About Matobo National Park

About Matobo National Park

Matobo National Park is one of the oldest parks in Zimbabwe recognized as a national park in 1926. Matobo National Park occupies an area of 424 square kilometers but the Matobo hills that is the extension part of this park covers about 3100 square kilometers.

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Filming in Matobo Hills National Park

Matobo National Park lies in the southern part of Zimbabwe about 34 kilometers from Bulawayo city in an area of granite Kopjes and wooded valleys. Formation of Matobo hills was done over 2 million years ago when granite domes were exposed to the ground by erosion.

The first inhabitants of this area are believed to be the San who were artistic based on the paintings seen on there rock formations. The Cecil Rhode grave is another tourist attraction known to be in Matobo National Park.

This Matobo National Park has a rich history that dates back to the time of King Muzilikazi Khumalo. The name Madombo is believed to have been given by the Lozwi who are descendants of Kalanga. When Mzilikazi Khumalo was told that given the name of the granite hill domes, he sarcastically referred to them as Matobo a local word used to mean “bald head”. 

 Matobo National Park is endowed with a rich fauna and flora living in its environment. This park is home to more than 88 mammals, over 39 snakes, varied fish species and others. Some animals are being rehabilitated including white and black rhinos, a rich bird life common chances of spotting black eagles.

The existence of the wildlife in Matobo National Park is dependent on the presence of the rich vegetation including paperbark acacia, wild pear, mountain acacia with more than 100 grass species. Contact us.

History of Matobo National Park

Rhodes Matopo National Park as the park was initially called was gazette in 1926 as by then the colonial leadership of northern Rhodezia the current Zimbabwe was under the headship of Cecil Rhodes. By then, the parkland extended to the south and east of its current area.  Some of the park sections by then were used to resettle the locals as part of the bargain forming the Matobo and Khumalo communal Land

In 2003, Matobo Hills in Matobo National Park was recognized as a World Heritage site. The presence of ancient rock paintings that are believed to have been drawn by the ancient of occupants of this area the san “Bushmen.”

What To See And Do In Matobo National Park

Guided walking safari in Matobo National Park

In the company of a ranger guide, you start the safari walk in Matobo National Park following the trails constructed by earlier travelers. Look out for the stunning views of the hills of Matobo National Park with their outstanding beauty that forms the park backdrop.

During the walk in Matobo National Park, you may pot some antelopes, birds, a long list of birds also find comfort in this park including ostriches.

You may hire a porter to assist carry your belongings in order not to weigh you down as you walk through the park. Try to keep on the trails constructed by the predecessors in order not to create new ones as this leads to environmental degradation. Contact us for more details.

Birding in Matobo National Park

A long list of birds live in Matobo National Park but there are more chances of spotting black eagles in this park. A birder, better results can be achieved in Matobo National Park when in the company of a well trained, knowledgeable and professional birding guide.

Visit ancient Rock paintings

The rock paintings drawn by the ancient occupants of this area that san are spectacular. The rock painting in the hills of Matobo are about 3000 paintings believed to have been drawn approximately between 320 to 600 C.E.

 Even some household items used by the earlier occupants of this park like clay ovens, pots, animal bones like those believed to belong to hyrax, tortoises, baboons and others have been discovered here. The San were known for being good hunters and most of there meals included wild meat. The caves in the Matobo hills like Bambata Cave, Inenka Cave, Nswatugi Cave, Pomongwe Cave are significant in this discovery.

The Cecil Rhodes Grave

Historians on Zimbabwe safari have an opportunity to visit the place where the remains of the great colonial leader of most parts of southern Africa are buried. Cecil Rhodes was the leader of the British South African Company that governed the British colonies in the southern part of Africa.

During the first Matabele war, some of the leaders were killed and buried in a spot within Matobo National Park. Cecil Rhodes, Leander Starr Jameson plus others were laid to rest on the Malindidzimu hill which means the “hill of the spirits” Even King Muzilikazi was laid to rest at the Matopos Hill.

Biking in Matobo National Park

Game safaris in Matobo National Park can be enjoyed differently by taking the biking adventure. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, visit the rock painting caves, enjoy the great scenery and much more that the park offers.  You must be in the company of a guide just in case you encounter some trouble this is backup. Enjoy the view of Maleme Dam with its excellent camping sites and picnic spots.

Hiking on Matobo Hills

Test your level of fitness while on safari in Zimbabwe on a hiking tour on Matobo hills. The guide leads the way but you need to bear some level of fitness. As you carry on with the hike, enjoy the extraordinary views of the surrounding of Matobo National Park, visit the rock paintings from an elevated point away from the lower ground.

You need to pack some energy bites to keep munching on as breakfast is taken too early to last the entire day. Carry some drinking water too to rehydrate on your way up the hills. To cover a bigger part on the hiking adventure in Matobo National Park, an early start is recommended.

