Matobo National Park
Bulawayo
Matobo National Park, located near Bulawayo in southern Zimbabwe, is renowned for its unique granite kopjes and wooded valleys formed over 2 billion years ago. The park spans approximately 424 square kilometers and is part of the larger Matobo Hills area, characterized by smooth granite domes and boulder-strewn landscapes. It hosts a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna, including the world's densest leopard population and the highest concentration of black eagles. The park's vegetation includes over 200 tree species and numerous rare endemic plants. It also supports a rich fungal community vital to the ecosystem. Matobo National Park is culturally significant, containing archaeological sites and was established in 1926 as Zimbabwe's oldest national park. Its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 recognizes its outstanding geological formations and biodiversity. Visitors can explore game parks with white and black rhinos, sable antelopes, and other wildlife, as well as enjoy the scenic granite landscapes and valleys that form the headwaters of several rivers.
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Tip: The best time to visit Matobo National Park is during the dry winter months from May to September when wildlife viewing is optimal. It is advisable to book guided tours and accommodations in advance, especially during peak season. Visitors should consider purchasing park entry permits beforehand to avoid delays. The park offers discounts for students, seniors, and groups. Bring sturdy walking shoes for exploring rocky terrain and binoculars for bird watching, particularly to spot the rare black eagles and leopards.
Interesting facts
- •Matobo National Park contains the world's densest leopard population due to abundant prey such as hyrax.
- •It hosts the highest concentration of black eagles and breeding pairs worldwide.
- •The granite formations include iconic balancing rocks known as Mother and Child Kopje.
- •The park is home to over 200 species of trees and more than 100 grass species, highlighting its botanical diversity.
- •A limnological research center has operated since 1950 at Maleme Dam, studying local fish species like Barbus mattozi.
History
Matobo National Park was established in 1926 as Rhodes Matopos National Park from a bequest by Cecil Rhodes, making it Zimbabwe's oldest national park.
Originally, the park's boundaries were larger but were reduced to accommodate communal lands for local populations.
Over time, the park expanded by acquiring adjacent farms such as World's View and Hazelside.
The name Matobo reflects the local vernacular pronunciation.
In 2003, the Matobo Hills, including the park, were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their distinctive granite formations and cultural significance.
Place Guide
Mother and Child Kopje
A famous granite balancing rock formation symbolizing the unique geological features of the Matobo Hills, offering excellent photographic opportunities and insight into the park's ancient granite landscape.
Game Park
A designated 100 km² area within Matobo National Park stocked with white and black rhinoceros, sable antelopes, impalas, leopards, and other wildlife. It serves as an Intensive Protection Zone for endangered species.
Maleme Dam and Limnological Research Centre1950
An important research facility focused on freshwater ecology and fish species such as Barbus mattozi, contributing to scientific understanding of the park's aquatic biodiversity.
Contact
Phone: 04 707 6249
