The shift from summer to autumn marks the shoulder season in Zimbabwe; while February and March are usually still hot and humid, by the end of April, temperatures have started to cool, and rainfall has slowed. It is an idyllic time of year in Victoria Falls, as the summer rains have nourished the landscape and filled the Zambezi, allowing our guests to see the world’s largest waterfall approaching full flow while enjoying a rich and productive safari.
The annual rains arrived later than usual this year, so autumn actually saw the bush growing denser as time wore on, covering Matetsi Private Game Reserve in a lush green blanket. The grazers and browsers have been spoiled for choice while the well-fed herbivores have provided ample opportunities for predators to satisfy their hunting instinct. Abundance has also been the theme for the river, which rose steadily between February and April, dramatically exceeding the flow we saw in 2024.
Daytime highs decreased from around 32ºC in February to a more comfortable 28ºC in April, still nice and hot but decidedly less steamy than during high summer. And as the experience at Matetsi Victoria Falls is naturally centred on the great outdoors game drives through the reserve, sunset cruises on the river, guided walks through the wilderness autumn are a wonderful time to soak it all in.
Wildlife Movements & Sightings
Wildlife Movements & Sightings Aesthetically speaking, summer and autumn in this part of Zimbabwe are an impressionist’s dream trees and shrubs exploding with new growth, thick swathes of grass stretching across the savannah and colourful flowers popping up at the roadside. While beautiful, this luxuriant profusion poses a challenge to game viewing in the form of reduced visibility, although the sheer number of animals thriving at Matetsi Private Game Reserve mitigates this issue significantly. Sightings over the autumn months were typically prolific our guides and guests were treated to the expected herds of elephant, zebra, antelope, buffalo and wildebeest, journeys of giraffe, pods of hippos, prides of lion (with cubs!) and solitary leopard sand crocodiles. On the list of more unusual or noteworthy sightings however were species such as wild dog, honey badge rand sable.
” One morning at the beginning of April, some light drizzle dampened the landscape, causing the soil, plants, grasses and dead leaves to release a scent we know as ‘petrichor’. Birds chanted in diverse melodies, and after turning the engine off we could hear only the sounds of nature in this journey in search of Matetsi Magic. We soon discovered wild dog tracks the pack was on the move and probably on the hunt.
We followed them to Jannie’s Pan where we found a family of baboons doing their daily routine of playing around and grooming each other. Suddenly the erupted into loud barks, alarming the whole troop and sending them up into the trees, out of each of the approaching predators.
While the baboons were nervous of the wild dogs, they in turn seemed to have noticed a crocodile lurking in the water and began whining and acting very skittish… luckily it didn’t attack. Probably because it was a log!”–Safari Guide Willard
“It was a beautiful morning, with the sound of tropical boubou, robin chats and sparrow weavers competing with the hum of the Land Cruiser as we set off on our game drive. As we meandered towards the tunnel along Nungu Drive, we noticed vultures up in the tree sat 2 o’clock. Scanning with the binoculars while the vehicle crawled forwards, we were suddenly hit with the distinctive smell of a rotting carcass. We turned around and did another slow pass back the way we had come and there it was a dead giraffe. Unfortunately, the animal seemed to have died while delivering her calf, as you could see the tiny hooves of the foetus protruding out. We found a lioness already camped out behind the bush and vultures in the trees all around a bittersweet moment in the bush.” – Safari Guide Kelvin
“We left camp at dawn, our guests bursting with excitement and eager to spot some buffalo. Usually, a common species at Matetsi Private Game Reserve, unfortunately this morning the search was tougher than expected. Hours ticked by and anticipation grew. Then, Givie spotted cattle egrets flying overhead. “Look! Egrets! Buffalo might be near!” he exclaimed. We pointed them out to our guests, who gazed intently. The egrets flew ahead, and soon we stumbled upon a massive herd of buffalo grazing peacefully. The guests gasped in awe. As we watched, the egrets landed among the buffalo, and our guests wondered, ‘How do birds and buffaloes become friends?’ We explained that the buffalo’s movements stir up insects, providing a feast for the egrets. It was a beautiful symbiotic relationship. From that moment on, everyone in the vehicle was smitten with the egrets. They asked questions, snapped photos, and observed the birds with newfound fascination. On the way back to camp, they scanned the horizon, asking, “Are there any birds around?” Their eyes sparkled with excitement, and we knew they’d developed a lasting appreciation for these amazing creatures. The egrets had won their hearts, and we’d created unforgettable memories in the wild.”–Safari Guide Science
“As the sun rose over the savannah, casting a warm golden light over the grasslands, impalas pronked in the distance, their delicate legs springing into action. Our radio crackled to life, bringing news of a successful hunt a male kudu lay slain at a nearby waterhole. With excitement, our safari vehicle bounced along the dusty trails, approaching Namaqua Pan where the lioness feasted on her prize. We watched, mesmerized, as she ate her fill, until a second lioness appeared, accompanied by two cubs. The newcomer, larger and more imposing, effortlessly claimed the kill, her cubs uneasy in the presence of the stranger. The younger female, belly almost full, observed from a safe distance, waiting patiently. The situation took an intriguing turn as the older female approached the huntress, seeming to offer gratitude or friendship. Growls rumbled, dominance displays were made, and the two females asserted their positions. Though we hoped for a newfound bond, they ultimately parted ways, disappearing into the savannah. Yet, we’ve witnessed their continued strength and independence, each securing subsequent kills, a testament to their resilience and prowess.”–Safari Guide Courage
Photo: Saskia Stainer-HutchinsVictoria Falls
The weeks and months following the arrival of the rains in Zimbabwe are filled with anticipation, as the Zambezi rises and begins to thunder over Victoria Falls on its ascent towards high water season. As you can see on the graph below, this year’s trajectory (the blue line) differs dramatically from2023/24, which had a much flatter curve (the red line). The water levels are still climbing steadily, giving us a slightly delayed peak, although this is expected considering that the seasonal rains arrived late.
High water season at Victoria Falls means one thing for visitors: a good soaking! Even armed with ponchos, raincoats and umbrellas, it’s impossible to avoid getting drenched by the astonishing spray cloud drifting up from the gorge; the result of more than 2,800 cubic metres of water flowing over the edge of the Falls every second. But getting wet is half the fun, plus it offers a refreshing way to cool down as you explore the rainforest surrounding the waterfall during your tour.
Guest Testimonial
“Right on the Zambezi, it’s a paradise to behold…As well as being a stunning location and a 5-star lodge the game drives were also excellent. The reserve is different from any I’ve been in before and was a welcome change from the hectic jostling vehicles in the Mara or the sometimes-overcrowded Kruger. This felt like old-time Africa. The accommodation at Matetsi is excellent; very comfortable beds and all you need in the suites. The communal areas are also excellent too with additional spaces to take yourself away if you wish to. But the highlight at camp is watching the river and the birds and animals around it. Warthogs and vervet monkeys are frequent visitors. A thoroughly enjoyable visit and first-class service from all the staff. 100%recommended.”–David H, solo traveller, March 2025
