Rhino Safari Camp Enters an Exciting New Era in Matusadona National Park

Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe – 2 December 2025

One of Zimbabwe’s most iconic eco-safari properties, Rhino Safari Camp, has announced a dynamic new ownership structure that reinforces its long-term vision for sustainable tourism, conservation leadership, and authentic wilderness experiences in Matusadona National Park. Set on the pristine southern shores of Lake Kariba, Rhino Safari Camp has long been celebrated for its intimate, barefoot luxury atmosphere and deeply personal safari style. The newly announced ownership structure brings together experienced custodianship, professional guiding excellence, and entrepreneurial conservation leadership, perfectly positioning the camp for a strong and values-driven future.

A New Ownership Team Rooted in Conservation and Experience

At the heart of the camp remains Marina Massari, the Italian custodian who has carefully stewarded Rhino Safari Camp’s identity and charm. Under the new structure, she is joined by the highly respected Daka Plains safari team, led by: Ian Batchelor, a Zimbabwean professional guide with over 35 years of guiding experience, and

Mike Thorne, a veterinarian, helicopter pilot and wildlife logistics specialist.

Together, this partnership brings a rare blend of deep local knowledge, conservation expertise, and operational capability. The focus of the next phase will remain true to what has always made Rhino Safari Camp special: its relaxed lakeshore setting, low-impact design, and immersive connection to nature; all supported by thoughtful upgrades that enhance comfort, safety and guest service without compromising its wilderness soul.

Aligning With African Parks and the Restoration of Matusadona

A key element of this new chapter is the camp’s continued alignment with African Parks, which has managed Matusadona National Park in partnership with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) since 2019. Under a 20-year mandate, African Parks is actively restoring the park’s ecological integrity through:

Reintroduction of native wildlife species
Securing wildlife corridors
Strengthening anti-poaching efforts
Supporting surrounding communities through conservation-linked employment and tourism development

Rhino Safari Camp’s owners have confirmed their commitment to this shared framework, pledging to contribute meaningfully to wildlife protection, ecological restoration, and community-based sustainable tourism.

Why Matusadona National Park Matters

Once renowned as one of Zimbabwe’s flagship national parks, Matusadona National Park spans over 1,400 square kilometres of rugged escarpment, floodplains, riverine forests, and Lake Kariba shoreline. The park is home to a growing population of elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and a wide variety of plains game and birdlife. Its unique location on Lake Kariba allows for a rare combination of water-based safaris, walking safaris, game drives, fishing and boating, thus making it one of the most diverse safari destinations in Southern Africa. With ongoing restoration now firmly underway, Matusadona is re-emerging as one of Zimbabwe’s most exciting conservation success stories.

Rhino Safari Camp plays a critical role in this revival by offering low-impact tourism that directly supports conservation operations and sustainable livelihoods in the region.

Africa’s Eden Welcomes the New Chapter

Commenting on the announcement, Jillian Blackbeard, CEO of Africa’s Eden Tourism Association, shared her support: “Rhino Safari Camp has always been one of those very special places that embodies what authentic African safaris are about. We warmly congratulate the new ownership team and wish them every success as they continue to protect the spirit of Matusadona while strengthening conservation, community impact and visitor experience.”

A Unique Safari Pairing for Zimbabwe

The owners have also highlighted the natural synergy between Rhino Safari Camp in Matusadona and Daka Plains Camp in Hwange National Park, offering guests a uniquely diverse Zimbabwean safari pairing — from Lake Kariba’s dramatic shoreline to Hwange’s open plains and big game encounters.
Together, these destinations provide travellers with a richly layered safari itinerary that showcases two of Zimbabwe’s most important conservation landscapes.

Looking Ahead

As Rhino Safari Camp enters this exciting new phase, its commitment remains clear: protecting wilderness, empowering communities, and delivering deeply meaningful safari experiences rooted in authenticity and respect for nature. With strengthened leadership, alignment with African Parks, and renewed investment, Rhino Safari Camp Matusadona is exceptionally well positioned to play a leading role in the revitalisation of one of Southern Africa’s most spectacular wild spaces.