Bordered by Lake Kariba to the north and flanked by the perennial Ume and Sanyati Rivers, Matusadona National Park in Zimbabwe was proclaimed a National Park in 1975. Spanning 1,470 km², the park encompasses an exceptionally varied landscape, from the rugged Matusadona Mountains that give the park its name, to fertile valley-floor woodlands, open lakeshore grasslands, and critical aquatic breeding areas. This diversity of habitats provides important refuge for endangered species, sustaining a wide range of wildlife, including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, zebra, and several antelope species. Its waterways support healthy populations of hippo, crocodile, and numerous fish species, while nearly 400 recorded bird species reflect the park’s exceptional ecological richness and vitality.
In 2019, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (PWMA) partnered with African Parks in a 20-year management agreement for Matusadona National Park – the first mandate for African Parks in Zimbabwe – with the vision to revitalise the park for wildlife and communities. Since then, a holistic management approach that includes good governance, effective conservation law enforcement, community engagement initiatives, and species reintroductions has begun the restoration and conservation of this important landscape.
Besides being a haven for wildlife, the park also supports sustainable enterprises, education, and health services for local communities. These initiatives are accelerating economic development, improving livelihoods, and ensuring that local people benefit from, and support, the conservation of their natural heritage. At the same time, investment in tourism has begun to put Matusadona on the map as a premier destination, securing employment opportunities and instilling a sense of pride among those employed by the park.
