Springtime in northwestern Zimbabwe is usually a time of dramatic change; the weather shifts from cool to blazing hot with little warning, with the relative civility of August’s daytime average of 29ºC/85°F climbing to a scorching 36ºC/99°F by October. This month is consistently noted as the hottest time of the year in Victoria Falls, marking the end of the dry season as we await the summer rains with bated breath.
With the trees bare after shedding their seasonal foliage, the landscape has transformed into the perfect theatre for wildlife observation. Teak and mopane stand skeletal against the horizon, their bare branches framing those spectacular golden sunsets for which this part of the world is famous. While the conditions may be harsh, the lack of undergrowth offers unparalleled opportunities to observe the reserve’s remarkable inhabitants.
Then came the moment we’d all been waiting for. At the very end of October, approximately 5mm of rain fell across the concession – not much by most standards, but enough to trigger an immediate response from the land. Fresh green shoots emerged almost overnight and dormant buds began to swell on the trees. After such a prolonged dry spell, these first drops felt like a promise of the verdant transformation that lies ahead.
Wildlife Movements & Sightings
The past three months have delivered a spectacular showcase of wildlife activity. Clear visibility, animals gathering at water points and the expertise of our guiding team have combined to create countless memorable encounters that will stay with our guests long after they’ve left Matetsi Private Game Reserve.
Lions have dominated the wildlife reports this quarter, with multiple prides providing consistently thrilling sightings across the concession. Among them is a young male who has captured our hearts and earned himself the fitting name “Hustler” – a tribute to his extraordinary will to survive. Born in a litter of three cubs, Hustler found himself separated from his mother and siblings at just 4-5 months old when two male lions entered the area, forcing his mother to flee with the litter and somehow losing him along the way.
Despite the daunting challenges of surviving on his own at such a tender age, Hustler has displayed exceptional resilience, tenacity and adaptability. He has successfully hunted baboons, impala, bushbucks and warthogs without the demonstrations usually offered by the older lionesses. Although he faces constant threats from other large predators, he has exhibited bravery, strength and determination that have captured the hearts of our entire team. As it is for all wild creatures, his future is uncertain, but he has demonstrated the skills and determination required to grow into a formidable lion in his own right – a journey we are privileged to watch unfold.
One of the highlights of the past few months has also been a pack of African wild dogs that appears to have made the concession their home. As charming and rambunctious as they are fierce and efficient predators, these critically endangered canines are a favourite of both our guests and our guides. Their extended residency on the reserve has been nothing short of extraordinary, offering intimate glimpses into the complex social dynamics of these remarkable hunters.
On one particularly eventful morning, Safari Guides Lloyd and Knowledge tracked the pack to a resting spot under a tree where they appeared full and content after a successful hunt. However, closer inspection revealed that one of the adults had a wire snare embedded in its neck – a dog that had been spotted numerous times in neighbouring reserves but whose highly mobile nature had prevented vets from catching up with him until now.
Our moment was at hand: The guides quickly contacted our conservation manager and within hours, the wild dog had been darted and the snare successfully removed with the able assistance of the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust. We are happy to report that we continue to see this brave individual thriving with his pack, having recovered fully from his ordeal – a beautiful example of positive human presence in action.
Later that same month, another encounter with the pack proved particularly memorable. Safari Guide Kelvin tracked the pack as they attempted multiple hunts, enduring three failed attempts at catching an impala before finally bringing down a kudu after an epic chase that stretched halfway across the reserve. The regurgitation feeding of the 10 puppies happened right before the guests’ eyes – a truly special moment in the wild.
The seasonal shift has brought the return of migratory birds, their arrival adding vibrant colour and lively sound to the skies above the reserve. Yellow-billed kites and southern carmine bee-eaters have been particularly conspicuous, their presence marking the changing seasons as reliably as any meteorological instrument.
Victoria Falls
The Zambezi River continues its natural seasonal cycle, with water levels dropping significantly over the past few months. Sandbanks and rocky formations now punctuate the channels flowing past the lodge – visible reminders of how profoundly the dry season shapes this mighty waterway.
While water levels have dropped from their mid-year peak between May and June, the Falls maintain an impressive flow with substantial spray rising from the gorge. This annual low-water phase offers visitors a unique perspective on the geological architecture of this natural wonder, as the exposed basalt reveals features typically hidden beneath the torrent of high-water months.
Conservation Update
This quarter has seen our conservation team working across multiple fronts, from protecting individual trees to pioneering research projects that will shape how we understand and manage this wilderness for years to come.
Over 110 trees have been wrapped in diamond mesh to prevent elephant damage and ensure long-term woodland health. These species are particularly important to the ecosystem, with the winterthorn serving as a critical food source for numerous animals during the lean winter months when most other trees stand bare.
Wire snares remain one of the most pervasive threats facing wildlife throughout the region and the continent. This spring, our vigilance resulted in three successful interventions, each requiring close coordination between our team and specialist partners.
This season marked several exciting milestones for Matetsi Private Game Reserve that will significantly enhance our conservation efforts:
- Our first-ever aerial survey of the concession was completed – a major step forward in improving how we monitor wildlife populations, assess habitat conditions and inform conservation planning and decision-making. This baseline data will prove invaluable for tracking changes and trends over time.
- We also carried out our first waterhole survey, helping us better understand seasonal water availability and usage patterns across the reserve. This information will guide future water infrastructure development and ensure we’re supporting wildlife populations effectively year-round.
- In another milestone moment, we collared a male lion for the very first time. This will provide valuable insights into population dynamics, home range, territorial boundaries and the social structure of the pride, while contributing to our broader understanding of predator ecology at Matetsi Private Game Reserve.
“A big thank you to Paul, Priority and Willard for their invaluable assistance with today’s milestone and to the entire guiding team for their continued support and for sharing lion location updates, your feedback was instrumental in making this possible.”
– Conservation Manager Jannie Liebenberg
Special Mention
Early October also brought with it the thrilling news that Matetsi Victoria Falls had once again been named the No. 1 Resort in Africa in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards! We are deeply moved to have received this accolade, not least because it was voted for by past guests and places our family-owned and -run property among some of the most respected hotels and lodges in the industry. This award reflects not only the raw beauty of our beloved home country and the wonder of Victoria Falls, but the warmth, dedication and passion of every member of our Matetsi family – all of the people who continue to showcase the very best of Zimbabwe with the rest of the world.
Guest Testimonial
“Matetsi is pure magic! Such a serene and luxurious spot, everything exceeded our expectations. Exceptional hospitality was shown from the staff members, it was deeply personal and authentic. We were made to feel like family. The game drives are a must, our guide and tracker had incredible knowledge of the wildlife. The family suite with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and a private plunge pool was perfect for us. Already planning our next return, we were sad to leave! We have so many good memories that will stay with us forever.” – Jenny S
