Article and Images- Tamirirashe Mudzingwa Marketing & Quality Assurance Executive- ZimParks
Zimparks recently hosted the thrilling “CarTrack 4×4 Expedition” to Matusadona National Park in collaboration with Sahwira Events & Lifestyle. The event, held from March 30 to April 2, marked the fourth instalment of these exhilarating outdoor excursions, following previous adventures in Mana Pools, Chizarira, and Gonarezhou. These specially designed packages by Zimparks aim to boost domestic tourism in line with the objectives of the National Development Strategy 1.
Nestled in the northern part of Zimbabwe, Matusadona is the country’s fifth-largest national park, bordered by the vast Lake Kariba to the north and the Sanyati and Ume rivers on the east and west, respectively. It is the first protected area in Zimbabwe to join the African Parks network under a co-management agreement with Zimparks. Established as a national park in 1975, this remote and rugged haven provided a sanctuary for numerous animals relocated during and after the construction of Lake Kariba, as the rising waters engulfed the Zambezi Valley. This monumental effort became one of the most storied translocations in wildlife history, known as Operation Noah.
An exhilarating 9-hour drive from Harare brought approximately 60 guests in a convoy of about 20 vehicles to Matusadona, where they descended upon Tashinga Camp, nestled along Lake Kariba’s southern shores. Upon arrival, visitors were greeted by breathtaking views of the lake, captivating landscapes, and a warm welcome from one of Tashinga’s resident elephants. Awaiting them, a sumptuous dinner and ingenious ablutions, designed by the Matusadona team specifically for the event. These facilities featured thatched walls, neatly tiled floors with on-site concrete blocks, and held together by river sand. Guests enjoyed a constant supply of piping hot water, all while basking in the natural ambiance under a ceiling of glittering stars or the vast blue sky.
The weekend was filled with memorable stories and experiences, including two guests catching their first-ever tiger fish. The 4×4 challenge, however, claimed the spotlight as the weekend’s highlight. The course offered an adrenaline-pumping test of skill with routes punctuated by rocks, river sand, mud, steep inclines, and declines. Participants were also treated to awe-inspiring views of the shoreline, the escarpment, and the diverse wildlife scattered throughout the park. “This was a really good test of my 4×4 skills. I’m glad I went for training,” commented one of the participants. With its combination of heart-pounding adventure, mesmerizing scenery, and mouthwatering cuisine, the weekend was truly one for the books.
This event’s overwhelming turnout and success were possible with the support of partners like CarTrack, CarGuard, Minerva, and Autoworld, all contributing to an unforgettable expedition that showcased the beauty and excitement of Matusadona National Park.
