Matobo National Park: Introduction
Matobo (or Matopos), meaning ‘bald heads’, was the name chosen for the area by the Ndebele King, Mzilikazi. He is buried in the Matobo hills just a short distance from the park. It is an apt description of the dramatic hills and granite rocks of this area. The park is also the site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave at the summit of Malindidzimu – ‘hill of benevolent spirits’. He referred to this hill as having a view of the world. His grave is carved out of solid granite and surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of boulders. A visit can be made to one of the more accessible bushmen caves with rock art, of which there are many hidden amongst the hills.
Home to perhaps the greatest density of Verreaux's (Black) Eagles in the world, Matobo is a destination made famous for its rhino population. Exciting rhino-tracking adventures can be enjoyed in the park's more protected section, and since Matobo lacks lions and elephants, its main body is also a destination for easy walking safaris and horse trails. Game drives reveal a wide range of antelope and birds, and there are plenty of warthogs and monkeys to keep the park's leopard population busy.
Locate the Matobo National Park
How to get there & Best time to visit
How to get there
Access by road:
From Bulawayo take Robert Mugabe Way in the city, this turns into Matopos Road which continues south 30 kilometres to the National Park boundary. The two-lane tarred road continues as a single lane tarred road to Maleme Dam and Rest Camp. The remaining roads in the park are gravelled, but suitable for most vehicles. Other areas however, are only accessible with a high clearance 4WD vehicle.
Access by air:
Land at Bulawayo International Airport and travel to Matobo via road.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Matobo National Park is during Zimbabwe's long dry winter from May to October. Animals are easier to see in the thinned-out vegetation and concentrate at permanent water sources as the park dries up. The period from May to August enjoys mild sunny days and cool nights; September and October can be very hot and dry while the summer rainy season from November to April is a time of periodic heavy rain and increased numbers of mosquitoes.