Matobo National Park
Towering granite kopjes and incredible rhino sightings
Overview
Matobo National Park
The striking scenery of Matobo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is dominated by the park’s iconic granite kopjes, shaped nearly two billion years ago, which stand as silent guardians over the landscape.
Named by King Mzilikazi of the Ndebele people, ‘Matobo’ translates to ‘bald heads’ and aptly describes the region’s arresting backdrop. Beyond its scenic beauty, Matobo is an exceptional site for rare wildlife encounters, including captivating sightings of reintroduced black and white rhinos in their natural habitat.
The park’s rich history is etched into its landscape. Its caves and hills have provided shelter for human settlement for thousands of years and as a result the region has dozens of ancient rock art sites created by the San people. It served as a refuge for the Ndebele people during colonial conflicts with European settlers, while the grave of Cecil Rhodes, a controversial figure in the colonisation of Africa, rests atop ‘World’s View,’ a high granite peak and sacred site for the Ndebele.
Families on safari in Matobo will find a blend of adventure and cultural immersion. Activities include guided rhino tracking, rock art tours, and hikes through surreal landscapes, making it a memorable and enriching experience on a luxury Zimbabwe safari.
Overview
Matobo National Park
Where is Matobo National Park?
Matobo National Park lies in southwestern Zimbabwe, about 34 kilometres south of Bulawayo, the country’s second-largest city.
This captivating park spans 424 kilometres within the larger Matobo Hills area, which covers approximately 3,100 square kilometres, including communal lands and a small portion of commercial farmland. Most visitors access the park by flying into Bulawayo and then driving a scenic 30-minute route to the entrance.
The park’s striking landscape, shaped by millions of years of erosion, is defined by towering granite kopjes and narrow, swampy valleys. These valleys run in parallel lines, weaving through dramatic rock formations and enhancing the park’s unique natural beauty.
What to do in Matobo National Park?
Matobo National Park offers an incredible range of family safari experiences.
Renowned as the best place in Zimbabwe to track black and white rhinos, the park’s guided walking safaris allow families to encounter these magnificent animals up close, benefiting from intensive conservation efforts. The whole family will be thrilled by early mornings spent tracking the rhinos’ spoors and droppings while surrounded by a wealth of other wildlife.
Families can also explore the park’s fascinating cultural history through visits to ancient rock art sites. With nearly 3,000 rock paintings, some dating back over 13,000 years, these sites provide an incredible insight into the lives of the San people, showing their hunter-gatherer practices in stunning detail. Iconic rock formations, such as the ‘Mother and Child’ kopje, make an ideal pitstop for a lunch picnic and breathtaking photo opportunities.
A visit to Matobo would not be complete without a visit to Malindidzimu, the ‘hill of benevolent spirits’, where the grave of Cecil Rhodes, a controversial colonial figure, lies at the spiritual heart of the Ndebele people, encapsulating the complex history that make a family safari in Matobo so remarkable.
Best time to visit?
The best time to visit Matobo National Park depends on the experience you’re after. For optimal wildlife viewing, the dry season from May to October is ideal, offering cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall. During this period, rhinos gather near water sources making them easier to track, and vegetation is sparse, providing clear views of the park’s unique landscapes and rock formations.
From July to October, visitors may also witness seasonal wildlife migrations. Alternatively, the months of September and November bring lush greenery after the first rains, the arrival of migratory birds, creating a vibrant and scenic setting for nature and birding enthusiasts.
Who should visit?
Matobo National Park is perfect for families seeking a Zimbabwe luxury safari that blends wildlife encounters with cultural discovery. With some of the best rhino sightings in Africa, breathtaking landscapes and a rich colonial history to explore, the park has something for the whole family.
The park’s ancient rock art sites and iconic formations like the ‘Mother and Child’ kopje captivate curious young minds and provide educational insights into Zimbabwe’s rich past. Lodges in the area offer family-friendly accommodations and activities tailored to young explorers, ensuring everyone from kids to grandparents can experience Matobo’s wonders in comfort.
Places to stay
Recommended Matobo National Park accommodation
Places to stay
Recommended Matobo National Park accommodation
Why travel with Coral Tree?
We are the specialists in luxury Africa family safari holidays
We are Africa experts and also parents. We understand what makes a memorable family adventure.
Our knowledge and connections are unsurpassed
We have been living and working in African tourism for over two decades.
Every journey is tailored with your specific wishes in mind
No off-the-shelf packages or cookie-cutter itineraries. Unique family safaris.
Each trip funds grassroots conservation and girls education projects
You pay no more for the privilege, we support causes close to our hearts.
