Matusadona National Park on the shores of Lake Kariba is considered to have one of the highest population densities of wild lions in Africa.  This remote wilderness area is also regarded as one of the top six walking safari destinations in Southern Africa.  So the chances of encountering lions on foot are generally quite good!

• Graeme Lemon, a long standing Kariba resident, is one of Zimbabwe's top Professional Safari Guides having earned his reputation almost exclusively in the Zambezi Valley. 
• Over the years Graeme has been associated with amongst others, "ZamSpec", the original water lodge on the Matusadona shoreline (now called Matusadona Water Lodge), "backed up" wilderness trails and tented camps in the Matusadona. 
• In the late 90's his safari company, "Zambezi Expeditions" was regarded to have one of the top Pro Guide teams in Zimbabwe operating from its tented camps in Matusadona and Elephant Point Tented Camp in the Sibilobilo Lagoon west of Matusadona.

Graeme Lemon and Steve Carey have since formed "Lemon & Carey Safaris" operating in Matusadona, at Elephant Point and now from the Manyuli Springs concession up the Ume River.  (In 1997/8, Manyuli was "rediscovered" - it's probably one of the most promising and least known concessions in Zimbabwe.)  Contact us for the latest update...

Matusadona National Park

Besides a rampant population of lions, Matusadona is well known for having one of the last remaining wild populations of the endangered black rhino.  The National Parks HQ at Tashinga is the centre for an Intensive Protection Zone and has a successful conservation program to ensure the continued protection of this important black rhino population. 

Matusadona offers a variety of activities for wildlife and birding enthusiasts including walking, game drives, and boating.  It's a year round safari destination and is accessed by boat or light aircraft from Kariba.  "Lemon & Carey Safaris" operates year round and requires advance booking.  Find out more about the Matusadona Lion Trail.

Canoeing and Walking combination safaris in the lower Zambezi

Kariba is the main hub for accessing both Matusadona and Mana Pools in the lower Zambezi.  As a result, walking and canoe safari combinations over 7 days are amongst the best combinations in the valley.  Kariba is also easily accessed from Lusaka, Victoria Falls and Harare making Victoria Falls extensions the ideal module for a safari in Zimbabwe.  Review some of our typical canoeing and walking combination safaris for this season.

Walking Safaris in Southern Africa

Matusadona one of Southern Africa's best walking safari spots.  Safaris that combine the Luangwa and Kafue in Zambia, Matusadona and Mana Pools in the Zambezi Valley and the Selinda in Botswana are relatively easily arranged.  Review the walking safari map or consider some of our safari modules for this coming season.

The Matusadona Lion Trail

Rather than carry equipment all day as clients do on the Wilderness Trail, emphasis is placed on tracking lion - Graeme Lemon adds a boat to the safari to do just that.

Each day staff pack the fly camp into the boat and the party moves along to the next destination for the evening. This gives the group the whole day to wander through Matusadona with their Professional Guide searching for lions. Although finding lions is obviously a highlight of this trail, there are usually plenty of exciting encounters with elephant, buffalo, numerous antelope species and sometimes the elusive rhino or leopard.

The fly camps are comfortable and include a hot shower and small bar for the evenings. They are situated in remote bays on the shoreline. Although the emphasis on these safaris is on walking, it is possible to reach camp relatively early in the afternoon and do a boat cruise.

Typical routine (this routine is dependent upon game activity and weather conditions and will generally change day by day)

• Arise to have tea/coffee and cereals at dawn
• Leave camp to search for lion along the shoreline
• Have a packed brunch at about 10:30
• Find a secluded spot to rest during the heat of the day
• Start moving out to resume the search for lions at about 15:00
• Arrive at camp at sunset (hot shower and cold drinks waiting!)

Find out more about Graeme Lemon Walking Safaris or make an enquiry right now for the 2000 safari season in Zimbabwe.

"Graeme Lemon Walking Safaris" operates under "Zambezi Expeditions" in conjunction with Elephant Point Camp. Professional Guides are utilised on safari but unless specifically pre-arranged, there is no guarantee that Graeme Lemon or Steve Carey will be guiding any specific safari.