Health and safety
Health and safety in Matusadona
Matusadona is remote, hot for much of the year and built around a lake full of crocodiles. None of that is a reason not to go, but it changes what you pack and how you behave, and the park's own rules are stricter than in many parks.
If you only want the answer
The park recommends malaria prophylaxis and medical evacuation insurance; there is a clinic at Tashinga headquarters. Do not drink the camp tap water, which comes from the lake; use the reverse-osmosis water provided. Never swim in the lake. All camps are unfenced, walking is only allowed with a designated official, and October can reach 40°C.
Malaria and medical care
The park's information pack recommends malaria prophylaxis and says there is a clinic at Tashinga headquarters, but that medical evacuation insurance is recommended. Take that second part seriously: the park is a boat ride or a long day's drive from a hospital, and evacuation from a remote strip is by charter aircraft.
Talk to a travel clinic about the right prophylaxis for you, and cover up with long sleeves and repellent at dusk whatever you take.
Water to drink, and water to stay out of
Tap water in the camps comes from Lake Kariba and is not drinkable. The park provides reverse-osmosis water; use that for drinking and brushing your teeth.
Never swim in the lake. WildZambezi calls swimming anywhere in Lake Kariba extremely foolish because of the crocodiles, and the shoreline is where both crocodiles and hippos spend their time. The same goes for wading to land a fish or cool off at the water's edge.
We found no Matusadona-specific source on bilharzia or tsetse, so we do not state a risk level. The management plan notes that tsetse were eradicated from the surrounding communal areas; ask your camp about the current situation.
Heat
October is the hottest month. The park's information pack gives a maximum of 40°C in the hot, dry season and one lodge says the mid-40s before the storms. Drink more than you think you need, keep the middle of the day for shade, and start activities early. June and July swing the other way, with nights that can drop to around 5°C on the water.
Wildlife in camp
Every camp in the park is unfenced. Elephants, hyaenas, monkeys and a leopard move through Tashinga. Bring belongings in at night so they are not taken by hyaenas, and seal food against monkeys and elephants. At the Jenje bush camp guests are escorted to and from their rooms after dark by a professional guide.
Walking is only allowed with a designated official, and houseboat guests may not go ashore unless an armed guide goes with them. Children are welcome at the wilderness campsites but must be supervised at all times; the Jenje bush camp, the Matusadona Trails and Rhino Safari Camp take no one under 12.
On the lake
Wind and storms can build quickly on a lake this size, and every crossing is weather-dependent. Wear the life jacket you are given, travel in the morning when you can, and accept a skipper's decision not to go. On a houseboat, stay aboard unless an armed guide is with you.
If you break down or get into trouble
The park's rule is to stay in your car and either call or wait for help, and never to walk off to look for assistance or a phone signal. The park control centre is on +263 716 452 059 and +263 776 180 570, but signal is not guaranteed across the park. Leave your route with reception before you drive out, and carry water and food for a night in the vehicle.