Matobo Hills Safari
Welcome to the captivating Matobo National Park, a place where history, culture, and nature intertwine in an awe-inspiring setting.
This UNESCO wonderland spans over 44,000 hectares, featuring a rich variety of wildlife and a landscape adorned with domes, spires, and balancing rock formations.
It’s a hiker’s dream with its rugged terrain and a wildlife enthusiast’s delight with an abundance of animals, including rhinos, zebras, and giraffes. The park is also a living canvas of human history, home to ancient rock paintings and historical sites.
So come along, let’s explore the wonders of Matobo National Park and see what adventures await you.
An Ageing Professional
A Rocky Home
Got your Back
Wisdoms of the Ancients
A Solo Siesta
Activities in Matobo National Park
We cater for a wide variety of interests for those visiting Matobo Hills to ensure a complete experience
Rhino Safari on Foot
Engage in a thrilling Rhino Safari on foot in the iconic Matobo Hills National Park. Known for its significant population of wild rhinos, this adventure offers a unique opportunity to observe these endangered creatures in their natural habitat. Remember that you safet is paramount; a professional guide will accompany you throughout this memorable journey.
Ancient Cave Paintings Tour:
Explore the rich history of Matobo Hills National Park with a tour of the ancient cave paintings. These fascinating sites, dating back between 1500 to 13000 years, feature an intriguing display of old wildlife sketches and symbolic representations of ancient beliefs and religious totems.
Village Tours
Immerse yourself in the traditional African culture with a tour of the local villages within the Matobo Hills. This authentic encounter offers a deeper understanding of the local customs, lifestyle, and history. Engage with the local inhabitants and learn from their stories and experiences.
Visit Rhodes Grave
Pay a visit to the final resting place of the famous British colonialist, Cecil John Rhodes. His grave, located on “Malindidzimu,” a hill known as “the hill of benevolent spirits,” offers a 360° panoramic view of the striking Matobo Hills.
Exploring Granite Hills
Discover the stunning beauty of the granite hills in the Matobo National Park. Formed over 2 billion years ago, these hills offer a unique combination of rugged landscapes and serene beauty.
Spot Black Eagles
Find the rare black eagles in their natural habitat in the Matobo Hills National Park. This bird watching experience offers a unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close.
Exploring Matobo Hills
Types of Safaris That We Organise
Tailor-Made Safari
We work with you to craft a safari to your liking and allow for a full exploration of Zimbabwe
Family Safari
Immerse your family in our meticulously crafted safari, fusing lavish comfort with wildlife for an unparalleled adventure.
Couple Safari
Discover a safari designed for couples, where you can take a break from the stress of everyday life
Walking Safari
Take a stroll on the wild side with our walking safaris where you get up close and personal with the country´s game,
Honeymoon Safari
Indulge in a our curated honeymoon safari where we blend luxury and wildlife for a unique marital celebration.
Horseback Safari
Experience the thrill of horseback safari, where luxury meets the wild, offering a distinct and exhilarating escapade.
Bird Watching Safari
Our bird watching safari offers the chance to experience all of Zimbabwe´s bird magic. A feast for the eyes, this safari is a must for avian enthusiasts.
Why Trust Sound Of Safaris With Your Matobo Holiday?
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Travel Experts
Our Travel Specialists only recommend destinations they have personally visited.
Finest Guides
Experience the best interpretive adventures with our skilled private and specialist guides.
Useful Facts About Matobo Hills
- Brown Hyena: Found regularly on camera traps, especially at night. Young ones seen occasionally, indicating a healthy breeding population.
- Aardvark: Nocturnal termite-eaters, often traveling long distances. Threatened due to burrowing habits that can damage farmland.
- Aardwolf: Rare relative of hyenas. Only one photographed outside the park.
- Leopard: High density but very difficult to see. Supported by the park’s abundant hyrax population.
- Hippo: Found only in the Whovi section. Nocturnal wanderers, sometimes photographed far from water during droughts.
- Civet: Large nocturnal carnivore, rarely seen but exciting to capture on camera.
- Porcupine: Nocturnal and elusive.
- Elephant: Transient visitors, only one photo captured.
- Honey Badger: Nocturnal but sometimes active on cool days. A visitor favorite.
- Giraffe: Occasionally seen.
- Buffalo: Not present in the park.
- Zebra: Occasionally seen.
- Wildebeest: Occasionally seen.
- White Rhino: Occasionally seen without a guide/tracker, one of the best parks in Zimbabwe to see them.
- Black Rhino: Rare sightings.
- Eland: Africa’s largest antelope, present in the park.
- Tsessebe: Africa’s fastest antelope, present in the park.
- Greater Kudu: Antelope species found in the park.
- Sable: Antelope species found in the park.
- Klipspringer: Antelope species found in the park.
Additional Notes:
- Lions and cheetahs: are rarely seen in the park.
- Hyenas: are occasionally seen.
- Wild dog packs: are not known in the area.
If you’re in the early stages of planning your safari to Matobo Hills and are wondering about the best months to visit, We’ve created a guide to help you. Below, you’ll find our recommendations on the ideal months to experience the park, as well as a breakdown of the pros and cons of visiting during both the dry and wet seasons. This should aid you in deciding the most suitable time for your visit.
Dry Season (April to October)
POSITIVES:
- The best time to visit Matobo National Park in Zimbabwe. During this dry time, wildlife viewing is at its prime.
- The animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot.
- The thinner bush also offers better visibility and makes hiking more enjoyable
- The weather is mostly sunny and dry, with mild temperatures from May to August and hotter conditions in September and October.
- Decreased mosquito population reduces the risk of malaria, which is a definite plus.
NEGATIVES:
- The dry air can be dusty and early morning game drives in open vehicles can be quite chilly.
Wet Season (November to March)
POSITIVES:
- The park turns lush and green, and newborn animals and migratory birds can be seen in abundance
- Bird watching is particularly good during this time.
- The wet season also sees fewer visitors, which may result in lower rates for accommodations.
NEGATIVES:
- Heavy rain can make some roads difficult to travel.
- Increased mosquito population can raise the risk of malaria.
- The weather is hot and humid during the daytime, which may not be comfortable for some visitors.
By Road
Matobo National Park is quite accessible by road. The main entrance to the park is via the Bulawayo road at the Sandy Spruit Dam. From there, you can explore the Northern Wilderness Area, where you’ll find the final resting place of Cecil John Rhodes, the Shangani Memorial, and the MOTH Shrine.
The park is located about 50km south of Bulawayo and the drive takes about an hour. Most roads in the park are in good condition and don’t require a 4WD vehicle.
If you’re coming from Victoria Falls, the distance is approximately 540km and the drive takes about 6 and a half hours, however the section of road between Lupane and Hwange is filled with big potholes.
By Air
The closest airport to Matobo National Park is Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo.
A number of airlines fly into this airport including Ethiopian Airlines,Airlink, FastJet and Air Zimbabwe. We would advise against using Air Zimbabwe due to their frequent flight cancellations
Visa Information
Please note that visa requirements may vary and are subject to change, so it’s advised to check the official government websites before your trip. The $50 KAZA Uni-Visa allows you to cross the border from Zambia and Zimbabwe as many times as you like for 30 days and also grants day passes for Botswana and Chobe.