NATIONAL PARK · UNESCO HERITAGE
Two billion years of granite. Three thousand rock-art sites. The highest density of white rhino in Africa.
Why Matobo Hills
Two billion years of geological time have produced a landscape of extraordinary strangeness — enormous granite domes balanced on one another, caves sheltering the world's highest concentration of San rock art, and valleys so quiet you can hear a bird call from a kilometre away.
This is Zimbabwe's oldest national park, and its most quietly astonishing. The Matobo are home to the densest population of leopard in Africa, and the highest density of white rhino — both tracked on foot with armed scouts.
Cecil Rhodes is buried at the summit of Malindidzimu — "the place of benevolent spirits." He chose this granite ridge looking out across an endless ocean of stone.
“I've spent thirty-five years in this country and Matobo still stops me. Granite older than most life, painted with a memory thirteen thousand years old.”
— Josh Elliott · Founder · Fifth-generation ZimbabweanAt a glance
Area
424 km² · UNESCO Site
Best Time
March to November
Wildlife
White & Black Rhino · Leopard
Stay
1 lodge · 17 chalets
Heritage
UNESCO World Heritage Site
From
$480
pp / night
Highlights
Africa's highest density of white rhino — and the only place visitors track them on foot, with park rangers, away from vehicles.
San rock art going back thirteen thousand years. Some of the finest is fifteen minutes' walk from the lodge.
Cecil Rhodes called this the View of the World. Granite as far as you can see, and a silence that feels geological.
Two-billion-year-old igneous outcrop, the largest exposed in the world. Climb a dome, sit, watch baboons cross.
Gallery
Experiences
Six days on foot — Hwange, Matobo, and Mana Pools
A thrilling yet family-friendly adventure combining safaris, cultural encounters, and the iconic Victoria Falls.
Seven days designed around the light
From Ancient Ruins to Thrilling Safaris. This private journey blends exploration with classic safari excitement, all at a…
Five days — see the impact, meet the people, make a difference
Track rhinos, scout leopards, and camp among elephants on this wild, budget-friendly camping safari through Zimbabwe’s hidden corners.
On the map
I've been to nine African countries. Matobo is unlike any of them — and tracking white rhino on foot is the most extraordinary safari hour I've spent.
James S. · London · 12-night Zimbabwe circuit, August 2025
When to travel
JAN
○FEB
○MAR
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○JUN
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○AUG
○SEP
○OCT
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○May–October — peak season. Cool mornings, dry days, no mosquitoes. Game drives + walking + rhino tracking all at their best.
November–April — green season. Birding peaks. Granite domes wear lichen and moss. Fewer travellers; some afternoons washed out by storms.
Combine with
Conservation
Matobo is owned and managed by Zimbabwe Parks. The rhino programme is a long collaboration between Parks, the National Park rangers, and the lodges. Visitor fees and lodge employment fund anti-poaching, vehicle fuel, and ranger salaries.
We contribute to the Matobo Conservation Society (MCS), which protects the rock-art sites and trains community guides.
Practical
Closest airport: Bulawayo (35 minutes by road). Drive from Harare: 5 hours. Drive from Victoria Falls: 5 hours. We arrange transfers and charter flights as needed.
Currency: USD widely used.
Connectivity: Strong in Bulawayo; patchy in the park.
Malaria: Low risk year-round.
Yellow fever: Not required for direct flights from US/UK/EU.
Altitude: Negligible.
Layered clothes — cool mornings warm to t-shirt afternoons. Closed walking shoes for rhino tracking. Long sleeves for evening. Sunscreen.
Speak to a specialist
I plan every Zim Travellers itinerary myself. Tell me what you'd want from a few days here and I'll write you a route — no template, no aggregator, no commission desk.
"I answer every email here personally — within 24 hours."
Frequently Asked
Very. We track with armed park rangers; the rhino are habituated to foot approach. We follow strict 30-metre minimums and never approach a calf.
Two nights minimum, three nights ideal. One day for rhino + game; one for rock art + Cecil's View; one for hiking and slow time.
Yes. The lodge has family chalets; older kids enjoy rhino tracking and the rock art is age-appropriate. Matobo is malaria-low.
Absolutely. The classic 7-night Zimbabwe circuit is Matobo + Hwange. We arrange the road or charter flight transfer.
Yes. The painted shelters are unsigned; a knowledgeable guide finds the panels and translates the symbolism.
