Matusadona National Park
Mashonaland West
Matusadona National Park, located on the southern shore of Lake Kariba in northern Zimbabwe, spans approximately 1,400 square kilometers of flat plains and rugged mountains. Established initially as a non-hunting area in 1958 and later declared a national park in 1975, it protects a diverse range of flora and fauna. The park features three distinct ecological zones: the lakeshore grasslands nourished by fluctuating lake levels, the Zambezi Valley floor with dense jesse and mopane woodlands, and the elevated escarpment with Julbernardia and Brachystegia woodlands. These varied habitats support a rich array of wildlife, including elephants, Cape buffalo, black rhinoceros, lions, leopards, warthogs, greater kudu, and bushbuck. The park has undergone ecological management to balance elephant populations and fire risks, promoting woodland regrowth. Since 2019, African Parks has managed the reserve in partnership with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, focusing on combating poaching and restoring the park's natural integrity. Visitors can experience the park through several campsites and access it mainly by boat or small aircraft, preserving its remote and wild character.
ヒント: The best time to visit Matusadona National Park is during the dry season when roads are more accessible and wildlife viewing is optimal. Visitors are advised to book accommodations at campsites like Tashinga, Sanyati, or Changachirere in advance. Access is often by boat from Bumi Hills or Kariba town, or via small aircraft landing at Tashinga Camp. Due to the park's rugged terrain and seasonal road closures, guided tours are recommended. Some camps offer exclusive, intimate bush experiences for small groups. Check for conservation-related guidelines and support anti-poaching efforts by respecting park rules.
興味深い事実
- •The park is named after the local Matuzviadonha Hills.
- •Lake Kariba's fluctuating levels promote growth of Panicum repens grass, vital for large grazers.
- •Matusadona is an Intensive Protection Zone housing relocated rhinoceros.
- •The escarpment rises about 700 meters above the Zambezi Valley floor, creating rugged terrain.
- •A 2004 study estimated only 28 lions remained in the park due to habitat changes and prey decline.
歴史
Matusadona was first proclaimed a non-hunting area in 1958 and became a Game Reserve in 1963.
It was officially designated a National Park in 1975 under Rhodesia's Parks & Wildlife Act.
The creation of Lake Kariba profoundly altered the park's ecology, increasing grazing opportunities along the lakeshore and boosting populations of large mammals such as elephants and Cape buffalo.
Over time, management efforts have addressed challenges like elephant overpopulation and fire risks.
In 2019, African Parks took over management to revitalize the park amid poaching pressures.
場所ガイド
Tashinga Camp
A main campsite within the park featuring a small landing strip for light aircraft, serving as a key access point for visitors.
Lake Kariba Shoreline
The lakeshore area features nutrient-rich grasslands that support large herbivores such as Cape buffalo, waterbuck, and impala, attracting predators like lions and leopards.
Zambezi Valley Floor
Characterized by thick jesse, Combretum celastroides thickets, and mopane woodland, this area supports browsers including black rhinoceros and elephants.
Escarpment Area
Rising approximately 700 meters above the valley floor, this rugged zone consists of Julbernardia and Brachystegia woodlands, which have been recovering due to fire management and elephant population control.