TOUCH DOWN // Spring 2017
A Spring bush break beyond the border
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SET AMID THE BUSHVELD OF THE ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK , 30 MINUTES UPSTREAM FROM “ THE SMOKE THAT THUNDERS ”, & BEYOND MATETSI RIVER LODGE BLENDS THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS AT VICTORIA FALLS , REPORTS RICHARD HOLMES .
ORIGINS After shutting the lodge in 2012 during the depths of Zimbabwe ’ s tourism crisis , a $ 10-million investment transformed this riverfront lodge into one of the most spectacular safari destinations in and around Victoria Falls . It reopened in mid-2016 .
LOCATION , LOCATION , LOCATION Choose between 15 kilometres of exclusive Zambezi River frontage and the lodge ’ s 50 000-hectare Big Five wilderness concession . Every suite boasts a private terrace and plunge pool with river views .
HOTEL & REVIEWS
WHY YOU ’ LL LOVE IT The recent revamp has positioned & Beyond Matetsi as one of the most stylish lodges in Southern Africa , even cracking the hotly-contested Condé Nast Traveler ( USA ) Hotlist for 2017 . Matetsi ’ s 18 spacious safari suites are split into two camps to offer a more intimate experience . Suites are decorated in a modern safari aesthetic , with organic textures ( think nguni hides and hardwoods ) contrasting neatly with modern art and muted tones . A nice touch is the in-room iPad pre-loaded with bird , tree and animal guides . Families and groups should consider & Beyond Matetsi River House . This exclusive-use villa offers four bedrooms flanking a private pool , living and dining area . River House comes complete with a dedicated chef , guide and butler .
FOOD , GLORIOUS FOOD … Despite the remote location the standard of cuisine is exceptional , from generous breakfasts to gourmet dinners . & Beyond does some of the best game-drive snacks in the business , too . Each camp has its own intimate lounge / bar dining area , with tables set on the banks of the Zambezi . Rates are all-inclusive of meals and beverages ( excluding the premium alcoholic drinks ).
SPECIAL CHARM & Beyond like to tout their staff as “ the magic ingredient ”, and it certainly applies here . From guides indulging my endless quest to catch a tiger fish ( I ’ m still waiting ), to barmen that know just how you like your evening G & T , the staff are an indelible part of Matetsi ’ s charm .
THE WOW FACTOR Views of the Zambezi from just about every corner of the lodge , and suites so appealing you ’ ll barely care about seeing the Falls . And the camp is unfenced ; don ’ t be surprised if local buck or baboons show an interest .
BOOK IT Contact your Sure Travel consultant , visit www . suretravel . co . za or call 0861 47 48 49 .
52 // MAKE MEMORIES FOR LIFE