Matobo has over 200 species of tree recorded including the mountain acacia, wild pear and the paperbark acacia. There are also many aloes, wild herbs and over 100 grass species.

Matobo boasts various animal and bird species including black and white rhinos, sable antelopes and impala. The park also contains the world's densest population of the leopards due to the abundance of hyrax, which make up 50% of their diet. One will also find hyenas, hippopotami, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests and ostriches. In addition, Matobo National Park contains the highest concentration of black eagles, and breeding pairs of these birds, worldwide.

The grave of Cecil Rhodes, founder of former British colony Rhodesia, is carved into the summit of Malindidzimu. Also known as World’s View, this is the place where Rhodes was buried, together with two of his friends; Sir Charles Patrick Coghlan and Sir Leander Starr Jameson. On the same site, a stone monument was erected to honour 35 British soldiers killed in a battle with the Matebele army who were thrown into the Shangani River. A small gallery also provides a chronology of Rhodes’ life and his exploits as a business man, explorer and politician.

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.

What To Wear?

September to March

For summer, cool comfortable clothing is recommended along with sunhats and sunscreen.

April to August

For winter and autumn, warm clothing is recommended, especially for the night times.

Wear earthy colours and avoid bright-coloured clothing like red, yellow, bright green etc

What To Bring?

Binoculars, cameras, hiking/ walking shoes and wildlife reference books or smartphone applications.

Food supplies enough for the stay.

Medical Aid Kit.

Malaria and insect repellant.

Mosquito nets.

Caution

Elephants with calves.

Slippery rocks.

Activities

Hiking

Rhino Tracking

Game Drives

Fishing

PICNIC SITES

Sandyspruit

Arboretum

Mwezilume

Maleme

Efifi

Mpopoma

Mtsheleli

Amenities