Fothergill

Fothergill is a classic tented safari camp on the shores of Lake Kariba, within Zimbabwe’s magical Matusadona National Park. Visitors will find a wonderful range of land and water-based activities providing superb fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Water wilderness with diverse activities

Lake Kariba is a huge man-made lake, the second largest in Africa and the fourth largest in the world. Around 270km long, and 40km at its widest point, it is the biggest man-made reservoir of water in the world. Kariba has a well-deserved reputation as a prime fishing destination, especially relating to the formidable tigerfish, Africa’s famous fighting game fish. Along with tigerfish, the lake’s bays, flooded forests and flood plains are rich with tilapia, catfish and vundu which provide fun fishing for less experienced anglers. Fish can be caught year-round although the best time for tiger fishing is from September through to April. Fishing can be conducted throughout the day as well as early mornings and afternoons and is largely dependent on weather conditions and species targeted. Fishing can range from a couple of hours to the whole day.

It is also possible to explore the Sanyati Gorge which forms the northwestern boundary of the park. The Sanyati River is one of the largest rivers feeding Lake Kariba and is home to both giant vundu and tigerfish. The gorge is about a 40 minute boat ride from camp and along the way, guests are likely to see plenty of wildlife as well as ospreys, Pels fishing owl and fish eagles.

There is plenty of fishing equipment at Fothergill and four boats to take guests out onto the water. Many of the fishing guides have represented Zimbabwe in freshwater angling events and have an encyclopaedia knowledge of the lake. 

Alongside fishing, visitors can enjoy vehicle based game drives, guided walking safaris, and boating safaris. It’s a great spot for families with a ‘mini ranger’ course offering fun activities like star gazing, archery and swimming as well as the wildlife experiences.  

Safari oasis on the shores of Lake Kariba  

Many fishermen will have accepted that the best fishing spots can be accompanied by less than luxurious accommodation, but Fothergill offers something very different – comprising two separate, but linked, camps with views over lawns and bush towards the lake. There are ten spacious suites in total, five Lake Suites and two family suites, and an additional three suites at Little Fothergill. Each stylishly decorated suite has a private bathroom and outside seating area. The Lake Suites each have a private plunge pool while the Little Fothergill suites – perfect for a group to take on an exclusive basis – share a pool and airy central lounge area.  

Easy access to a vast, rugged national park

Matusadona became a national park in 1975 and comprises nearly 1,500km2 of untouched rugged wilderness, protecting a diverse range of flora and fauna. The vast grasslands support elephant, buffalo, plains game and a growing population of big cats. The nearest airport is Kariba which is a 45-minute boat ride away. Fothergill also has a private airstrip that makes it convenient and easy for guests looking to fly in privately. There are various international access points with both Harare and Victoria Falls offering a good choice of flights.