Matobo National Park stands out as one of Zimbabwe’s hidden treasures, featuring some of the most breathtaking granite landscapes in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features a stunning and surreal landscape of balancing rocks known as kopjes—massive boulders resting precariously atop one another. One can easily understand why Matobo is referred to as Zimbabwe’s spiritual heartland upon witnessing it.
Matobo National Park lies at the core of the Matobo or Matopos Hills, an area characterized by granite kopjes and lush valleys in southern Zimbabwe, starting 35 kilometers (22 miles) south of Bulawayo. Granite developed at the surface approximately 2 billion years ago, creating smooth “whaleback dwalas” and fractured kopjes, scattered with boulders and scattered with thickets of vegetation.
The Matobo Hills cover approximately 3100 square kilometers, including 424 square kilometers designated as National Park, while the remainder consists of community property and a small portion dedicated to commercial farming. The park extends through the valleys of the Thuli, Mtshelele, Maleme, and Mpopoma rivers. A game park spanning 100 square kilometers has been established within the national park, serving as a habitat for a diverse array of animals, including the white rhinoceros. Gulati stands as the tallest peak in the highlands, situated just beyond the northeastern boundary of the park.
Matobo National Park in Zimbabwe consists of a leisure park and a game park. These encompass Lake Matopos Recreational Park and Matobo National Park. World’s View offers a stunning overlook, serves as the burial site of Cecil Rhodes, and features ancient San rock art caves, all of which are integral to the recreational area. While the wildlife park may not boast the largest variety of animals in Zimbabwe because of poaching, it remains an excellent location to see both black and white rhinos, even though the black rhinos can be elusive. A Concise Overview of Matobo National Park in Zimbabwe. Established in 1926, Rhodes Matopos National Park stands as a testament to Cecil Rhodes and holds the distinction of being Zimbabwe’s oldest national park.
The original park boundaries extended significantly to the south and east of the present-day park’s location. The Khumalo and Matobo Communal Lands emerged from a compromise between colonial officials and local communities, aimed at re-designating these areas for habitation.
The current name Matobo derives from the local vernacular pronunciation of the area. In 2003, the Matobo Hills received the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to do at Matobo National Park
Game drives
Matobo National Park boasts a variety of attractions, including the balancing rocks, diverse wildlife, bird watching, rhino tracking, and much more. Driving in the game will allow you to experience everything in a shorter time compared to walking. Parking for vehicles is available, and guides are provided if you have your own vehicle. This scenic view encompasses the entire landscape and assists you in keeping pace with the fast-moving wildlife. This offers a completely new experience, allowing you to explore all the wonders that Matobo National Park has in place for tourists.
Hiking
Matobo National Park, covering an area of 440 square kilometers, was internationally recognized with World Heritage status in June 2003. The park, rich in cultural history, is reflected in numerous cultural and historical sites and is located 34km south of Bulawayo along the Kezi/Mapisha road. The road to Maleme is paved, whereas the other park roads are gravel and generally well-maintained. The park offers opportunities for hiking or mountain biking along its trails, providing a chance for some adventure on the gravel roads. Hiking is a dynamic aerobic activity that challenges individuals who seek to explore their boundaries. The experience encompasses admiring the stunning landscapes and engaging in both short and long hikes that traverse valleys and ascend the kopjes. Ascending and descending hills enhances the intensity, making it excellent for heart wellness.
By engaging your leg muscles for an extended duration, you effectively enhance their strength. This also pertains to mountain biking, which entails riding throughout the mountain, aiding in physical exercise. The primary gathering spot for mountain bikers is located at the main entrance gate of the park.
Horseback riding
Matobo National Park offers guided horse trails. There are two routes: one starting from Maleme Camp that explores the scenic spots in the Maleme valley and surrounding areas, and the other also beginning at Maleme Camp, which visits picturesque locations in the Maleme valley and its surroundings. Departing from the White-water Office, proceed to the game park to observe the wildlife.
Visit the grave of Rhodes
The grave of Rhodes in Matobo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is surrounded by captivating granite spires and unique rock formations, believed to be the ancestral home of indigenous spirits. Those familiar with history are aware of this remarkable individual, but have they truly arrived at this extraordinary location? The remains of British imperialist Cecil John Rhodes rest beneath a stone slab atop a granite hill in Zimbabwe, largely neglected by the political unrest surrounding an individual whose colonial legacy continues to provoke strong feelings across Africa, just a century after his passing. Lizards can be observed darting around the grave, which sometimes draws the attention of tourists and has been accepted by the long-standing leader, President Robert Mugabe. This is essential viewing for historians and anyone with an interest in heritage sites.
Fishing
In the Matobo National Park, fishing activities are primarily focused on local sport fishing. Popular fishing spots in the greater Matopos area include bays and beaches, harbors and marinas, wharfs and jetties, islands, and various other locations. This park is home to 16 recorded fish species. Fishing in Matobo National Park is truly a wonderful experience, offering a delightful opportunity to engage with the locals.
Bird watching
Matobo National Park hosts a remarkable variety of birds, with over 175 species recorded, which is quite impressive for a small park. Matobo National Park is recognized for its extensive array of raptors, distinct from those featured in the movie Jurassic World. Raptors are predatory birds, including falcons, owls, hawks, and many others. A total of 35 diurnal species (active during the day) and nine nocturnal species (active at night) have been recorded.
The primary attraction for bird watching tourists here is the interest in Verreaux’s eagles, many of which breed in this area. They are often spotted atop rock formations or gliding along the cliffs in pursuit of their prey. The park features migratory birds that are most visible during the migratory season, which spans from November to April, when species from Northern Africa and Europe can be observed. The notable birds seen in Matobo National Park are; Augur buzzard, black-collared barbet, black- Saiv shouldered kite, Coqui francolin and many others.
