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National Park Matopos Recreation Park (Matobo National Park)

ID: w200829 View large map

Located in Zimbabwe :: Matabeleland  :: Bulawayo
Category: Protected Areas :: National Park

Booking

Situated approximately 40 kilometres south of Bulawayo, the 44 500 hectare Matobo National Park, dominated by gigantic balancing rock formations, is said to showcase the largest concentration of ancient San rock art in Southern Africa. These granite hills are also home to one of the largest populations of Verraux’s Eagle (Aquila verreauxii), which have been closely observed since the 50s.

Traveller Description

The park comprises of a recreational park area in the north (where it is possible to walk or cycle unaccompanied), a large
wilderness area in the south-east, and the western game area, previously known as Whovi Game Park. It is here that there
is the highest concentration of game in the area, and where a ranger is required to explore the park on foot.

The San lived in this region more than 2 000 years ago and left their mark in the form of pottery shards and rock paintings
(pictographs), dotted around almost 3 000 locations in the area. Many of the rock drawings represent wildlife that roamed
the area in that time, including the White Rhino.

Prominent rock carvings (petroglyphs) can be found in the Bambata Cave, Inanke Cave, Nswatugi Cave, Pomongwe Cave and the White Rhino shelter.

Besides the other paintings which can be reached by vehicle, a visit to Inanke Cave requires a 7 km hike from the Toghwana Dam Wall and take about 3 - 4 hours to complete; it’s recommended that you ask for a guide to accompany you.

The park features battle sites, graves and ruins dating back many millennia. The highest hill in the park is Gulati at 1 549 metres. The Matobo Hills were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.

The park is the resting place of both Mzilikazi, the founder of the Ndebele people, and Cecil John Rhodes whose grave is situated on the top of ‘World’s View’ an elevated position in the park, with breathtaking views, particularly at sunset.

The area has a multitude of hikes and walks for hikers of varying fitness levels, offering short and longer trails leading to various caves and balancing rocks. Information regarding these hikes is available at the park’s office.

Contact
Address :  46km or 47min S of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Contact :  Zimparks- Matobo Regional Office
Contact 2 :  Mrs Florance Tafeni
Tel :  +263(0)292 636 46
Tel2 :  +263(0)292 740 00
Cell :  +263(0)77 491 3109
Email :  Click Here
Host Website :  Click Here

Rates and Payment
Fee/s :  Conservation Fees: USD4 (locals); USD12 (SADC visitors); USD15 (Internationals). (Updated Sept-2022)

Destination Information
Police Hospital Tourist Information Office Basic Food Supplies Lodging Camping Mechanical Repair Towing Service
Tourist Information Telephone :  +263(0)77 491 3109
Towing Service Telephone :  +263(0)78 057 9261 / +263(0)71 808 4297 / +263(0)73 652 3424 (DRIVE Zimbabwe Roadside Assistance)

Activities
Game Viewing Game Drives Hiking Trails Guided Walks Horse Trails Fishing Swimming Boat Trips Bird Watching
Night Drives
Game to View :  Antelopes. Giraffes and Zebra . Kudu. Wildebeest. Eland. Hyena. Cheetah. Warthog. Cheetah black and White rhinoceros
More Activities :  Rock paintings.
Notes on Activities :  (Some activities may be offered nearby).

Travelling Information
Closest Town :  Bulawayo

Self Drive Access :  Yes
Vehicle Type :  Unknown

ACCOMMODATION:
The park offers various accommodation options, from rustic (cold showers) but scenic campsites on the shores of the various dams in the park, to upmarket lodges. All accommodation is within easy reach of an entrance gate to both the game park area, and the
recreational area.

SHOPS & SUPPLIES:
Park shops only sell curios so you’ll need to buy supplies elsewhere.

 Travel Tip!

Rowallan Park is a new venture in the recreational section which offers affordable self-catering in en-suite safari tents, and a charming glamping option in a renovated camper. Showers are guaranteed to be hot and the sunset from the viewpoint is certainly memorable!
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External Links Related to Matopos Recreation Park (Matobo National Park)
Matobo Conservation Society
Matobo Self Drive
 
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