Fothergill
Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe
Fothergill is a story of courage, care & conservation
This extraordinary water wilderness has a rich history and today offers a safari oasis in the Matusadona National Park on the edge of Lake Kariba.
DID YOU KNOW?
Lake Kariba is the largest man-made lake in the world. It lies 300kms downstream from Victoria Falls and is fed by the mighty Zambezi River.
Safari oasis. water wilderness
Named in honour of Rupert Fothergill, Rhodesia’s Chief Game Warden who led the brave wildlife rescue effort Operation Noah, Fothergill is a unique water and land based safari experience that is perfectly sandwiched between Hwange National Park and Mana Pools.
Operation Noah was carried out between 1959 and 1964 after the completion of the Kariba dam wall. As the water levels started to rise, thousands of animals were stranded on small islands that were disappearing as the lake grew. Fothergill, together with a dedicated team, staged a rescue operation that safely relocated over 6,000 wild animals into an area that later became Matusadona National Park.
Today Matusadona is under the management of African Parks and Fothergill is a designated concession in the Park, which at certain times of the year becomes an island. But for most of the year Fothergill is blessed with a kilometre-wide, iconic drowned-forest shoreline that brings in large herds of elephants, buffalo and plains game together with opportunistic predators. The safari activities are diverse and perfectly suited for more active and adventurous travellers, from big game walking and game drives to fishing, boating and river exploring.
The Zimbabean born owners of Fothergill both have a passion for protecting wild spaces while providing sustainable futures for the people of Zimbabwe.
FAST FACTS
RATES
Fothergill Suites:
From US$ 750
per person per night.
Little Fothergill:
Exclusive use, 3 tents from US$ 3,000 per night for first 4 guests.
ACCESS
Fly:
MackAir offers daily scheduled charter flights between Hwange – Kariba (Fothergill) – Mana Pools in the safari season.
CHILDREN
Fothergill:
All ages welcome. Children under 16 years pay 50% when sharing with 1 adult.
What we love
WATER WILDERNESS
Located on the edge of Lake Kariba where fertile floodplains draw in large herds of wildlife and hunting predators.
SAFARI OASIS
Fothergill is a lush oasis halfway between Hwange/Victoria Falls and Mana Pools.
MATUSADONA
Managed by African Parks, this National Park is undergoing an exciting reintroduction of iconic species like cheetah and black rhino.
DIVERSITY OF ACTIVITIES
From boat cruises and catch-and-release fishing, to game drives and big game walks, each experience is led by an experienced guide.
Fothergill
The impact of your stay
Matusadona National Park is managed by African Parks and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, in a partnership called the Matusadona Conservation Trust. The Trust aims to revive the national park and position it as a leading safari destination that offers exceptional game viewing from both the land and water, and one that benefits people and wildlife for generations to come.
The Fothergill team are 100% behind the Trust’s objectives. The property contributes to conservation through funding, as well as responsible practices such as sustainable sport fishing and the complete implementation of a solar-energy-driven infrastructure. Stringent fishery and water-based activity controls are in place and Fothergill also assists with anti-poaching efforts alongside African Parks.
Every stay contributes through:
- Fothergill believes strongly in the worldwide need for responsible action regarding our planet and the quality of life for future generations of people and wildlife, and everything they do, from activities to the lodge offering, supports this stance.
- Paying $75 Conservation, Parks and Tourism Levy per person per night ($35 for children), a portion of which goes to the Trust and its community engagement initiatives and the restoration of wildlife populations through the reintroduction of indigenous animals.
- By merit of staying at Fothergill, guests are supporting tourism promotion in the area and the establishment of Matusadona as a prime safari destination.
- Supporting the training and skills development of the local Zimbabwean team, all of whom start as apprentices, straight from school, and receive training from Fothergill in the Guide Academy that focuses on a variety of vocations, not only guiding. Throughout this process, the trainees are paid.
- Choosing to stay at a lodge with the highest environmental and philanthropic credentials, including:
- 95% of Fothergill’s energy requirements are fuelled by solar power.
- Sustainable activities such as catch-and-release sport fishing.
- Supporting the area’s anti-poaching efforts, in collaboration with, and under the direction of, African Parks and law enforcement.
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MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK
Fothergill Suites
Fothergill offers 5 individual suites and 2 family suites. The lake side of the camp has lovely green lawns and open and spacious. Each of the 3 individual tents and the family tent have sweeping views of Lake Kariba and we highly suggest this side for families. The bush side of the camp is more vegetated with 2 individual tents and 1 family tent. This is the side that is closer to Little Fothergill.
Each of the suites has a small pool for cooling off. The main area has a larger pool, two separate lounge and dining tents, and a bar area.
The whole camp has been protected from elephants and predators by an electric fence, the main purpose of which is for the safety of children as well as to protect the 400+ trees that are planted around the camp.
SEASONALITY: All year
CHILDREN: All ages
Fothergill Suites
5 Suites & 2 Family Suites
MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK
Little Fothergill
This exclusive use camp offers 3 tents and a main lounge and dining area with a private pool. It is perfectly suited to a family seeking exclusivity or for a group of friends travelling together. At Little Fothergill, all meals and activities are offered on a private basis and the flow of each day can be tailored according to the interests of the group. The guide and assistant guide will craft the perfect stay, while the chef and camp team ensure creature comforts and plenty of guest delights.
Little Fothergill can also be booked together with the main camp for larger family groups. If an extra room is required to make Little Fothergill sleep 8, one of the Suites from the main camp is allocated to this exclusive camp.
SEASONALITY: All year
CHILDREN: All ages
Little Fothergill
3 Suites - Exclusive Use
(min 4 & max 8 guests)
Fothergill
FEATURED OFFER
Free Flight Combo
Stay 3 nights or more at each Camp Hwange and Fothergill and receive a free one-way Mack Air flight from Hwange to Fothergill.
Min 2 guests.
Valid: 1 Apr – 30 Nov 2024
Fothergill
location
Getting there
As one of Africa’s top attractions, Victoria Falls has excellent international and regional access. This makes a combination with most other destinations in Southern Africa very easy.
A variety of domestic connections are available.
FLY MACK AIR
Seasonal from late March to end November, operating between airstrips.
Daily charter flights between camp airstrips operating Victoria Falls Airport – Hwange airstrips – Fothergill airstrip / Kariba airport – Mana Pools airstrips. Due to the partnership with Mack Air, these flights land at the private Fothergill airstrip (3 minute drive to camp).
Private charters are also available from Victoria Falls Airport directly to Fothergill’s private airstrip. Consider this for a group of 4+ guests.
