Matobo Hills (also known as Matopos) is one of the most visually dramatic landscapes in all of Africa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where enormous granite kopjes balance improbably on top of one another, forming a labyrinth of caves, valleys, and hidden rock pools that have drawn humans for at least 13,000 years. The park sits just 35 kilometers south of Bulawayo and covers 424 square kilometers of this otherworldly terrain. It holds two distinctions that set it apart from any other park in Zimbabwe. First, the Matobo Hills have the highest concentration of leopards in the world, though the cats are notoriously elusive in the broken rock landscape. Second, the park offers the best rhino tracking experience in Zimbabwe, with guided walks to find both black and white rhinos on foot among the granite boulders. San (Bushman) rock art adorns caves and overhangs throughout the hills, with sites like Nswatugi Cave and Pomongwe Cave displaying paintings that date back thousands of years. The park also hosts the world's densest population of Verreaux's (black) eagles, which nest on the granite cliffs. Cecil Rhodes chose to be buried here at a site he called 'View of the World,' and the panoramic outlook from this hilltop is breathtaking. Matobo Hills is not a traditional Big Five destination. It is something rarer: a place where ancient geology, human history, and remarkable wildlife converge in a landscape unlike anything else on the safari circuit.
Last updated: February 2026
Wildlife in Matobo Hills National Park
Big Five Status
lion
Not present
leopard
Rare sightings
elephant
Not present
buffalo
Not present
rhino
Good (on guided walks)
Wildlife Highlights
White Rhinoceros
Matobo Hills is the best place in Zimbabwe to see white rhinos. Guided walks with ZimParks rangers track rhinos through the granite hills, often approaching within 30-50 meters on foot.
Black Rhinoceros
Critically endangered black rhinos are present. Sightings are less reliable than white rhinos due to the species' more reclusive nature and the dense vegetation they prefer.
Leopard
The highest concentration of leopards in the world, according to research studies. The broken granite landscape provides perfect habitat, but the same terrain makes spotting them extremely challenging.
Verreaux's (Black) Eagle
Matobo Hills has the world's densest population of Verreaux's eagles, nesting on granite cliffs. Regular sightings of these magnificent raptors soaring over the kopjes.
175+ bird species including Verreaux's eagle, Cape eagle-owl, Freckled nightjar, Boulder chat, Mocking cliff chat, Peregrine falcon.
Best Time to Visit Matobo Hills National Park
Matobo Hills is a year-round destination thanks to its higher altitude and manageable climate. Rhino tracking and rock art visits are possible in every month. The dry season (May to October) is most comfortable for walking. The wet season (November to April) brings green landscapes and better birding.
peak Season
May, June, July, AugustCool and dry. Pleasant walking conditions. Temperatures 15-25C.
Low to moderate
Standard rates
Good rhino tracking. Clear skies for photography. Eagles nesting.
high Season
September, OctoberWarming up. Dry. Good visibility.
Moderate
Standard rates
Good. Animals near water sources.
shoulder Season
November, AprilTransition months. Some rain. Warm.
Low
Lower rates
Rhino tracking still possible. Migratory birds arriving/departing.
low Season
December, January, February, MarchWarm and wet. Afternoon thunderstorms. Lush green landscape.
Low
Lower rates
Rhino tracking possible but trails can be slippery. Excellent birding.
Getting to Matobo Hills National Park
By Air
By Road
Entry Gates
Main Gate (Whovi)
Primary entrance to the game park section where rhino tracking takes place.
Maleme Gate
Access to the recreational area, Maleme Dam, and rock art sites.
Matobo Hills National Park Entry Fees (2026)
| Category | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Adult (Non-resident) | $15/day |
| Child (Non-resident) | $8/day |
| Vehicle | $5 |
- • $15/day per person for non-resident adults
- • $8/day for children (6-12), under 6 free
- • $5/day vehicle fee
- • Rhino tracking walks: additional $30-50 per person (includes ZimParks ranger guide)
- • Rock art guided tours: additional $10-20 per person
- • Cecil Rhodes' grave and World's View: included in park entry
Activities in Matobo Hills National Park
Included Activities
Self-drive game viewing
Drive through the Whovi game park section on gravel roads. Spot giraffe, zebra, kudu, sable antelope, and wildebeest among the granite kopjes.
