Matusadona National Park covers 1,400 km2 (540 sq mi) of flat plains and rugged mountains protecting a diverse flora and fauna.

In particular, the availability of grazing on the lakeshore has contributed to an increase in the populations of large mammals in the park, especially elephant and Cape buffalo.

This source of grazing has allowed populations of large grazers such as Cape buffalo, waterbuck, common zebra, and impala to thrive, attracting the associated predators.

Elephant browsing and fire depredations have, in recent years, caused the once substantial woodlands to decrease allowing grassland to develop.

The buffalo began to disappear after losing vital grazing areas to a rise in the level of Lake Kariba upon which the park is set on.

By 2004 a study estimated a mere 28 lions remained in the area but no research was available on their viability and/or any other threats the population may be facing.