MATOBO NATIONAL PARK

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Matobo National Park is Zimbabwe’s oldest and smallest National Park.

Located in central Zimbabwe, rich in history and culture and spanning over 44,000 hectares, Matobo National Park provides endless landscapes characterized by dramatic granite 'kopjies’ or ancient rock formations, which are filled with ancient Bushmen rock paintings. These ancient rock formations provide an awe-inspiring backdrop to the Park's diverse flora and fauna, making Matobo a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature aficionados. Matobo, meaning “bald head” in the local Ndebele language, provides a majestic and rugged terrain that is a hiker’s paradise and the diversity of the vegetation supports a wide range of wildlife.

Within Matobo’s boundaries, one can encounter on foot thriving black and white rhinoceros populations, along with an array of other species, including leopards, zebras, giraffes, hyenas, hippos, warthogs, waterbucks, wildcats, crocodiles, baboons, and a myriad of birdlife. Adding to its allure, Matobo is imbued with historical and spiritual significance, featuring ancient San rock art that adorns the caves and shelters, providing a window into the region's ancestral heritage. This extraordinary site offers a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural treasures, inviting exploration, contemplation, and a profound connection with both the past and the present.

Seasons

Matobo National Park’s weather is temperate and fair. The region begins its transition into winter in April, and as it progresses, temperatures fall, inland water sources dry up, and wildlife is drawn to permanent water sources. Dry winter months provide easier wildlife viewing, as grasses remain short and trees carry less foliage. Winter’s moderate temperatures last through August and reach into the low 70s during the day, cooling to the low 40s at night.

From September to October, the area begins its transition into summer, and temperatures gradually rise and can reach the 80s during the heat of the day. By December the rains arrives, bringing relief to the parched landscape and its wildlife. Rainfall, in the form of short afternoon thundershowers, briefly cools the warm summer air and typically lasts into March. The abundance of fresh food during the green season signals the start to the birthing season for many species, and the area fills with a new generation of young.

Wildlife

Matobo’s unique rocky landscape supports a variety of wildlife. The highlight here is the Intensive Protection Zone, where a large population of black and white rhinoceros are successfully breeding. To spot one of these endangered creatures is truly humbling and the efforts going into their revival is inspiring. The rocky outcrops provide ideal habitat for a large density of elusive leopards, rock hyrax, and klipspringers. While the park lacks elephants and lions, it hosts zebras, giraffes, hyenas, hippos, warthogs, waterbucks, wildcats, crocodiles, baboons, eland, kudu, sable, and a myriad of birdlife.

Activities

Hop in a 4x4 vehicle with a professional guide and tracker, and explore Matobo. Capture photographs and spend time with its fascinating wildlife.
1. Learn about the positive, uplifting work of the community and conservation development programs on a visit to meet the beautiful Matabele people that call this place home.
1. Take a journey back into time on a historical tour of the area. View ancient rock art by San Bushmen, the original hunter-gatherers and one of earth’s oldest, continuous cultures
1. Embark on a bush walk to get up close with the rhinos of Matobo.
2. Drive through the granite hills in the footsteps of Cecil John Rhodes. Visit his world famous tomb known as “View of the World”, it’s an historical experience not to be forgotten.