Cecil Rhodes' Grave / World's View
Visit the burial site of Cecil Rhodes atop a granite hill with 360-degree panoramic views across the Matobo Hills. A short walk from the parking area.
Optional Extras
Rhino tracking on foot
$30-$50The park's signature activity. Walk with ZimParks rangers through the granite hills to track and observe both black and white rhinos on foot. Success rates are high, and you may approach within 30-50 meters.
San rock art guided tour
$10-$20Visit caves and overhangs adorned with rock paintings created by the San (Bushman) people over thousands of years. Nswatugi Cave and Pomongwe Cave are the highlights, with paintings depicting animals, hunting scenes, and spiritual ceremonies.
Bird watching (Verreaux's eagle focus)
$15-$30Guided birding walks focused on the world's densest population of Verreaux's eagles. Also spot Cape eagle-owls, peregrine falcons, and other cliff-nesting raptors.
Rock climbing and hiking
$20-$40The granite kopjes offer excellent rock climbing and scrambling opportunities. Guided hikes explore the hidden valleys and caves of the Matobo landscape.
Where to Stay
Matobo Hills has a limited selection of lodges, camps, and ZimParks accommodation. Most visitors stay at lodges on the park's borders or in Bulawayo and visit on day trips. The park rewards an overnight stay with sunset light on the granite kopjes and the chance for early morning rhino tracking.
luxury
$300-$800/person/nightIncludes: All meals, rhino tracking, rock art tours, game drives
Examples: amalinda-lodge, big-cave-camp
mid range
$100-$300/person/nightIncludes: Meals, some activities, comfortable rooms
Examples: matobo-hills-lodge, hermits-peak
budget
$10-$50/person/nightIncludes: Basic chalets or campsites. Self-catering available.
Examples: maleme-rest-camp, zimparks-camping
Practical Tips
- 1Wear sturdy walking shoes for rhino tracking. The terrain is rocky and uneven.
- 2Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water, especially in the warmer months.
- 3A good pair of binoculars helps spot Verreaux's eagles soaring above the kopjes.
- 4Respect the rock art sites. Do not touch the paintings.
- 5The park is malaria-free due to its altitude (1,200m+), a significant advantage over lowland parks.
- 6Combine Matobo Hills with Bulawayo for a 2-3 day itinerary before or after Hwange.
- 7Photography is excellent in the early morning and late afternoon when the granite glows golden.
- 8Listen to your ranger guide during rhino tracking. Move slowly and speak quietly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see rhinos at Matobo Hills?
Yes. Matobo Hills is the best place in Zimbabwe for rhino sightings. Guided tracking walks with ZimParks rangers search for both black and white rhinos among the granite hills. Success rates are high, and you may approach within 30-50 meters on foot. This is one of the most intimate rhino experiences in Africa.
How long do I need at Matobo Hills?
A full day allows you to do rhino tracking in the morning and visit rock art sites and World's View in the afternoon. Two days is ideal, giving time for all activities at a relaxed pace. Day trips from Bulawayo (45 minutes away) are practical for those on tight schedules.
Is there malaria at Matobo Hills?
No. Matobo Hills sits at 1,200 meters altitude or higher, which puts it above the malaria zone. This is one of the few safari destinations in Zimbabwe where malaria prophylaxis is not necessary. It makes the park particularly appealing for families with children.
What is the rock art like at Matobo Hills?
The San (Bushman) rock art at Matobo Hills dates back as far as 13,000 years. Nswatugi Cave and Pomongwe Cave contain some of the finest examples, with paintings depicting giraffes, kudu, hunting scenes, and spiritual ceremonies. Guided tours explain the cultural significance and history of the paintings.
Why is Cecil Rhodes buried at Matobo Hills?
Cecil Rhodes was so captivated by the panoramic views from a granite hilltop in the Matobo Hills that he named it 'View of the World' and requested to be buried there. His grave sits on the summit, surrounded by a 360-degree outlook across the boulder-strewn landscape. The site is accessible via a short walk and is included in the park entry fee.
Official Resources
Sources
- UNESCO World Heritage Site (cultural landscape) since 2003: UNESCO World Heritage Centre
- Highest density of leopards in the world: Research studies cited by ZimParks