Cemcrete: River Lodge Captivates in the African Bushveld

Nestled on an exclusive stretch of the Zambezi River, the exquisite Matetsi River Lodge offers the unique experience of rich views of wildlife as well as captivating experiences of the Victoria Falls. It celebrates the region’s fascinating heritage with authentic features and effortlessly combines them with light and airy contemporary interiors. Here Cemcrete finishes take centre stage, used throughout the lodge upon its renovation, even extending as far as the inside of the swimming pool.

Situated approximately 40km from the Victoria Falls, the Matetsi River Lodge boasts 18 rooms and a private villa that gives guests a front row seat to a breathtaking view of the river, as well as to a private 123,500-acre game-filled reserve. Designed to make the most of the reserve’s spectacular views, the lodge’s two camps, of just nine suites each, are complemented by tranquil guest areas. Both the spectacular lodge and villa pay homage to the wonderfully rich cultural heritage of Zimbabwe by showcasing a vibrant theme of wood and copper, the “red gold” of the country’s historical mining industry. Splashes of bright blue remind guests of the rushing waters of the Zambezi River. The main features of Cemcrete’s distinctive cement-based finishes, used in various sections of the lodge, are its natural mottling and movement. This feature harmoniously complements the continuous theme of tranquillity as well as resonates the unmissable movement and flow of the Zambezi River. The lodge offers a wine cellar, private gym, a relaxing spa and even its own curio shop, perfect for some retail therapy while enjoying your stay. Not to mention a number of outdoor activities that are also made available, from bungee-jumping to camp based fishing escapades, helicopter flights to white-water rafting and even mountain-biking.

Johan Gardiner, the lodges Zimbabwean owner, has allegedly spent a small fortune on making his lodge one of the finest in the country. John has even gone as far as to create watering holes for the game to surround. With such vigour for creating a one-of-a-kind stay for his guests that exude his passion for the African bush, it’s hard not to appreciate this lodge’s appeal.