Matobo National Park

Matopos National Park is unique in its own way; it is not a place to go game-viewing as there is only a hand full of animal species around, but it is a place for more of a spiritual (by spiritual I refer to the history that lies in each boulder) real experience. Being home to the late San people, each cave has a story to tell with the incredible cave paintings - I highly recommend going with a guide to visit the various caves as the local guides have a way of bringing the cave paintings to life, making you feel as if you were there! Adding to the history of the Matopos, the late Cecil John Rhodes was laid to rest in a huge boulder, known as "Worlds View" which is a completely apt name; as when you stand on the top of Worlds View you feel as though you are standing on top of the world looking out over rolling granite boulders - for as far as the eye can see there is rocks, some balancing on top of others, some small, some enormous but all breathtaking - One can understand why CJR would want to be laid to rest here. Matopos is more than just picturesque it is also calming; whilst driving down the roads in the park, one cannot help but feel truly as peace and relaxed. Its a feeling one cannot explain but has to feel. If you get a chance to go to the Matopos - go! You will not be disappointed.

Matobo National Park is reputed to have the largest concentration of leopard to be found anywhere and is also home to both black and white rhino. Visit the final resting site of Cecil John Rhodes at Worlds View and breathe in the view over the incredible granite rock formations. If it's rock art you want to see then Matobo National Park is place to see it! Just been to see Matobo Ingwe Lodge on the outskirts of Matobo National Park. This lodge was originally built in the late 1990's and has just been taken over by new management. Matobo Ingwe has 18 thatched, rondavel rooms. Six have been newly decorated and the rest are in the process of being renovated. Some are family rooms which sleep up to six people and the rest can accommodate a double bed and a single. This camp is a delightful place on its own 6 000 acres of land bordering the Matobo National Park. Ideal for walking, birding and cultural history enthusiasts. You may be lucky enough to see a

Matopos National Park is a fascinating natural spectacle with the Matopos Hills and its unique rock formations. The UNESCO world heritage site is only 45 min by car from Bulawayo and thus perfect for a day or half-day trip. Matopos National Park offers something for everyone and is also excellent for family trips. The park can be explored by car, by bike or even by foot, the latter being very impressive. The numerous caves with the ancient rock paintings are amazing to discover. There is also a small museum for more historical information. To see Cecil John Rhodes grave is imposing and the view from this spot is simply amazing. There is a good reason that Rhodes called it ‘a view of the world’. Excellent wildlife calls the park home: You can spot giraffe, zebra, impala, warthog, baboon, vervet monkey, ostrich, hippo and even leopard and the very rare white rhino. The bird life is very lively, the rivers are great for fishing, boating and canoeing. There are numerous biking treks in the park. Spend the night at Big Cave Camp, Camp Amalinda, Matobo Hills Lodge or The Farmhouse for an even better experience of the stunning Matopos National Park.