AndBeyond has announced that the Matetsi River Lodge in Zimbabwe, on the
Zambezi River and only 25 miles upstream from Victoria Falls, will rejoin its
portfolio in July following a $10 million rebuild and renovation.
Located on one of the largest wildlife concessions in the area (123,500
acres), AndBeyond Matetsi will offer game-viewing experiences near Victoria
Falls, with sizeable elephant herds and the rare sable antelope as some of the
highlights. It is opening just as Zimbabwe grows as a safari destination.
AndBeyond Matetsi River Lodge consists of two camps of nine suites each,
including a family suite at each camp. An 82-foot-long rim-flow swimming pool
will stretch along the river bank, and a wine cellar that is ¾-submerged
underground will look out onto the Zambezi at eye level.
A private, four-bedroom villa, AndBeyond Matetsi River House, also forms
part of the Matetsi River Lodge and will accommodate groups of up to eight. The
villa has its own kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a veranda overlooking
the Zambezi, a swimming pool and a fire pit. It comes with a dedicated guide,
private vehicle, chef and butler. In addition to twice daily game drives, AndBeyond
Matetsi will also offer interpretive bush walks, riverboat cruises and
canoeing.
CEO Joss Kent cites the expansion of the Victoria Falls airport —
including a new 2.5-mile runway, a new international terminal and the
construction of a new fire station and new control tower — as a major reason
for the change in the travel dynamics, making it a perfect moment to revitalize
an old safari favorite of the brand.