Zimbabwe Retreat
Matetsi, Victoria Falls | 13 - 20 December 2024
Zimbabwe is a land of immense, abundant wilderness and warm hospitality. There is a distinct rhythm to the passing of time that is just the right mix of vibrant and restful. You are invited to experience this rhythm, and to let it seep into your veins, over 7 nights retreat on the mighty Zambezi River at an award-winning luxury safari eco-lodge, Matetsi. Anticipate an elevated nature experience - your own plush, spacious suite with a private plunge pool and veranda on the Zambezi, daily game drives, a UNESCO-protected Victoria Falls guided tour, river cruises at sunset, spa treatments, personalised, attentive service, and daily yoga and meditation with Nina Butler. This is a transformative water journey that will deliver the rest you need, the nature you love, the luxury you deserve, and the inspiration you crave.
Experience the rhythm of life on the Zambezi River
Anticipate a journey with…
An elevated safari lodge
Experience Matetsi, a five star lodge that has consistently been named as one of the top lodges in Africa by guests and critics alike. Matetsi is situated within its own 136,000-acre pristine wilderness, and each room is a stand-alone apartment, with a private plunge pool and veranda overlooking the Zambezi. Matetsi offers unparalleled personalised service and many WOW touches.
Victoria Falls Tour
Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya, “Thundering Smoke” in Tonga) is one of the largest waterfalls in the world, with a width of 1708 meters along the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. We will have a guided tour of the falls. Along the way to the falls, we’ll get to stop at one of the oldest protected baobab trees in the world, and time to support local artisans.
Guided Safaris
Matetsi has a team of conservation-minded safari guides, luxury safari vehicles and river cruiser boats. This expert team pulls together bespoke, intimate nature experiences that enable you to view wild African animals like lion, cheetah, elephant, wildebeest, zebra and crocodile up close in their natural habitat while remaining safe and comfortable.
Conservation Encounter
Meet the people involved in tracking poaching activity over Matetsi’s 136,000 acres of privately owned land. They also engage local communities and NPOs to ensure conservation efforts are responsible and sustainable. We get a very special opportunity to meet the anti-poaching unit and get a glimpse into the amazing work they do!
Time to rest & rejuvenate
Life on the river is slow, and all the pressures of your everyday are on pause. There is no need to rush, there is no to-do list, and time feels fluid and expansive. This retreat is an experience in deep rest. You are invited to reset and rejuvenate. There is an on-site spa with many wonderful massage and wellness treatments and each suite has it’s own housekeeper and Butler service so all your needs will be expertly attended to.
Daily yoga & meditation
Feel grounded, energized, open and inspired throughout your retreat through daily Hatha Vinyasa and meditation sessions. Nina weaves personal transformation, poetry and music into her unique and accessible style of yoga. She is able to match the level of the class to the needs of the group and offer soothing alternatives and adjustments.
Location
Zimbabwe in December
Zimbabwe offers a myriad of diverse landscapes, from flourishing marine ecosystems, to vast savannahs teaming with Big 5 wildlife, to majestic mountain ranges, tropical forests, and mighty rivers. The protected natural beauty of this region is unspoilt, raw, and inspiring. Our journey is located in the Matetsi Private Game Reserve on the majestic Zambezi River, around 1 hour drive away from the Victoria Falls border with Zambia. We’ll be travelling here in glorious early summer, before the touristy crowds arrive, before it is too hot, and before the rainy season starts. Expect cool, crisp mornings and long, sultry afternoons, sliding into African sunsets that inspire a feeling of connectedness and awe. Average temperatures - low 15℃ / high 30℃ (low 59℉ / high 86℉).
Accomodation
Matetsi Victoria Falls
Matetsi Victoria Falls is an idyllic five-star retreat situated on a private 9-mile stretch of the Zambezi river, in 136,000 acres of pristine African wilderness. This is a family-owned conservation project that has developed into an award-winning, superbly appointed and designed boutique eco-lodge, where the attention to detail and service is unmatched. Matetsi offers guests proximity to the mighty UNESCO world heritage protected Victoria Falls, and access to privately guided excursions in their conservancy, on foot, on the river, or in a safari vehicle. Matetsi is proudly off-grid and eco-certified. The ingredients used in the kitchen are local, seasonal and fresh. There is an on-site library, wellness spa, curio shop, gym and scenic safe walking areas.
This retreat is for you if you:
Are a nature lover, who thrives in protected wilderness.
Enjoy luxury and have a taste for outdoor adventure activities!
Are thirsty for a transformative travel experience.
Love exploring destinations off the beaten track, but could do without all the admin and stress of organisation.
Enjoy yoga and meditation classes.
Are open to meeting like-minded new people on your travels, but also love alone time and restful environments.
What you can expect:
The most awe-inspiring, pristine wilderness.
An exceptional lodge, both offering luxury, as well as warm, down-to-earth hospitality and plenty of fun adventure activities!
A once-in-a-lifetime, transformative journey.
Every tiny detail organised for you, so you can relax, be present and soak it all up.
Daily yoga and meditation in nature with Nina Butler.
A group of like-minded travellers to share the WOW moments with, and deepen your connection to nature, community, and self.
Your InRetreat guide
Nina integrates poetry, personal transformation and unique insights to her practice, enriching body movement with meaning. Her classes are playful, flowing and accessible to all levels, offering an inclusive space where everyone can discover their own personal edge and cultivate presence.
This Retreat in Review
All the retreat details
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7 nights luxury accommodation at five-star boutique lodge
Breakfast, lunch and dinner and all beverages
Daily yoga and meditation with Nina
All ground transfers and taxis
Guided half day tour of Victoria Falls
All conservation and park fees
Daily guided safari drives
Zambezi river cruises
Guided safari walk
Sustainable tourism activity
Welcome gift bag
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Flights and travel to/from Victoria Falls Airport, Zimbabwe
Visas
Tips and gratuities
Spa treatments
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Arrival 13 December 2024
Fly into Victoria Falls (VFA) on 13 December. The Matetsi staff will meet you in arrivals and transfer you to the lodge, which is around 1 hour drive away.
The retreat begins with an opening circle on 13 December at 5pm, followed by a welcome dinner.
If you are adding on to your retreat and would like assistance booking additional travel, as well as flights, please don’t hesitate to ask us.
Departure 20 December 2024
On 20 December our retreat concludes after a final morning game drive and breakfast. We will get a private taxi transfer from Matetsi to Vic Falls airport. From there we bid friends farewell and get onward travel.
If you would like some assistance with further travel arrangements in Southern Africa, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
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13 - 20 December 2024
All inclusive Rates
Single suite p/p: US$ 8,399
Sharing suite 2 persons: US$ 13,399
Booking
A 30% deposit is required to secure your booking.
Balance payment is due by 1 October 2024.
Terms
The deposit payment is non-refundable.
If the retreat has to be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, new dates in the future will be set, and 100% of payments made by guests will be put forward to new dates. If the new retreat dates do not suit guests, vouchers/ refunds can be arranged.
If you are a resident of Southern Africa (SADAC), there are resident rates available, so please reach out to us to inquire about these!
Contact us with questions about this InRetreat