Game Drive In Matobo National Park

Wake up early for a game drive on the dusty tracks of Matobo National Park. look out for various animals that are residents of this park like sable antelopes, leopards, impalas, white rhinos, wildebeest, buffaloes, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles and others that the park hosts.

 Enjoy the beautiful spots of the park like the rugged Matobo granite hills, in the company of a knowledgeable guide, you get to know the in-depth history of Matobo National Park. Look out for several unique plants that have been recorded in this park and enjoy the stunning views too.

Sports Fishing in Matobo National Park

 The presence of several rivers in Matobo National Park is an opportunity for anglers to catch some fish species. Some of the Rivers of Matobo National Park include Mpomoma River, Mtsheleli River, Maleme River, Maleme Dam and others.

 You need fishing permit to be allowed to catch some of the fish during a sports fishing tour in Matobo National Park. There are about 16 fish species in the different water bodies in and on the outskirts of Matobo National Park some of which include yellow fish, Barbus Matozi and others.

How much is the cost of safari to Matobo National Park

Park fees are the universal cost that must be paid by every tourists on safari in Matobo National Park. At Encounter Africa Safaris, we package our tours according to up market, Luxury, Mid-range and basic. To cost the safari to Matobo National Park, some of the items considered may include days on safari, number of people traveling with, activities to engage in and others.

Paying park entrance fees is across all budgets as this is used to support park maintenance.

Hiring a porter during the walking safari is advised so that you are not weighed back by the size of the back pack especially of you are on filming or photographing safari. include the cost of the porter when doing all safari plans. This is one of the direct ways to give back to te local community.

 At Encounter Africa Safaris, we also encourage our clients to tip generously as this is a token of appreciation you can award someone for a service rendered. Tipping is one of the ways to also indirectly participate in community sensitization because the locals who receive the money get to appreciate the relevance of having the park in there midst.

Is Matobo National Park safe?

Matobo National Park is safe for a visit as on ground are well trained and dedicated ranger guides to protect the park and its inhabitants. They routinely patrol the park in search for any unlawful activities that may be staged in the park like setting up traps, poaching and others.

 While on safari in Matobo National Park, you must be in company of a ranger guide during the walking safari. This is to ensure that you can get emergency assistance in case need arises.

As a tourist, your personal safety is very import while on safari. Don’t get out of your lodge alone in the night because you may face some predators. Follow the guidelines of the safari in Matobo National Park so that you don’t fall out with park authorities.

Driving off track is forbidden and hooting at wild animals as this may cause them to charge at you. Contact us.

What Accommodation To Book On Safari In Matobo National Park

Some of the accommodations you may book while on safari in Matobo National Park include Aboretum Camp, Maleme Camp,  Lake Matopos Camp, Toghwana Camp, Sandy Spruit Camp and others.

 The accommodations of Matobo National Park are categorized into luxury, mid-range and budget but during the peak season, the options of accommodations run out so advance booking is necessary.

When Is The Best Time To Book Accommodation To Matobo National Park

The best time to visit is the dry season when the grass is lower and animals are easier to spot. The stunning view of the series Matobo Hills is best enjoyed in the dry season. The dry season is normally June, July, August, September, early October.

The dry season of Matobo National Park is normally peak tourism season of Zimbabwe so expect more people in the park. Prices of logistics to support the safari to Matobo National Park are normally gross charges.

The wet season is also great for a safari in Matobo National Park especially to those wishing to have less crowds as fewer people are booked. In case you are budget conscious, the wet season that is March, April, may and November may open chances to discounts from service providers. Get in touch with us.

What to Park for safari in Matobo National Park

• Foldable drinking water bottle to quench thirst during the safari in Zimbabwe
• Safari wears in colors that are wilderness friendly in colors like khaki, tan and others. Try not to use colors that can attract stinging insects like blue, black and white.
• Some cash to use for on ground purchases as credit cards are no easy to use in Africa because of the lengthy process of collecting money from them.
• Snacks to munch on when you are on safari in case you get hungry.
•  A camera to keep memorable moments while on safari in Zimbabwe there many moments that happen
• Flip flops to wear while relaxing at your lodge or hotel
• First aid kit in case of an emergency. It should also contain prescribed medication from a professional doctor.
• Extra batteries are fully charged to exchange with in case your one runs low.

What are the guidelines on safari in Matobo National Park  

• Respect nature while on safari in Matobo National Park and do not over ride on it while in the park.
• Do not make noise or hoot while in Matobo National Park because you may scare the wild animals.
• Dumping garbage is forbidden because this alters the nature of the park where wild animals thrive. Do not pick anything from the park but only carry memories of this adventure.
•  Don’t get out of your facility at night while in Matobo National Park because you may encounter some danger.
• Feeding the animals is forbidden because they are wild animals that must search for there own food.
• Drive at the speed limit set by the park authorities as this helps not to knock down some animals.
•  Do not drive off track while entering or leaving Matobo National Park because you destroy nature.

Contact us for more information about Matobo National Park.