MATETSI RIVER LODGE

The brief from the client was simple: ”Build the best lodge in Africa and use local talent.” The project involved refurbishing and redesigning the interiors of Matetsi Lodge, which is comprised of 18 river-facing suites in a bush camp located on a 17km stretch of the Zambezi, just 40 km from Victoria Falls.

Our design philosophy was guided by a desire to combine homegrown craft, patterns and colours that have been influenced by tribes in the surrounding regions, with the traditional Zimbabwean colour palette of raw clays, oxides, ochre and blue.

The blend of Zimbabwean culture with Western comforts tells the story of daily life along the Zambezi river — from the boats that hang like wind chimes in the entrances; the twisted legs on the dining room tables that reference fish traps; the copper that’s used as adornment in jewellery or the weaving of screens made in the same way as fishing baskets – every piece in the lodge is designed to relate to Zimbabwe in some way.

The result was an award-winning luxury retreat that is in perfect harmony with its surrounds with an ever-present connection between spaces indoors and out.

25 Shortheath Road,
Chisipite, Harare