"Matobo is a small but scenic national park best known for its sculpted granite rock formations. This beguiling terrain supports wildlife such as hyraxes, klipspringers, leopards and black eagles, while the connecting valleys are home to a variety of antelope, zebra and other plains game. A separate Intensive Protection Zone also protects Zimbabwe’s largest remaining rhino population, both black and white, while the region’s rich cultural heritage includes some of Africa’s finest rock art and the resting place of former colonial ruler Cecil Rhodes. Located just outside Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second city, the park is easily visited on a self-drive day trip. But you’ll need more time to do it justice and enjoy its many activities. ”
- Mike Unwin
Matobo National Park
Matobo National Park gets its name from a local siNdebele word for ‘bald’, which describes the countless eroded granite domes and improbable balancing rocks of its bizarre volcanic landscape. These formations fuel much local superstition, and their crevices and overhangs preserve some of the finest indigenous rock art in southern Africa. Among the animals depicted in these ancient frescoes are rhinos, both black and white, which today still thrive in an Intensive Protection Zone that adjoins the park’s main wilderness area. Other large mammals you might encounter along the wooded watercourses and open bush include zebra, blue wildebeest, greater kudu and sable. The fauna also includes many species especially adapted to the rocky terrain, such as rock hyraxes, rock elephant shrews and klipspringers. There are also numerous baboons and, reputedly, Africa’s densest concentration of leopards – though the latter are notoriously elusive, and over many visits, I’ve never seen more than tracks.
Birds are a key attraction and include an unusually high population of Verreaux’s eagles, rare elsewhere, which cruise the hillsides in search of rock hyraxes. Other specialities include crowned eagles, lanner falcons and boulder chats. The park is also a haven for reptiles, from black mambas and African rock pythons to the famous colonies of flat lizards around Cecil Rhodes’ grave at the gloriously scenic World’s View. A profusion of rock figs and euphorbias also add botanical interest.
One of Zimbabwe’s smallest national parks, measuring just 420 square kilometres, Matobo is just an hour’s drive from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second city. Many people thus ‘do’ the park in a day, following the self-drive scenic loops, but it’s far better to allow yourself two or three: there are superb hiking trails – easy for self-guided walking, with no dangerous game – plus horseback routes that take you close to wildlife and numerous cultural sites. Parks accommodation is supplemented by some innovative private lodges, whose architecture makes the most of the rocky terrain.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
WET SEASON
This is the wettest period of the year with, again rainfall normally comes in the form of an afternoon thunderstorm. Temperatures are hot during the day, averaging a maximum of 27°C/81°F, mornings are rather cool averaging 15°C/59°F, so do pack a warm fleece.
The landscape by this stage is rapidly becoming lush, green and beautiful. Not perfect for game viewing, but there are many new born animals as well as migratory birdlife to enjoy.
Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Matobo has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting Hwange during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the watering holes while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON
This is the wettest period of the year with, again rainfall normally comes in the form of an afternoon thunderstorm. Temperatures are hot during the day, averaging a maximum of 27°C/81°F, mornings are rather cool averaging 15°C/59°F, so do pack a warm fleece.
The landscape by this stage is rapidly becoming lush, green and beautiful. Not perfect for game viewing, but there are many new born animals as well as migratory birdlife to enjoy.
Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Matobo has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting Hwange during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the watering holes while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON
This is the wettest period of the year with, again rainfall normally comes in the form of an afternoon thunderstorm. Temperatures are hot during the day, averaging a maximum of 27°C/81°F, mornings are rather cool averaging 15°C/59°F, so do pack a warm fleece.
The landscape by this stage is rapidly becoming lush, green and beautiful. Not perfect for game viewing, but there are many new born animals as well as migratory birdlife to enjoy.
Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Matobo has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting Hwange during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the watering holes while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON
Whilst technically still the wet season April sees the end of the rains with clear skies dominating towards the end of the month. Temperatures also begin to drop, making for more pleasant afternoon conditions, though mornings can be surprisingly cold, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.
Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Matobo has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting Hwange during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the watering holes while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
May is the beginning of the dry season, although the landscape will still be many shades of green following the rains. Midday temperatures are pleasant if a little cool, averaging 22°C/72°F, mornings are very cold average temperatures of around 7°C/40°F, so be sure to bring several warm layers for those morning game drives!
Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Matobo has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting Hwange during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the watering holes while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
The landscape continues to dry up, with game sightings becoming more likely, especially around Matobo’s water sources. Midday temperatures are pleasant if cool, 22°C/72°F, mornings are very cold with average temperatures of around 5C/41°F, so be sure to bring several warm layers for those morning game drives!
Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Matobo has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting Hwange during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the watering holes while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
The landscape continues to dry up, with game sightings becoming more likely, especially around Matobo’s water sources. Midday temperatures are pleasant if cool, 22°C/72°F, mornings are very cold with average temperatures of around 5C/41°F, so be sure to bring several warm layers for those morning game drives!
Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Matobo has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting Hwange during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the watering holes while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
The landscape continues to dry up, with game sightings becoming more likely, especially around Matobo’s water sources. Midday temperatures are pleasant if cool, 22°C/72°F, mornings are very cold with average temperatures of around 5C/41°F, so be sure to bring several warm layers for those morning game drives!
Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Matobo has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting Hwange during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the watering holes while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape has now become quite parched; ultimately making this the perfect time for game viewing. Midday temperatures average a very pleasant 28°C/82°F. Mornings are warmer, but still averaging a chilly 11°C/52°F.
Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Matobo has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting Hwange during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the watering holes while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape has now become quite parched; ultimately making this the perfect time for game viewing. Midday temperatures average a very pleasant 28°C/82°F. Mornings are warmer, but still averaging a chilly 11°C/52°F.
Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Matobo has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting Hwange during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the watering holes while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON
Technically the start of the wet season, although rain is infrequent, usually in the form of afternoon showers. The arrival of the first rains rapidly transforms the parched landscape. Midday temperatures remain pleasant, averaging around 28°C/82°F.
Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Matobo has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting Hwange during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the watering holes while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON
This is the wettest period of the year with, again rainfall normally comes in the form of an afternoon thunderstorm. Temperatures are hot during the day, averaging a maximum of 27°C/81°F, mornings are rather cool averaging 15°C/59°F, so do pack a warm fleece.
The landscape by this stage is rapidly becoming lush, green and beautiful. Not perfect for game viewing, but there are many new born animals as well as migratory birdlife to enjoy.
Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Matobo has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting Hwange during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the watering holes while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
