees are as follows:
- Minimum of 3, maximum of 6 guests required to book a hike
- Minimum 2 nights led by a licensed and experienced guide who has an excellent knowledge of the Park
- Rates exclude Park Fees
- $210 per person per day (local and African residents)
- $275 per person per day (International)
**Please note that whilst every effort has been made to ensure the details supplied above are correct, we cannot be held responsible in any way should an item mentioned above be missing or miss quoted
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