Matusadona National Park

　　    Matusadona National Park is a wildlife sanctuary located in northern Zimbabwe. The park's name comes from the local Matuzviadonha Mountain. It is a pristine wilderness composed of charming plains and undulating highlands. "Matuzviadonha" means "falling dung," and the name was chosen because people often saw elephants defecating repeatedly as they struggled to climb the mountain.

　　    Matusadona National Park boasts unique pristine natural scenery, covering approximately 1,370 square kilometers. It is situated along the shores of Lake Kariba, with the Ume River forming its western boundary and the Munyati River its eastern edge. Two-thirds of the park lies south of the Zambezi Escarpment. It is the last remaining sanctuary for the endangered black rhino and is generally considered Africa’s second-largest lion sanctuary, after Ngorongoro. In addition, the park is home to elephants, zebras, antelopes, buffaloes, crocodiles, hippos, and other wildlife, making it an ideal destination for safaris. However, access to the park is not particularly convenient, with two main options — arriving by boat from Lake Kariba or driving via the Karoi–Kamativi Road.

　　    Matusadona National Park Must-visit reason: The last sanctuary for the endangered black rhino Continent: Africa Country/Region: Zimbabwe Province/State: Mashonaland West Province