Established
1926
Size
3,100 km²
Elevation
1,200–1,550 m
Ecosystem
Granite Kopjes, Miombo Woodland
Best Time
April – October
Entry Fee
$10 per adult/day
About Matobo Hills
The Matobo Hills (Matopos) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary cultural and natural significance — a surreal landscape of balancing granite boulders, whalebacks, and kopjes that has been a spiritual site for humans for over 100,000 years. The hills contain the highest concentration of rock art in Southern Africa, with over 3,000 known sites featuring San Bushmen paintings dating back 13,000 years. The park also has the world's highest density of black eagles and a thriving population of both black and white rhinoceros. Cecil Rhodes chose this dramatic landscape as his final resting place, and his grave atop "World's View" offers one of Africa's most spectacular panoramas.
What Makes It Special
UNESCO World Heritage Site
3,000+ rock art sites
Rhino tracking on foot
World's highest black eagle density
Cecil Rhodes' grave
Wildlife & Species
Things to Do
Best Time to Visit
Peak Season
Best wildlife viewing
AprMayJunJulAugSepOct
Shoulder Season
Fewer crowds, good value
MarNov
Green Season
Lush landscapes, birding
DecJanFeb
Where to Stay
Amalinda Lodge
LuxuryBuilt into the boulders themselves, this unique lodge blends seamlessly with the granite landscape.
From $450/night / night
Big Cave Camp
Mid-RangeThatched chalets perched among giant boulders with panoramic hill views.
From $250/night / night
Matobo Hills Lodge
Mid-RangeComfortable lodge at the park entrance with rhino tracking and rock art tours.
From $150/night / night
Safari Packages
3-Day Matobo Rhino & Rock Art Safari
Track rhinos on foot and discover 13,000-year-old San rock paintings
5-Day Matobo & Hwange Combined
Rock art and rhinos plus Hwange's elephant herds and waterholes