FOTHERGILL ISLAND

Between 1959 and 1962 the Kariba Dam was built on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It eventually became the largest man made lake in the world.  When the waters started to flood the lower areas of the Zambezi Valley of Zimbabwe, islands were formed to which numerous animals escaped. They were also soon trapped by rising waters. 

A Zimbabwean, namely Rupert Fothergill, and his men came to their rescue.  During "Operation Noah" they rescued numerous animals including elephants, leopards, cheetahs and lions, to name just a few, from these islands and they relocated them to the safety of the main land and the Matusadona National Park.  The Matusadona National Park is on the southern shores of Lake Kariba and is one of Zimbabwe's famous game reserves

Some of the hills were even higher than the highest flood waters and they are still safe havens for numerous animals and birds.   Fothergill Island is just one of these islands, but our lodge makes it perhaps one of the most famous wildlife destinations in Africa. 

At Fothergill Island you will be accommodated in luxury chalets which are interconnected by wooden boardwalks in order to minimize the impact on the environment and to maximise your comfort and pleasure.  All units are en-suite and air-conditioned. Fothergill Island's deluxe chalets are equipped with outdoor, yet very private Spa baths, with magnificent views over the Matusadona National Park and Lake Kariba.

Game activities at Fothergill Island include game walks on the island, open vehicle safaris with very knowledgeable nature guides on the island as well as and in the Matusadona National Park.  Fishing in Lake Kariba is perhaps among the best freshwater fishing in the world.  Tiger fish are in abundance around Fothergill Island and fishing is just one of the numerous activities which are offered.

At Fothergill Island your stay will be fully inclusive.  The only thing that you will need to pay extra for is your transport from the mainland, your drinks and if you lose fishing tackle.  Three excellent meals per day are included. Coffee is always available in the lounge.  Two game/fishing activities are included per day.  You can do either a game walk, game cruise or fishing.
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OTHER ZIMBABWE LODGES

ZIMBABWE

From Fothergill and Kariba you can travel via Harare to the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. Near Mutare lie the Vumba or Bvumba mountains. The Queen Mother described this area as the most beautiful place she had ever seen. Very few people will differ with her. The Leopard Rock Hotel is perhaps Zimbabwe's most luxurious hotel.  This resort offers breathtakingly beautiful views, excellent cuisine and one of the continent's best golf courses. If the Leopard Rock is to pricey for you, consider the Inn on the Vumba Boutique Hotel with a very English style.

If you decide to visit South Africa after your stay at Fothergill Island, make sure that you spend at least two nights in the Matobo Hills National Park. This park is known for its spectacular rock formations and the magnificent Matobo Hills Lodge. If you prefer self-catering accommodation you can stay at Granite Ridge, an equally beautiful place at a much lower cost.

BOTSWANA

From Fothergill Island you can drive via Zamiba to Botswana. You will most likely stay at least one night in the Chobe Game Reserve before travelling south to the Makgadigadi Pans. The Makgadigadi Pans is the world's largest salt pan. The pans are surrounded by grass which attract antelope followed by large predators. Planet Baobab is near Gweta on the edge of this pan. From Gweta it is only 300 km to Francistown where you can spend a night in the Marang Gardens Hotel before you continue your Botswana tour or before you return to Zimbabwe. Alternatively consider a night in Nata Lodge 100 km from Gweta and 200 km from Francistown.

SOUTH AFRICA

If you travel overland from Fothergill Island and Kariba to the coastal region in South Africa you will most likely overnight in Bloemfontein, the capital city of the Free State. In Bloemfontein Bains Game Lodge offers both luxury accommodation and self-catering on a small game reserve on the edge of the city. Alternatively you might consider Sangiro Lodge near the Shell Ultra Stop.

From Bloemfontein you can easily reach the Wildcoast of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Mazeppa Bay Hotel is a family resort near the Qora River in this beautiful part of Africa. Ntaba River Lodge is another family destination, but it lies in Port St Johns. If you prefer city hotels, consider the King David Hotel, a five star hotel in East London.

NAMIBIA

Orangeriver Lodge offers self-catering accommodation at Noordoewer just two km from the South African border. This lodge is a perfect overnight stop for those who travel to Zimbabwe and Kariba via Namibia. The nearest Lodge In namibia to Fothergill Island is Namushasha Country Lodge in the west of the Caprivi.

LINKS FROM FOTHERGILL ISLAND TO OTHER HOTELS

Granite Ridge Lodge
Ntaba River Lodge on the Wildcoast
Mazeppa Bay
Orangeriver Lodge
Nata Lodge
The King David Hotel
Motopo Hills Lodge
Bains Game Lodge.
Chobe Safari Lodge
Leopard Rock Hotel
Inn on The Vumba
Namushasha Country Lodge