Matobo National Park

Introducing Matobo National Park

Matobo Hills is home to not only the greatest variety and density of birds in the world, an amazing landscape of daunting granite mountains and outcrops that stretch for thousands of kilometres, but Zimbabwe’s largest concentration of ancient San rock art. Cecil Rhodes was so mesmerised by Matobo Hills that he asked to be buried there – and he was.

Stroll along the granite ridges and experience the overwhelming sense of tranquillity. Find solitude within an intimate retreat as secluded as the original Kalanga grain bins that nestle among the rocks. Check out World’s View, the famous rock art galleries; visit a Ndebele village; or go horseback riding or on an organised walk. Safari operators and lodges offer walking and driving excursions to Matobo National Park and Whovi Game Park (day trip/overnight from US$50/90). Some operators offering day or overnight trips to Matobo include: Black Rhino Safaris (09-241662; www.blackrhinosafaris.com), Circle Court Tours & Safaris (09-881309; www.cirtours.co.zw) and Khangela Safaris (09-289733; www.khangela.com).

Matobo National Park (loydmasine@yahoo.com; camp site per person US$11, tw chalet/lodge US$74, tw lodge US$112, executive r US$326, vehicle use US$5) has several camp sites and there are chalets and lodges at Maleme Dam. You must book in advance at the National Parks office in Bulawayo. Located in Matobo Hills, 46km from Bulawayo, Big Cave Camp (0861 312 312; afrizim@flameofafrica.com) is on the edge of the national park. There are seven thatched A-frame cottages with private bathrooms and balconies

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009