Overview–zimbabwe

Matobo National Park

Matobo National Park protects a breathtaking landscape of bald granite outcrops and gravity-defying balancing rocks. A scenic highlight is World’s View, a commanding granite whaleback topped by Cecil John Rhodes’ tomb. Often referred to as Matopos, the park hosts an abundance of prehistoric rock art, and while wildlife viewing is slow, it’s the best place in Zimbabwe to track rhinos.

Best Time to Visit

Wildlife viewing in Matobo National Park is at its best during the middle and end of the Dry season, from June to October, when animals stick close to water sources and the bush is thinner. The scenery is most impressive in the Wet season, from November to March when vegetation is at its greenest and the skies are crisp. Birding is also best over November to April when migrant birds are present and many resident species go into breeding plumage.

April to October –Dry Season – Winter

Animals are more easily spotted as they come to drink at the rivers and waterholes
Skies are always bright and rarely cloudy
There are fewer mosquitoes in dry weather, so malaria is less of a risk
The air is dusty and dry
Early morning game drives in open vehicles are very cold

November to March –Wet Season – Summer

The scenery is green and beautiful
Newborn animals are abundant
Bird watching is at prime time since migratory birds have arrived
During low season, rates might be lower
Some roads might become difficult to travel
Wildlife viewing is not as good as during the Dry season
It is hot and humid in the daytime

Scenery

Two types of granite formations dominate the scenery. Huge, smooth, gray whaleback hills rise up from the plains. Even more dramatic are the balancing piles of angular-shaped rocks, which look like giant children’s toys carefully stacked on top of each other. This distinctive rocky landscape, together with the prehistoric rock art it protects, has led to the park being inscribed as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Activities

The most popular activity is the scenic drive to Rhodes’ grave, which involves a short, steep climb from a car park. This is easily combined with white rhino tracking and/or a visit to see some rock art (Nswatugi Cave is the most impressive of the more accessible sites). Other activities include game drives in the Whovi Wilderness Area (home to both rhino species) and guided hikes to remote rock paintings.

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sept

Oct

Jan

Feb

Dec

Mar

April

May

Nov

Rates

From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day

Best Time to Go

From: June to October (Middle to end of the Dry season)

High Season

From: July to September (Matobo doesn't get too busy)

Size

From: 445km² / 172mi²

Wildlife & Animals

Matobo National Park supports low wildlife densities and lacks certain key species such as lions, elephants, and buffalo. Several other alluring animals, including black rhino and giraffe, are restricted to Whovi Wilderness Area, a fenced western annex that accounts for one-quarter of the park’s area. Matobo is one of the best places in Zimbabwe to see white rhinos.

Wildlife Highlights

The rocky outcrops and crevices of Matobo are prime leopard country. Unfortunately, however, these beautiful spotted cats are very secretive and seldom reveal their presence to human intruders. The rocks of Matobo also form the natural habitat of the rock hyrax, rock elephant shrew, and klipspringer (a medium-sized antelope whose Afrikaans name means ‘rock jumper’). Other wildlife include eland (the world’s largest antelope), tsessebe, greater kudu, and sable antelope.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

From June to October, during the middle and end of the Dry season, is the best time for wildlife viewing. Wildlife is easier to spot at this time because vegetation is thinner and animals gather around predictable water sources. However, Matobo is not a prime wildlife destination, and other activities such as fishing, hiking, and birding can be enjoyed throughout the year.

General Wheather

Matobo National Park’s weather is temperate and fair. The warmest period is from October to March. From April to September it’s cooler during the day and it can get very cold at night in the midwinter months of May to July. The Dry season (April to October) is made up of clear, sun-filled days. During the Wet season (November to March), afternoon showers are common.

Dry Season –April to October – Winter

April – This is the start of the Dry season but there might still be sporadic rain. It also starts to cool down in April and early morning game drives in open vehicles can be cold.
May, June, July & August – These are cooler and drier months. Daytime temperatures are very pleasant at around 21°C/70°F, but it gets cold at night and in the early morning, with average temperatures of 8°C/46°F. Warm winter clothing is essential for early morning game drives.
September & October – With the exception of late October (the hottest month) and the arrival of the rainy season, these two months are dry. It gets warmer during the day, with temperatures reaching over 28°C/82°F.

Wet Season –November to March – Summer

November – It rains steadily now, though not every day.
December, January & February – These are the wettest months, with rain typically falling on three or four days a week. Showers are mostly short, and they rarely last all day, with the sun coming out afterward. Daytime temperatures average 28°C/82°F while night and early morning average 15°C/59°F.
March – The rains slow down. Temperatures average between 28°C/82°F and 14°C/57°F during the daytime and nighttime respectively.

Prons

Dramatic rock landscape
Great birding destination, especially for raptors
Excellent rock art
Rhino tracking on foot
Good park for self-drive visitors
Easily visited as a day trip from the nearby city of Bulawayo
Accommodation options for different budgets are available

Cons

Limited variety of safari animals (no elephant and lion)
Limited road network

How To Get There

Matobo National Park is very accessible from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city. The main entrance gate lies about 30km/19mi south of town along a decent surfaced road. The drive takes around 40 minutes. Within the park, the 12km/7mi road from the entrance south to Rhodes’ grave can be traveled in any car, but a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is required to reach Nswatugi Cave or to explore Whovi Wilderness Area.

The main point of entry into Zimbabwe is Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), near the town of Victoria Falls. It is possible to drive to Matobo from Victoria Falls. The distance is 540km/336mi and the drive takes about 6½ hours*.

Alternatively, you can fly to Harare’s Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) and fly or drive from there. Your safari package will, in most cases, include pickup at the airport or hotel by your local tour operator, along with further travel arrangements. There are regular scheduled flights to Bulawayo’s Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ), but not to Matobo.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), and what tickets would cost.