Where: Matusadona National Park
Main attraction: kilometre-wide, iconic drowned forest
Vehicle type: 4×4 with high clearance
Technical difficulty: difficult
Elevation: rises approximately 2,300 feet above sea level

Are you ready for an epic adventure? Matusadona National Park, in Mashonaland West Province, is described as a remote and rugged park of outstanding natural beauty. It is situated on the banks of Lake Kariba and in between two perennial rivers, the meandering Ume river and the steep sided Sanyati gorge.

It was proclaimed as a National Park in 1975, and under the protection of African Parks and Zimparks (since 2019) the lush landscape is now being restored with a healthy variety of wildlife to once again be a sought-after tourism destination. Thanks to being turned into an Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ) and being manned by some very serious anti-poaching units, the area is now well protected against poachers.

The best way to get to Matusadona National Park

A 4X4 is a must-have for a road trip to Matusadona. You’ll be driving on some pretty rough roads, and you’ll need the extra clearance and traction to make it through. Make sure you’re familiar with off-road driving techniques and have a good understanding of the capabilities of your vehicle before setting off. It’s also important to have a reliable map or GPS system, as some of the roads can be tricky to navigate.

The journey from Harare to Matusadona National Park is approximately 437km, or 369km if you are travelling from Kariba’s town via the A1. You need to head towards Karoi via Binga Road and enter the park through the Chifudze substation in the park’s southern boundary, which is 68km from Tashinga main station (Matusadona HQ). You may want to refuel and stock up on supplies from the local supermarket in Binga (you can also get diesel at Tashinga). Conservation and vehicle entry fees apply in order for you to enter Matusadona National Park.

The route is a challenge and for those not wanting to brave the technical off-roading route you can take a ferry transfer from Kariba town via Lake Harvest or Chawara Harbour instead.

Along the A1, on your way to Matusadona National Park, you should definitely stop off at the Chinhoyi Caves, which are located about 120 kilometres from Harare. These caves are a natural wonder, with crystal-clear underground lakes and rock formations that are millions of years old. It’s an incredible experience to explore the caves, and there are also hiking trails in the surrounding area.

Matusadona is surrounded by the 700m high rugged Matusadona range. This range is what adds to the park’s remoteness, separating it from the farmlands and reducing the amount of lodges that you would normally expect in such a magnificent setting. It is also what makes it a challenging off-road trip. Here are four off-roading driving tactics that can help you stay safe and get the most out of your vehicle:

1. Always use four-wheel drive: When off-roading, it’s important to engage your vehicle’s four-wheel drive system. This helps to distribute power to all four wheels, giving you better traction and control over rough terrain.
2. Choose the right gear: Depending on the terrain you’re driving on, you may need to adjust your gears to get the most out of your vehicle’s power. Generally, lower gears provide more torque and better control in rough conditions.
3. Maintain a steady speed: When off-roading, it’s important to maintain a steady speed. This helps you maintain control and avoid getting stuck in difficult terrain. However, you also need to be aware of your surroundings and adjust your speed accordingly.
4. Use your brakes wisely: While off-roading, you may need to use your brakes to control your speed or prevent your vehicle from rolling back on a steep incline. However, it’s important to use your brakes sparingly and not rely on them too heavily, as this can cause them to overheat and become less effective.

In the Park

Matusadona is one of the most remote and unspoiled wilderness areas in Africa, and it’s home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards and hippos. The park is situated on the shores of Lake Kariba, and there are plenty of opportunities for water-based activities like fishing and boating. Lake Kariba is located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia and it is the largest man-made lake in the world by volume, covering 2,150 square miles. You can take a boat tour, go fishing, or simply soak up the beautiful scenery.

The park has various accommodation options, including wilderness campsites with no facilities and serviced campsites with basic ablution facilities. There is also tented accommodation with full ablutions. The park offers the opportunity for walking, canoe and boat safaris. 

When to go?

The best time to go for game viewing is undoubtedly in the dry season from July to October. The wetter summer season can get very humid with an abundance of mosquitoes. Game viewing roads are also closed during the rainy season.

A road trip from Harare to Matusadona National Park is definitely a must see. It is a trip packed full of adventure, natural wonders and incredible wildlife. If you’re planning on taking this trip, chat to the guys at Autoworld 4×4 to ensure you have a reliable vehicle and the right accessories for the trip.